Can You Grow Tulips in Florida?

Have you seen the beautiful tulips in Amsterdam and want to grow them in your home state of Florida? The climate in Florida is tremendous for growing subtropical and tropical plants, but many standard bulbs, like tulips, hyacinths, irises, and lilies, do not grow well in Florida’s tropical climate. As a result, gardeners who often attempt to grow these bulbs end up unsatisfied with their garden because the flowers either flower poorly or not at all. The same is true even in the most northern parts of Florida. 

Bulbs, such as tulips, are famous for their spring show in colder climates, but the real question is: Can you grow tulips in Florida’s warm tropical climate? The short answer is yes and no.

Tulips are bulbous plants with underground storage organs that help them survive in difficult weather conditions like extreme cold. Florida has a favorable climate for other bulbous plants, but tulips require cold weather. The average temperature in Florida does not dip below 15-40 degrees Fahrenheit, making tulips extremely difficult to grow. 

To grow tulips, you must treat them as annuals in Florida. This is because annual plants only last one seed-to-seed life cycle or only live one growing season and then die.

Problems with Growing Tulips in Florida 

The first problem with growing tulips in Florida is that they need more cold weather to bloom. Tulips need a cold dormancy period to give the tulips the required resting period. In addition, Florida weather gets too hot too quickly in the spring, making the foliage die prematurely.

Tulips need enough time in the winter to store sugars in the bulb, but the tulips cannot do this due to the warm climate. As a result, the bulbs become weaker, shriveled, and flower poorly the following year. As a result, most tulips in Florida only bloom once, and then they are done. Florida may get one or two cold nights in a row, but it gets warm again. Unfortunately, this pattern continues all winter, and tulips need consistent cold weather to make flower buds. 

How to Plant Tulips in Florida

Although it is hard to grow tulips in Florida, it is not impossible. The few people who attempt to grow tulips buy pre-chilled bulbs or put them in a refrigerator. The bulbs must be chilled for at least 2 to 4 months, or won’t bloom. After they have been chilled, they need to be planted right away in the yard during the winter. After keeping them in a cool environment for their budding period, plant them and enjoy their blooms in the spring.

Unfortunately, the bulbs will only hang on for a season and must be thrown away. Even though it is challenging to plant tulips in Florida, follow the below instructions for the best results. 

Step 1

You need to buy the tulip bulbs at least eight weeks before planting. If you live in Florida, use the USDA Climate Hardiness Zone Map to find out what climate zone in Florida you live in. For example, if you live in Zone 8, you should plant your tulips between November to early December. However, in zone 10, you have to plant your tulips from late December to early January, but if you live in zone 11, it is impossible to grow tulips.

Check out the USDA Climate Hardiness Zone Map here to know when the best planting months are based on your location. The best type of tulips to grow in the winter are single late variety tulips and darwin hybrids because they work best with mild winters. 

Step 2 

After waiting eight weeks and finding out your climate zone, place the bulbs in a paper bag and then put them in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks. This needs to be done before planting the bulbs. Also, please ensure the bulbs aren’t near any ripening fruit because it emits a gas that can destroy the flower bud. 

Step 3

Next, get the soil ready for where you will be planting the bulbs. The tulip bulbs will do best in a location with lots of sun and no shady spots. The ground needs to be tilled and laid 3 to 4 inches thick with good drainage. Peat, Compost, or manure is best as a type of soil.

Best Places in Florida for Tulips to Grow 

Tulips grow best in the northern areas of Florida from Pensacola to Jacksonville. Oscala is the farthest south they will grow. Refer to the USDA climate Hardiness Zone map to see if and when you can plant Tulips in your area. Happy planting!