10 Tulips In Alaska to Plant This Autumn

If you’re capable of protecting your garden beds throughout the year, tulips are possible in Alaska gardens. They tend to be vulnerable to cold climates and in most cases, folks wouldn’t even bother planting them anywhere but Zones 3 and 4 or southward. But when planted properly, these beautiful plants can produce an abundance of tulips in Alaska.

Choose the right varieties (i.e., hardy bulbs), plant them properly, and offer them the best care. They’ll thrive in your garden, offering gorgeous spring colors as early as late April.

Are Tulips Perennial Or Annual Flowers?

Historically, tulips were perennials. But thanks to all the hybridization, these beautiful bloomers have primarily become annuals. Some heirloom varieties and others still may grow for more than 2 years, but most won’t make it past the two seasons.

When Should I Plant Tulips in Alaska?

Typically, 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost hits your area, tulip bulbs should go in the ground. Soil should be around 55 degrees F when this occurs, to make sure the soil is both warm and cool enough to help the plants thrive between now and growing season.

Base your planting time on your Hardiness Zone location. Planting may begin as early as late August and go as late as mid-November, depending on where you reside. Check your Almanac for the frost prediction and keep up to date as the season moves along.

Not sure of your Alaska Hardiness Zone? Check out this convenient map from the Garden Magazine.

Where to Plant Tulips in Alaska?

Tulips aren’t horribly hard to care for, but they do need to be planted well to ensure they’ll have as long and healthy a life as possible.

These beautiful flowering plants require sunny locations and well-draining soil. Ideally, the soil will be slightly acidic, with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0. They should never be planted in low-lying areas where water collects, as bulbs are prone to root rot. They should also be planted where they can be protected from the generally harsh environment as they may be vulnerable in the coldest months.

Plant your tulips in Alaska where they will thrive, whether that’s in raised beds, flowers beds, or containers. Sunlight and soil are the biggest needs, rather than the type of planting location.

How to Plant Tulips in Alaska

Special care for your tulips in Alaska is critical to ensure they’ll survive and thrive. Some basic steps are easy, though, to give them what they need.

1. Choose your location wisely. They need full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Add pebbles, mesh, or other amendments to ensure the soil will drain properly or protect the bulbs from rodents.
2. Prepare the tulip soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss. This will help the plants feed properly and thrive.
3. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole about twice the size of the tulip bulb and about 6 inches deep.
4. Feed the plant proper bulb fertilizer before placing the bulb in the hole.
5. Plant the bulb pointed end up, with each plant about 4 to 6 inches apart.
6. Cover the bulb and lightly compress the soil to remove air pockets from the hole.
7. Provide plenty of water immediately and keep the tulips watered properly.
8. Top the plants with mulch for protection against the elements, including the winter. This will also help the soil retain moisture.
9. Add a marker to the location of each tulip bulb. This will help prevent you from damaging the plants before they get a chance to remind you where they are.

Best Tulips Varieties for Planting in Alaska

While technically you may grow just about any variety of tulip in Alaska, some are far better suited to the climate there than others. Colors, sizes, morphs, and other factors each play into your decision, as well, as preferences in these are equally important as the plant’s needs.

Some of the best varieties for tulips in Alaska include:

• ‘Violacea’ — pink to purple “starry” blooms
• ‘Plaisir’ — Bold red, with orange-red interiors and yellow edges
• ‘Purple Lord’ — rich, royal purple blooms
• ‘Alibi’ — soft, pink to lavender flowers
• ‘Apeldoorn’ — large red-orange blooms with black centers
• ‘Menton’ — light pink flowers with yellow bases
• ‘Orange emperor’— large, vivid orange blooms
• ‘Queen of the night’ — dark velvety maroon blooms, almost black
• ‘Red riding hood’ — bright red flowers
• ‘Grand perfection’ — pink to red flowers with scalloped petals
• ‘Candela’ — vivid yellow flowers
• ‘Purple prince’ — dark purple flowers with yellow bases
• ‘White triumphator’ — large white flowers
• ‘Black parrot’ — deep maroon, almost black flowers, with fringed, feathery petals

Best Tulip Fields in Alaska

Admittedly, it’s a bit tougher to find a lot of tulip fields in Alaska. They’re more well-known for their peonies (you’ll find plenty of those fields!), but one or two farms do welcome the public to come enjoy their tulip harvest in the fields.

Alaska Stems

Situated near Homer, Alaska Stems produces thousands of flowering plants every year as one of their main harvests. The small family-owned farm hosts weddings and special occasions, as well, with their unique set up of 6,000 square feet of outside raised beds and large high tunnels. To visit the farm in tulip season, you will need to make arrangements ahead of time, though they say they’re aiming for some open house hours soon.