How to Store Tulip Bulbs to Ensure They Bloom Next Spring

Tulips are one of spring's most anticipated flowers. The vibrant hues and upright stature bring an early burst of color and character to any garden space. As perennials in zones 4 to 7, tulips come back every year without having to be removed, stored, and replanted. While some gardeners treat tulips as annuals and discard the bulbs once they're spent, many tulip lovers prefer to dig them up and store them for future enjoyment.

While the beloved flower is a short bloomer, with proper storage you'll be able to enjoy their elegant presence year after year. Here, our experts explain how to store tulip bulbs and share their helpful tips for keeping them healthy for beautiful flowers the following spring.

Benefits of Storing Tulip Bulbs

When you store tulip bulbs instead of leaving them in the ground, it maintains the health of the bulb, prevents rodents from feasting on them, and dodges unpredictable winter temperatures. Tulip bulbs thrive in zones with cool to cold winters and need a chilling period of about three months to rebloom. This chilling method can be achieved in the ground or outdoor storage areas.

Plus, storing tulip bulbs helps keep your favorite heirloom varieties safe. "Maybe you have found a tulip variety that you have had a hard time getting your hands on and want to make sure to have it in your growing space for years to come," says Julia Violette of Paint Box Flower Farm. "The good news is this can be achieved with some practice, patience, and of course, some hard work."

How to Store Tulip Bulbs Over Summer

Storing tulip bulbs during summer is a simple process even beginner gardeners can master. "After you have enjoyed their glorious show, clip off all the spent blooms so the energy goes into the bulb, not into producing seed," says Violette. Do not remove the foliage, as it needs to turn a straw color and die back before you can lift your tulip bulbs for saving.

Once the foliage is spent, dig up your bulbs and shake off any excess soil. "Bring your bulbs into a dry, ventilated space such as a garage, lay cardboard down, spread your bulbs out, and label by variety," says Violette. "Always toss anything suspicious as it is not worth risking the remainder of your stock."

Let the bulbs dry for a few days, then place them in a mesh bag and hang them or put them in a plastic tote with layers of peat between them. Store the bulbs in a dry space that's around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Store Tulip Bulbs Over Winter

The right storage conditions are vital for the survival of your tulip bulbs during winter. If you live in a zone where your bulbs may be subject to repeated freezing and thawing or where they don't experience a natural chill period, digging them up and storing them is necessary. "Tulips need between 8 and 17 weeks of chill time below 40 degrees," says Violette. "If you do not give your tulips enough chill time, you will end up with tulips that are short." The weeks don't need to be consecutive and can be a combination of fridge chilling and environmental cooling.

To do so, dig the bulbs up and shake off any excess soil. Get rid of any bulbs that look diseased or damaged. You can either keep the bulbs in the refrigerator over the winter months or pot them in a container and place them in a sheltered location in a garage, insulated shed, or porch. Come spring, move the container outside and its first shoots will emerge.  

How Long Tulip Bulbs Can Be Stored

Tulip bulbs can generally be preserved for about 12 months if they are kept in an environment that is cool and dry. "Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintaining their viability for planting," says Cameron DePaola, master gardener, landscape designer, and owner of Riverside Landscaping. Let them rest in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space until it's time to replant them.