My tulip bilbs have been frozen. I live in Fargo, ND. -20. Are they salvagable?

Question

Can the be planted or not?

Answer 1

I doubt they will be harmed at all if they are in the ground. It is recommended that tulips be planted prior to freezing and winter outside. The ground is usually slightly warmer than the air temperature, that is why they bloom again in spring. If you have them in a garage, it's a crap shoot. They may be ok, but don't be suprised if they are damaged. I would plant them and see what happens.

Answer 2

As a fellow North Dakota gardener (Hettinger)I'm always amazed anything grows here! -23 degrees yesterday +45 today!! If they're in the ground they'll do just fine. If not in the ground you've got problems. The reason tulips are planted in the fall is to allow them time to establish roots before our ground turns to concrete. If the bulbs are firm you might try 'forcing' them to bloom indoors and replanting them outside when the concrete melts. RScott

Answer 3

If they are in the ground and you didn't cover them with a lot of mulch they probably aren't any good. Since you asked of they could be planted I am assuming they froze in your shed or garage. IF they truly froze through you may as well toss them. Then they thaw they will turn to goop. If they froze a little just look to make sure there are no rotten spots on them and give them a try.

Answer 4

Inspect them for any softeness...any sign of mushiness or cuts. If they appear still firm and without noticeable damage, they may have survived the punishment. Once frozen, then thawed, they turn to mush....and are good for only adding to the compost pile.

Answer 5

are they still in the ground? If they are in a shed or garage, they may be ok.....probably won't grow if they are still in the ground, tho....