Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 7/7/2004

Question
Someone gave me some seeds that he claims are tulip seeds. I've never heard that tulips can be grown from seeds. Is it possible? If so, how would I go about it?

Answer
Tulips are usually purchased as bulbs and grown for 2-3 seasons before being replaced.

They can be grown from seed, but seldom are due to the long maturity time required (5 years or more). Every year for the first many years, the tulip bulbs will send up foliage but no flower. The foliage must be grown green and left to mature. After about 3 years, the tulip may flower, but should ideally be deadheaded (flower removed soon after emergence) to grow the bulb larger and get the kind of plant you are used to when using when buying bulbs.

In reality it is easier to simply buy the bulbs.

Tulips are commonly propagated by seeds in the areas where it is grown commercially. But this is usually limited to growers.

To try growing from seed, let me direct you to these websites:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18505/105626
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18505/105871
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/18505/105363