Expert: Gary Bachman - 4/23/2005

Question
Help! I am in Zone 6 (PA, 15236) and have about 30 tulips in mid bloom. This is my first year growing them. Some are not open yet, some are, and they are beautiful. Tonight we are supposed to get a surprise snow of 2-4", although it is not supposed to go below freezing. It's been in the 60's and 70's for the past two weeks. Should I go find a way to cover them so the snow doesn't bend them or crush them at least, and it doesn't collect around them to freeze them? Or would it not matter anyway? I'm just nervous, don't want to lose them.  

Answer
Crystal,

We are facing the same dilemna here in IL.  It is one of those things that happen every once in a while.  

If it is not going below freezing I would not cover them.  Trying to cover them will do more damage.  It may or may not knock them down depending on rate of snow fall, etc.  I do not thnik it will freeze them.  The worst that will happen is you lose the flowers as they are at their most fragile right now, but the plants will not die.  

Good luck

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