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Plant Profiles / Tulip
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Tulip
Tulipa hybrids · Tulip
The classic spring bulb with elegant cup-shaped flowers in nearly every colour. Spectacular massed in pots.
Full sunLight
Weekly during growthWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun.
Water
Weekly during growth
DryWet
Keep moist while growing; dry after flowering.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-25–25°C (-13–77°F)
CoolWarm
Needs winter chill.
Growth
Seasonal
SlowFast
Grows 25–60 cm.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Bulb mix.
Fertiliser
At planting
RarelyOften
Bulb fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Bulbs are toxic to pets.
About this plant
Tulips come from Central Asia and were famously traded in the Netherlands. In warm climates they need chilling before planting (6–8 weeks in the fridge) and are usually treated as annuals.
Best spots
Sunny balcony pots, window boxes and borders.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Tulipa hybrids |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Origin | Central Asia |
| Plant type | Bulb |
| Mature size | 25–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Seasonal |
| Foliage | Grey-green leaves |
| Flowers | Cup-shaped in many colours |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Bulbs |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Chill bulbs
PlantFloweringChill bulbs
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Not chilled enough. |
| Bulbs rotting | Wet soil. |
| Short stems | Too warm. |
| Flowers not returning | Common in warm climates; replant yearly. |
| Aphids | Hose off. |
Common questions
Do I need to chill bulbs?
In warm climates, yes, 6–8 weeks in the fridge.
When do I plant?
Late autumn.
Will they come back?
Rarely in warm climates.
Are they toxic?
Yes.
