Bloomaker Tulips are available in the U.S. in various grocery stores and retailers (find ones near you here)
We know you want to regrow your tulips and keep your Bloomaker bulbs healthy all year long. Here are our instructions for regrowing your tulips in two different ways: in soil and hydroponically.
When spring arrives, the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms of tulips signal that warmer weather is on the way While you may think of tulips as an outdoor flower, you can easily bring their beauty indoors by growing tulip bulbs in glass vases This fun activity allows you to watch the fascinating process of growth from bulb to bloom right on your windowsill or tabletop.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to successfully grow gorgeous tulips in glass vases filled with bulbs. From choosing the right materials to proper care and maintenance, we’ve got you covered with pro tips for tulip growing success!
Selecting the Perfect Vase and Bulbs
The first step is choosing a suitable clear glass vase and fresh tulip bulbs
When selecting a vase, opt for one with these features:
- Clear glass to observe bulbs as they grow
- Wide opening for ample space
- Stable base so your display won’t tip
For bulbs. look for
- Plump, firm bulbs free of damage
- Varieties in colors/shapes you prefer
- Smaller bulbs for smaller vases
- Large bulbs need bigger vases
Popular tulip varieties like ‘Queen of Night,’ ‘Orange Princess,’ and ‘White Parrot’ are great options.
Preparing the Vase and Bulbs for Planting
Once you’ve got your materials, prep the vase and bulbs:
- Wash the vase thoroughly with soap and water
- Fill vase with water about 1 inch below the bulb tops
- Place bulbs pointy end up, avoiding sides/bottom
- Add pebbles/marbles to prevent floating
This creates the ideal foundation for the bulbs to grow in.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Tulips need specific conditions to thrive and bloom:
- Bright, indirect light (avoid direct sunlight)
- Moderate room temperature around 65°F – 70°F
- Moderate humidity to prevent bulbs drying out
Monitoring these factors will ensure your tulips grow strong and healthy.
Caring for Your Tulips
With the bulbs planted, proper care is key:
- Change the water every 2-3 days
- Use diluted bulb plant food for nutrients
- Remove any rotting bulbs immediately
Following these tips prevents issues like decay and gives your tulips the nourishment they need.
Enjoying the Blooms
In a few weeks, you’ll be rewarded with:
- Elegant green shoots emerging
- Graceful stems and vibrant blooms
- Delicate tulip fragrance filling the air
Be patient and care for the bulbs properly, and you’ll have a beautiful floral display to enjoy indoors.
Extending the Life of your Display
To make your tulips last longer:
- Snip faded blooms to prevent seed production
- Keep bulbs hydrated by changing water frequently
- Enjoy the attractive foliage even after flowers drop
These measures can prolong the life of your tulips by several weeks.
Saying Goodbye – Removing Spent Tulips
Once foliage starts yellowing, it’s time to discard:
- Tulip bulbs won’t bloom again indoors
- Remove faded plants and clean out vase
- Store cleaned vase for future bulb planting
Though short-lived, growing tulips in water is a rewarding way to add spring radiance inside.
Tips for Success Growing Tulips in Glass Vases
Beyond the basics, there are some additional tips to help your tulip-growing efforts thrive:
Start with high-quality bulbs – Be choosy and select large, firm bulbs from a reputable supplier for the best results. Avoid bulbs that are soft, damaged, or already sprouting.
Use fresh water – Stagnant water can harbor bacteria that leads to rotting. Change the water every 2 days.
Give bulbs a chilling period first – Most bulbs require a 8-10 week period of chilling at 40°F before they will bloom properly indoors. Keep bulbs refrigerated before placing in the vase.
Add decorative rocks – For added beauty, cover the bulb tops with colorful gravel, marbles or glass beads. Just don’t block water or light.
Maintain ideal conditions – Tulips thrive in cool, bright settings around 60-65°F. Keep vases away from heating vents and drafts.
Monitor for growth – Check bulbs daily and remove any that appear softened or rotten before they affect others.
Remove faded blooms – Snip off flowers after they wither to encourage more energy into the bulb for next year.
Follow these tips in addition to the basics, and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous tulip display in glass vases inside your home.
Troubleshooting Issues with Indoor Tulips in Vases
While growing tulips in vases is fairly straightforward, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Bulbs rotting – Stagnant water promotes rot. Change water every 2 days and remove any softened bulbs immediately.
Leaves turning yellow – This can indicate overwatering or insufficient light. Allow soil to dry out a bit and move vase to a sunnier spot.
Flowers drooping – Drooping generally means the bulbs are getting too much or too little water. Check moisture levels and adjust.
No flowers blooming – If bulbs don’t bloom, they may not have had enough chilling time before planting. Refrigerate bulbs for 8-10 weeks first.
Foliage drying out – Dry air can cause leaves to desiccate. Mist the foliage or place the vase on a pebble tray with water to boost humidity.
Pest infestations – Aphids, fungus gnats or thrips may appear. Wipe leaves with mild soap and water or use an organic insecticidal spray.
With attentive care and swift troubleshooting, you can overcome these common hurdles and enjoy a gorgeous tulip vase display.
FAQs About Growing Tulips in Vases
If you’re new to forcing tulips to bloom indoors in glass vases, you likely have lots of questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can any tulip variety grow in vases?
Most tulips can thrive in vases, but mid-late season bloomers and species like Darwin Hybrids, Single Lates, and Greigii thrive best. Avoid early blooming varieties.
