Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 4/18/2005

Question
i live in the deep south (U.S.A.),
South louisiana to be exact,just south of New orleans.
i have Tulip bulbs i would like to keep in pots.
When would be the best time to plant them.
I bought them in bloom in february ,but i don't know when to replant them.
I'll probably be keeping them indoors for the most part.
          thank you.
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Answer
Tulips are best treated as annuals in your location. Tulips require a cool period (15-18 weeks of temperatures below 40F consistently when planted, and rooted). Without this rooting period, the tulips will not flower. It is difficult to store the tulip bulbs cool enough (while planted) in your area. I recommend enjoying them and then discarding them.

If you really like tulips in the yard, buy tulip bulbs from bulb vendors in September. Store the pre-cooled bulbs in the fridge from september through february and plant them during the coldest month in the ground outdoors.

Even so, tulips are generally difficult to grow in New Orleans.