When to plant Tulips in the UK

Tulipa spp.

Tulip
Tulip · Tulipa spp.

Tulips are hardy spring bulbs for a sunny, free-draining spot in the UK. Plant them late in autumn to reduce tulip fire, then enjoy the flowers in spring and leave the foliage to die back naturally.

45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden
Plant out October to November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Plant Bulbs

    late October to late November UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant bulbs around late October to late November, after the first frost, pointy end up. Set them about three times the bulb height deep. Space them apart in free-draining soil. Water in. Discard any bulb that is soft or mouldy.

    • Cover the bed with chicken wire if squirrels dig. Wear gloves if the bulbs irritate your skin.
    • Do not let pots or heavy ground stay waterlogged in winter.

  2. 03

    Enjoy the Flowers

    late March to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Flowers open from late March through late May. You can pick stems as the buds begin to colour.

  3. 04

    Deadhead Spent Blooms

    early May to mid-June UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    From early May to mid-June, take off faded flowers. Leave the stem and leaves in place. Do not tie them or cut them back early.

  4. 05

    Leave Foliage to Die Back

    late May to mid-July UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Leave the leaves for about six weeks after flowering, from late May to mid-July. Clear them only once they have yellowed. Do not knot them.

    • Many hybrid tulips are best replanted each year. That is not a second method.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tulip.

Good companions

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Tulip to consider

Apeldoorn

A classic Darwin Hybrid tulip with strong stems and large red flowers. Good for borders and cutting.

Strong Gold

A reliable yellow Darwin Hybrid tulip with good weather resistance and sturdy stems.

Queen of Night

A deep maroon Single Late tulip with a tall, elegant flower on a strong stem.

Ballerina

A lily-flowered tulip with orange, scented flowers and good shape for cutting.