Dina L / CC0
garden
Tulip
Tulipa
EdibleToxic — Use Caution
Overview
The flower that caused one of history's most famous economic bubbles — Dutch Tulip Mania in 1637 — tulips remain among the world's most popular spring bulbs. Over 3,000 registered varieties offer every color except true blue, with single, double, fringed, parrot, and lily-flowered forms. Tulip petals are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can substitute for onion in some dishes.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.2m
Spread0.31m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, fertile, sandy loam
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant bulbs in fall 6-8" deep; needs 12-16 weeks of cold below 45°F |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | May — Jun | Spring bloom; let foliage yellow naturally before removing — feeds bulb for next year |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Plant bulbs in fall; pointy end up; group 7-15 for visual impact |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Apr — May | Mid-spring bloom; species tulips (botanical) perennialize better than hybrids |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in late fall; wait until soil cools below 60°F |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Mar — May | Spring bloom; deadhead but leave foliage until yellow |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant pre-chilled bulbs (refrigerate 8-12 weeks); treat as annual in warm zones |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Feb — Mar | Late winter/early spring bloom; hybrid tulips rarely rebloom in warm zones |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Pre-chill bulbs 12+ weeks; grow as annual; blooms are brief in hot zones |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Jan — Feb | Brief winter bloom from pre-chilled bulbs |
Uses
Culinary
- Petals are edible — mild, slightly sweet, can substitute for onion
- Flowers used as cups for appetizer presentations
- Bulbs eaten during Dutch famine of 1944-45 as emergency food
Other Uses
- Iconic spring garden bulb with thousands of cultivars
- Premier cut flower for arrangements
- Naturalizing in cool-climate gardens
Safety Notes
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, the bulbs and the flowers of at least one member of this genus have been known to cause dermatitis in sensitive people, though up to 5 bulbs a day of that species can be eaten without ill-effect[65].
