Tulips In Minnesota to Plant for a Beautiful Spring

Ready to plant some tulips in Minnesota but not sure if you’ve got the right timing in mind? Get those gloves ready if it’s autumn in your neck of the woods, because, folks, it’s just about that time for bulbs to go in the ground!

Let’s see the best timing, locations, and methods for planting tulips in your Minnesota garden for the most amazing spring flowers.

Are Tulips Perennial Or Annual Flowers?

Once upon a time, tulips were considered perennial flowers. They came back year after year after year. But thanks to all the hybridization of these beauties, most varieties no longer function as perennials. If you want to avoid annuals, go for heirloom and non-hybrid varieties of tulips in Minnesota for blooms to come back more than about 2 years in a row.

When Should I Plant Tulips in Minnesota?

Tulips in Minnesota, like in all states, require a fall planting. Generally, you want to get those bulbs into the ground about six to eight weeks before the first autumn frost. When the soil hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re looking at the perfect temperature for these lovely bulbs.

Planting your tulips in Minnesota generally begins about the second week of September in USDA Hardiness Zone 3, the last week of September in USDA Hardiness Zone 4, and mid-October in USDA Hardiness Zone 5.

Where to Plant Tulips in Minnesota?

Whether you’re planting hardy or tender tulips in Minnesota, they all require warmth, bright light, and well-draining soil to grow healthy. Choose sheltered locations to keep them out the wind, but ensure they’ll get bright, full sun for most of the day. If needed, amend the soil with gravel or rocks to help it drain properly, too.

Generally speaking, the more light the bulbs get, year-round, the heartier the bulbs will grow and the better the flower production will be in springtime.

How to Plant Tulips in Minnesota

A few steps will help your tulips in Minnesota thrive.

1. Choose the right location with the right amount of sun and well-draining soil.
2. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter. This will help raise the pH levels. Peat moss and compost both work for this purpose.
3. Next, dig a hole about twice the size of the tulip bulb. Dig down about 6 inches for each plant, placing the holes 4 to 6 inches apart.
4. Next, add some fertilizer to help provide your tulip bulbs with the necessary nutrition. This will help them survive and thrive all winter as they lie dormant.
5. Now, place the bulbs, pointed end up, into the holes. Cover the bulbs with soil and gently pat the soil down.
6. Water the soil decently.
7. Then, cover the bulbs with mulch while the soil is still moist. This will help protect the bulbs and keep the soil temperature regulated.
8. Finally, mark the locations of your bulbs to prevent accidental damage.

Best Tulips Varieties for Planting in Minnesota

As you prepare to grow your tulips in Minnesota, it’s critical to think about the right varieties to grow here. The suggested best varieties for the state include a wide variety of colors:

• Turkestan tulips
• Turkish tulips
• Tarda tulips
• Darwin hybrids
• Fosteriana tulips
• Species tulips such as: ‘Fire Flame’, ‘Helene’, ‘Apeldoorn’, ‘Black parrot’, ‘Menton’, ‘Candela’, or ‘Shogun’
• Triumph tulips
• Double or peony tulips
• Fringe or crispa tulips
• Other parrot tulips
• Greigi tulips
• Kauffman tulips
• Lily-flowered tulips
• Single early tulips
• Single late tulips
• French single late tulips
• Viridiflora tulips

Best Tulip Fields and Festivals in Minnesota

Soak up the beautiful blooms around Minnesota by visiting some tulip farms, festivals, and arboretums.

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Probably the best-known tulip festival in Minnesota can be found at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Some 30,000 tulips pop out each spring in primary, bold colors, along with many other beautiful blooms at that time of the year. Enjoy the flowers, then head indoors for some galleries, the cafés, programming, or walking tours with the naturalist, Matt Schutt. You might even catch some live music while visiting, depending on the day and the hour.

True Blue Flower Co. Tulip Festival

For a different tulip festival kind of experience, head to True Blue Flower Co. They pre-pick the blooms for you to collect them as you explore the fields. Bring home mason jars of 10 stems or fewer for a reasonable price and memories of an incredible day on a tulip farm. Plus, enjoy a photobooth, take photos of the fields yourself, and enjoy some good country air on the farm.