Expert: Laura Walker - 10/6/2006

Question
thanks for your speedy response - another question though:

Is there any kind of "tulip bulb" that can be purchased in the spring time instead of the fall? - if so what is the name of that bulb and when are they available for purchase (March?).

thanks again - sandra
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Followup To

Question -
hello

i am getting married next Spring 07 and wanted to give
our guests a box of tulips bulbs as a "thank you"
gift.

We live in Southern Ontario, Canada (if that makes any difference
re: climate conditions)

So my question is: can I purchase tulip bulbs now
(i.e. Oct 06) and store them until i give them as gifts
(in early April 07)?  

Also, if I can buy them this fall 06, how should
I store them so that they don't rot, and are fine to give away next
april 07?  I was thinking of putting them inside a paper bag
within a cardboard box, and then store the entire box in a dark,
cool room in the basement

thoughts? thanks
-sandra

Answer -
Sandra,
That's a great idea for wedding favors! You can buy them now and store them exactly as you described.Just make sure that the storage facility is dry and cool(40 to 60 degrees),but not an environment where they could freeze.So you really didn't need my help because you answered your own question correctly.Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Answer
Sandra,
If there were I certainly would not buy them.They would be old and dried up from leftover fall sales.Fall is when Tulip growers themselves start growing fresh bulbs after they get their new crop to market in the stores. Therefore those growers bulbs are still in the field in spring just emerging like all gardeners.They test them in the fields and if they bloom and meet their strict requirements they start harvesting them to get them into stores for Fall sales. So,no there are no Tulip bulbs available in the spring except the ones that are in bud or full bloom stage already potted and available for purchase in garden centers. If you do buy some already potted I sugesst buying them as soon as they come in,in BUD stage with only a hint of color showing.I do not recommend buying them in spring in FULL bloom.They will not last long after being planted.These are usually forced bulbs in greenhouses for early spring sales before in ground Tulips normally bloom.They are also much more expensive because of the extra steps taken by greenhouse growers.They would make good centerpieces though.
Hope this is helpful info.