That’s because the bulbs need an extended cold period each year to reset themselves for new blooms.
But tulip bulbs very oftenareplanted in pots and forced into seasonal bloom for a one-time display.
Some caution is required when growing tulips indoors.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Like many spring bulbs, tulips contain alkaloid compounds that are moderatelytoxic to petsand tohumans.
The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins, but trace amounts are also found in flowers and leaves.
Consumption of entire bulbs most often causes intestinal irritation.
In addition, humans who handle bulbs often may develop skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
However, fatal reactions in humans or pets are very unlikely.
Can You Grow Tulips Inside?
The careful timing requirements make tulips considerably more difficult to grow indoors when compared to outdoor growing.
The best tulip types for forcing are Triumph, Single Early, Double Early, and Darwin Hybrids.
By timing the chilling period carefully, you could force tulips to bloom at a time of your choosing.
Gardeners who want Valentine’s Day blooms, for example, might begin chilling the bulbs in early October.
Temperature and Humidity
Careful control of temperature is essential for getting tulip bulbs to bloom indoors.
Move the pots out of their chill conditions five or six weeks before the anticipated bloom.
About 65 degrees Fahrenheit is an ideal temperature for flowering tulips.
Do not allow tulip bulbs to dry out completely until after the blooms have faded.
Fertilizer
Tulip bulbs forced indoors usually require no feeding since they are usually discarded after blooming.
The pot should be 6 to 8 inches deep, with a tray or saucer to catch water.
Ceramic, clay, plastic, or metal pots can all work for growing indoor tulips.
Place the bulbs no more than 2 inches apart for the best display.
in regions that have cool winters.
Then, dig up the bulbs and store them in a dry, warm location until the following fall.
Plant any large bulbs that are still in good shape, but discard bulbs that are small or soft.
Fruit emits ethylene gas, which will spoil the embryonic flowers inside the tulip bulbs.