How long will tulips last in water?
With proper care, tulips grown in vases can last 4-6 weeks from the first emergence of leaves to the end of flowering. Keep bulbs hydrated and plants disease-free for maximum lifespan.
Do bulbs need special water treatments?
Regular tap water is fine, just change it frequently. You can add bulb fertilizer or floral preservative if desired, but plain water is all that’s required.
Can bulbs be saved and replanted after blooming indoors?
It’s generally not recommended. Bulbs use up all stored energy flowering the first time indoors. You can try replanting outside in fall, but with limited success.
How can I make the vase setup more attractive?
Add pebbles, marbles or decorative rocks to cover the bulb tops. Use colored glass for the vase. Weave strips of willow or other elements for a nature-inspired look.
Growing tulips in glass vases is an easy, rewarding way to infuse spring radiance into your indoor decor. Follow these tips for the best results, and you’ll be enjoying vibrant tulip blooms inside when spring is still just a dream outdoors.
How to Replant Tulips Bulbs in Soil
After your bulbs have finished flowering the first time, clip the dead flower off the stem, and let the remaining foliage die off while maintaining water level in the glass vase. When the foliage has completed drying out, you may see new little bulbs beginning to form, leave these.
Cut the foliage, but leave the roots, and store the bulbs dry and as cool as possible until early November. Then plant them in your garden according to what zone you live in, using a good mix of soil and compost, and be sure to water them thoroughly when first planting them.
You can find your planting zone here: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map which will help you determine the best time to replant the bulbs after drying them out:
Zones 4 & 5 – September or early October Zones 6 & 7 – October to early November Zones 8 & 9 – November to early December Zone 10 – Late December to early January
If you live in zones 8 through 10, you should refrigerate the tulips bulbs for six to eight weeks before planting. Before refrigerating, place them in a paper bag and keep them away from ripening fruits (fruits produce ethylene gas, which can destroy the flower bud within the bulb).
Tulips grow best in full sun in well-prepped soil with fast drainage. Avoid planting the bulbs where water collects or in locations that are prone to late frosts.
Terri O grows spring bulbs indoors
FAQ
How do you take care of tulip bulbs in a glass vase?
Once they have been properly chilled and placed in the vase (be sure to add glass marbles or pea gravel to keep the bulbs elevated off the bottom), add water to just below the level of the bulb and store in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks. Change the water weekly and check for any shoots.
How long do tulips with bulbs last in a vase?
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Freshness Matters:Tulips that are harvested when they are just starting to bloom (bud-stage) will last longer (7-10 days) than those that are fully open when placed in a vase (5 days).
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Water and Hydration:Changing the water every two days, trimming the stems regularly, and potentially adding flower food or a bit of sugar can extend the lifespan to up to 10 days.
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Environment:Tulips thrive in cooler temperatures (50-65°F or 10-18°C). Avoid direct sunlight and heat, as these can cause the flowers to wilt faster.
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Tulip Variety:Some varieties, like Darwin Hybrid Tulips, are known for their longer vase life (up to 10 days), while others, like Parrots Tulips, may last closer to 5 days.
What to do with tulips after they bloom in a glass vase?
After your bulbs have finished flowering the first time, clip the dead flower off the stem, and let the remaining foliage die off while maintaining water level in the glass vase. When the foliage has completed drying out, you may see new little bulbs beginning to form, leave these.
How to replant a tulip bulb in a vase?
Add water and sunshine
Fill water in the vase to just under the bottom of the bulbs. You do not want the water to touch the base of the bulbs. Place in a room with bright, indirect sunlight and watch the bulbs grow! Roots will work their way down through the glass beads into the water.
How do you put tulips in glass vases?
Now you can placed tulips in glass vases. Gather together a tall vase, some glass beads and your bulbs. Place a handful or two of glass beads in your glass vase. Arrange the bulbs, pointed side up, on top of the glass beads.
Can tulips grow in glass pots?
For growing tulips indoors in glass pots, growing tulips in water can be an interesting alternative to traditional indoor gardening methods. Bulbs should be chilled for a few weeks before planting. Choose a small glass vase filled with beads or stones, or buy a forced vase.
Can tulip bulbs grow in glass jars?
Make sure there is not too much water in the vase or your bulb will rot. Tulip bulbs do not like too much water. Tulips can be grown at any time of the year when grown in glass jars providing they spent 8 to 10 weeks hibernating in your refrigerator. They make great gifts. I have about 10 jars growing now in vases and canning jars.
Where can I buy tulip bulbs?
Wal-Mart also had purple, red and pink tulip bulbs. They also sold daffodils bulbs Forcing tulips and or other perennials to grow is fairly easy to do in your home in glass jars or in other containers such as pots, canning jars or even an Easter basket. In my glass vases I placed stones in the bottom.
Can tulip bulbs be grown indoors?
Consider growing tulips in water for a unique take on indoor tulip gardening. The tulip bulbs need to be refrigerated for many weeks prior to planting, just like before. Invest in a unique forcing vase or select a little glass vase that you can partially fill with glass beads or tiny stones.
How do you put bulbs in a glass vase?
Place a handful or two of glass beads in your glass vase. Arrange the bulbs, pointed side up, on top of the glass beads. Place another handful or two of additional glass beads around the bulbs, fill water in the vase to just under the bottom of the bulbs. You do not want the water to touch the base of the bulbs.