Expert: Gary Bachman - 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
Steven,

Believe it or not, but tulips do produce seeds.  Tulips are maketed as bulbs which are the vegetative propagation unit of the plant.  And as such, when we plant bulbs we are planting clones of the original plant.  


As a flowering plant tulips produce seeds after pollination occurs.  We normally do not see the seed pods because the flowers are usually removed after the flower begins to fade.  

Tulips breeders produce all of the new beautiful tulips in the catalogs by selective pollination and grow the resulting seedlings to maturity.  Flowers showing promise are propagated using the bulbs (cloning if you will) and marketed to us.  

You could sow these seeds now if you have a protected area out of the full sun and with a easternly exposure.  Now you will not get flowers for several years as the plant will have to mature and produce a bulb big enough to support flower production.  So if you go this route be sure to exercise patience.

Good luck in the garden.

Gary