Let me share my 15+ years of gardening experience to help you get the most spectacular tulip display possible, Timing is everything when it comes to buying and planting these beloved spring flowers!
Quick Answer
The best time to buy tulip bulbs is in late summer to early fall (August-September). This ensures you get the freshest, highest quality bulbs and widest variety selection.
Why Timing Matters
As an experienced gardener, I’ve learned the hard way that buying tulip bulbs at the wrong time can lead to disappointing results. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bulbs are harvested in midsummer
- They’re graded and sorted by size
- Best selection is available in early fall
- Planting happens later in fall
- Early purchase = better variety choices
Best Times to Buy by Region
Different climate zones have slightly different optimal buying windows:
| USDA Zone | Best Time to Buy |
|---|---|
| Zones 3-4 | Early-Mid August |
| Zones 5-6 | Mid-Late August |
| Zones 7-8 | Late August |
| Zones 9-10 | Early September |
Size Really Does Matter!
When I’m shopping for tulip bulbs, I always check the size measurements. Here’s what to look for
-
Standard varieties (Darwin, Triumph, Single Early):
- Minimum size: 10-12cm
- Better size: 12cm+
- Best size: 14cm+
-
Specialty varieties (Lily-flowering, Parrot):
- Good size: 8-10cm
- These naturally produce smaller bulbs
Pro tip Bigger bulbs = bigger flowers and stronger stems!
What to Look For When Buying
I always check these things when selecting bulbs:
- Firm, not soft or mushy
- No visible mold
- Intact papery covering
- No green sprouts
- Heavy for their size
- No damage or cuts
Where to Buy
I’ve had success with several sources:
- Local garden centers
- Mail-order suppliers
- Online bulb specialists
- Farmers markets
Warning: When NOT to Buy
Here’s something important I’ve learned – avoid buying tulip bulbs:
- During winter
- In spring
- During summer
- From souvenir shops
- If they’re being sold “fresh” outside fall season
Storage Tips Until Planting
If you buy early, here’s how I store my bulbs:
- Remove from packaging
- Spread on trays
- Keep in cool, dry place
- Maintain good air circulation
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Check regularly for issues
Planning Your Display
I love mixing different types for maximum impact:
- Early bloomers (March-April)
- Mid-season varieties (April)
- Late bloomers (May)
- Mix heights and colors
- Plant in groups of 10-15 for best effect
Money-Saving Tips
Ya know what’s cool? Tulip bulbs are actually pretty affordable if you think about it:
- 10 bulbs cost less than a bouquet
- Buy in bulk for discounts
- Look for end-of-season sales
- Consider sharing bulk orders with gardening friends
- Watch for special promotions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Buying too early and storing improperly
- Choosing the cheapest bulk packs
- Ignoring size measurements
- Waiting too late in the season
- Falling for “blue tulip” scams (they don’t exist!)
Final Thoughts
Buying tulip bulbs isn’t rocket science, but timing and quality really matter! Get your shopping done in early fall, pick the biggest, healthiest bulbs you can afford, and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous spring display.
Remember – it’s better to have fewer high-quality bulbs than lots of cheap ones that might not even bloom. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way!
Want more specific advice for your growing zone or help picking varieties? Drop a comment below – I love helping fellow gardeners succeed with their tulips!
Last updated: July 2025
Fall-Planted Flower Bulbs (Spring-Flowering) – Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, and more
These bulbs bloom between late winter and early summer. Depending on the species the bulbs should be planted between early and late autumn. See the specific instructions on the product pages.
| Order Date | Approx. Ship Date |
| May 1 – October 22 | Mid September (based on your planting zone) |
| October 22 – November 30 | 3-5 Business Days after order is placed |
| December 1 – April 30 | Not Available |
Buying Blooming Bulbs? Here’s What To Look For
FAQ
When do tulip bulbs Bloom?
Bloom season: Tulip bulbs are usually classified as early, mid-, or late season. The exact bloom dates will differ based on your climate, but planting some of each gives you an extended display of beautiful spring flowers. Size: Tulip bulbs come in a variety of sizes. In general, larger bulbs produce larger plants and fetch a premium price.
Where can I buy tulip bulbs online?
The best place to buy flower bulbs online is a reputable dealer, not a big-box store, and the best time to buy tulip bulbs online is in the summer and early fall. We’ll ship your tulip bulbs when it’s time to plant, so go ahead and place your order early in the season when selection is at its best.
When should I buy tulip bulbs?
To maximize bloom time, I purchase my tulip bulbs as soon as they are available for sale, which is typically in late summer or early fall. Buying them at this time ensures that I have a wide selection of varieties to choose from and that the bulbs are fresh and healthy.
When should tulips be planted?
To landscape tulips that perform to their potential, it’s critical to plant them properly. Tulip bulbs should be planted in fall before the ground freezes. By planting varieties with different bloom times, you can have tulips blooming from early to late spring.
Are tulips easy to grow?
Whether you choose tulips with single or double flowers, fringed flowers, or even varieties that don’t look like typical tulips, these spring-blooming bulbs are easy to plant and grow. Autumn is the best time to plant tulips, but the arrival of that season varies significantly across the United States.
Which tulip bulbs are best?
For the best perennial tulips choose from Darwin Hybrid Tulips, Fosteriana Tulips, Botanical Tulips, Kaufmanniana Tulips and Greigii Tulips. Customer Service Department Buy tulip bulbs online with top quality results. Our tulips are shipped directly to your door for fall planting and spring blooms!