While fall is prime planting season, it’s not impossible to plant tulip bulbs in early spring.

“Tulip bulbs build up energy over the cool winter and use it to flower come springtime.”

The bulbs must get enough cooling time to gain this energy.

Pink tulips outside of house

Melissa Ross / Getty Images

Planting tulips in the spring is possible, but it won’t provide the best start.

Want more gardening tips?

Normally, this time rolls around early to mid-fall.

Orange tulip bulbs blooming in spring

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

For one, flowers aren’t guaranteed.

You also might not see them bloom the next year either.

“However, this is the exception to the rule and not the normal outcome.”

Yellow tulip flowers with thin stems and wide leaves in garden

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

It’s possible to plant tulips in the spring, but don’t expect major blooms.

In many instances, they won’t flower at all.

Past mid to late spring and there is a very low chance they’ll sprout at all.

Once April ends, it’s better to focus on other plants and wait until fall.

It is possible to plant potted tulips in the ground for a lovely annual display.