6 Tulips In Missouri for Your Best Blooms Next Spring

If you’re thinking about growing tulips in Missouri, you’ll be happy to learn that most varieties do well here. They’ll pop out those bright, colorful flowers and thrive all spring long. That is, assuming you prepare the soil and plant them in the right kind of location.

And though these flowers are spring bloomers, you’ll definitely want to think about them this fall, as bulbs need to be planted ahead of time for the plentiful gorgeous blooms.

Are Tulips Perennial Or Annual Flowers?

Today, most tulips are considered annuals instead of perennials. They’ll typically bloom for 1 to 2 years before dying back. If you can find heirloom tulips, though, you may be able to grow them as perennials. These have not been hybridized as much, meaning they’re still capable of longer lives.

When Should I Plant Tulips in Missouri?

Get those gardening gloves ready about 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost is supposed to hit your area. This ideal time for planting tulips can be predicted via the local Almanac for Missouri. Tulips do best when the soil is around 55 degrees F, and that usually means that tulips in Missouri do best planted in mid- to late-October.

Most years, this looks like:

• USDA Hardiness Zone 5: Approximately October 13th
• USDA Hardiness Zone 6: Approximately October 17th
• USDA Hardiness Zone 7: Approximately October 29th

Planting your tulips at this time allows them to establish themselves into the soil before it gets too cold, while not starting to produce right before the winter hits.

Where to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Missouri

Tulips in Missouri require the same thing they do elsewhere: sunny locations with well-draining soil. They also need to be protected from severe weather, so planting them in the middle of a field without some kind of protection isn’t your best bet. Instead, consider flower beds, raised beds, borders, or containers for the healthiest plants possible.

How to Plant Tulips in Missouri

Tulips require specific care as they are planted in Missouri, or anywhere else, for that matter. The soil needs amending, sunny locations chosen, and plenty of care and protection offered for the dormant season.

1. Choose the right location. They need well-draining soil, which you may need to create by tilling the soil first (to loosen it), then adding a cage for the bulb, rocks, or other materials that help the soil remain loose enough to drain well. They should also never be planted in low-lying areas where water collects.
2. Prepare the soil before you start planting. Using compost or peat moss helps raise the pH levels to slightly acidic at 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Dig the holes about 6 inches deep, twice the size of the bulb you’re planting. Each hole should be spaced 4 to 6 inches apart.
4. Add in bulb food before planting the bulbs. Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you provide the plants with enough fertilizer.
5. Place the bulbs into the holes with the pointed ends up. Then, gently cover the bulbs, lightly tamping down the soil without compacting it.
6. Water the bulbs immediately.
7. Cover the bulbs with mulch to help regulate soil temperatures and retain moisture.
8. Mark the place for each bulb to help prevent damage done later on.

Best Tulips Varieties for Planting in Missouri

Before you head out to the flower bed this fall, consider first the best varieties to grow in this Midwestern state. The growing conditions in your part of the state will impact the health and quality of life for your tulips in Missouri. Many varieties do well anywhere in the state, while others should be zoned properly. You’ll also want to consider which types of tulips and colors you want.

• Darwin hybrids — Nearly any shade of tulip
• Emperor tulips — Nearly any shade of tulip
• Single late tulips — Nearly any shade of tulip
• Double late tulips — Nearly any shade of tulip
• Parrot tulips — Nearly any shade of tulip
• Dutch master tulips — Nearly any shade of tulip

Best Tulip Fields and Festivals in Missouri

Missouri offers locals and visitors many opportunities to explore the wonderful world of tulips. The parks and gardens and many farms throughout the state celebrate tulips with festivals and fields of gloriously colorful blooms. Next time you’re in the area, you might want to check these places out.

Baker Creek Tulip Festival

Near Springfield, Missouri, you’ll find the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company presents visitors with one of the largest selections of seeds from back in the day. Using these seeds and heirloom bulbs, they’re able to create some of the most colorful, stunning fields of tulips in the country. Each year, they host a Tulip Festival in April and Planting Festival in May. When you come, visit the tulips and experience all things flowers, plus buy your own heirloom seeds for your own plants next year. The two day event allows access to music, cultural events, informational workshops, garden and greenhouse tours, food trucks, garden vendors, the onsite baking, and shopping at the boutique.

Tower Grove Park, St. Louis

When springtime hits St. Louis, head to Tower Grove Park for some of the most amazing tulips in the state. They plant over 15,000 bulbs every year, offering glorious tulip-peeping for all who come. Tulips in every shape, size, and color make their way to the park, including peony-like ‘Beyond baroque’ tulips and the ‘Cretaceous’ yellow tulips favored by photographers. Walk through the park or drive along the Kingshighway Boulevard to take in the beauty of the blooms.

Fun Farm, Kearney

From April to May, you’ll have the opportunity to witness 1.6 million tulips or more at the Fun Farm in Kearney, Missouri. Here, you’ll find yourself awash in field after field of gorgeous many-colored blooms while also having opportunity to play at the fun 30-plus Fun Farm attractions, including the giant slide, cow train, and tree house village. In other seasons, the farm offers you-pick berries, pumpkin fields, you-pick apples, and others. Plus, stop by the Country Store and food stops to enjoy some farm-themed shopping and cuisine while you enjoy the farm’s features.

Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis

Tucked into the Saint Louis area, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers some of the most gorgeous tulip peeping in the state. In this case, though, you won’t just see field upon field of colorful blooms. Instead, you’ll witness the gorgeous Dutch-famed plants carefully planted throughout various parts of the gardens, showcasing their beauty in flowerbeds, centering on statues, and other curated locales. And while you’re there, enjoy the gorgeous conservatory, lily pond, mazes, and other gorgeous features and amenities.