I have tulips planted in a pot. the petals have died & are falling off . What do I do to keep it alive?

Question

I kept the soil moist like it said in the instructions they came with, they bloomed, and then the petals died. I've never had tulips before (obviously), so I have no idea what to do. Do I keep watering? Should I replant outside? Please help.

Answer 1

Just because the flowers are spent, the tulip is still alive. You could leave the green stems alone and transplant the whole thing in your garden where it would get sun and good drainage. The green stems would continue to 'feed' the bulb and get it ready for next year. But there is something else you should know. Tulips are a very weird plant. The tulip bulb produces a toxin ONLY toxic to tulip bulbs. What this means is if you want tulips next year you need to replant the bulbs in new soil. I don't understand how long it takes a bulb to sit in its own toxins to compromise the health of the bulb...I'd just throw it out and buy new ones for next year...actually I'd try other bulbs, there are so many other and in my opinion more splashy flowers. Another tip: When planting bulbs plant them in a group, the more the merrier with diminishing numbers forming a 'sweep' or 'swath' of color. Think of a 'comet' with a tail..or 2 tails. Hard to explain, hope this helps!

Answer 2

They are alive and going dormant. Clip off the flowers and stem but allow the leaves to last as long as they can. The leaves are drawing the sun that is necessary to enrich the bulbs underneath. When the leaves have completely died back, your plant is alive in the form of bulbs. Fall is the best planting time for tulips but you can plant the bulbs now. Do not expect any further flowers and remember where you placed the bulbs so you dont forget to water form time to time. If you have a cool place to store the bulbs, it would still be best to plant in the fall.

Answer 3

the flowers unfortunately dont last forever. if you dont have new growth, replant outside if the pot is too small. add some plant fertilizer. tulips are annuals and the blooms come in the winter only and fade at certain temps. doesnt mead the plant has died...just went into hybernation as it should. give it plenty of sunshine. peace

Answer 4

Pots And Petals

Answer 5

yes, that's the best thing you could do for them, outside is the place they could thrive for years. right now, in northeastern u.s.a. is not planting time for anything. i would just leave it in a sunny window, water when needed, then put it outside in a sunny spot, let it acclimate, then plant it in the ground (sunny spot) when you feel like it. stated planting time is normally fall.

Answer 6

Let them go dormant...Do not water them anymore....Put them in a cool place,basement or back room, then plant them when the ground thaws...

Answer 7

google it........growing tulips