Tulips in Florida (flowers, grow, spring, north)

[pirate girl]

I bought a pot of tulips around easter and wanted to try to plant them again next spring. I cut the plants down and let the bulbs in the soil to dry out- but I understand I have to put the bulbs in the freezer at some point to trick them into thinking they had a winter.

Does anyone know how long they need to be kept cold? Also, should I keep the bulbs in a paper bag in the freezer or some other material?

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by pirate girl

I bought a pot of tulips around easter and wanted to try to plant them again next spring. I cut the plants down and let the bulbs in the soil to dry out- but I understand I have to put the bulbs in the freezer at some point to trick them into thinking they had a winter.

Does anyone know how long they need to be kept cold? Also, should I keep the bulbs in a paper bag in the freezer or some other material?

hi, I am in Florida also. I know up North you just dug a hole, and had the tulips. I tried this last year, and no tulips. I did not reliaze you had to fake them into thinking it was cold. I think my mother, when we did it up North would put them in the cellar, and then in the fall plant them outdoors. the same with the easter lilly.

I miss seeing the tulips here.

[pirate girl]

Me too.......they're my favorite flowers. I'm going to check with my local flower club to see if they can help. I'll let you know what I learn.

[jhlcomp]

Good question pirate girl - I really miss spring flowers in Florida and I have lived here for years. Keep us posted on what you learn. I tried to keep the bulbs in my fridge which didn't work at all - I didn't know about the freezer.

[maggiekate]

what if we hide them in a dark place with a bag over them. then plant them in the fall, i planted them here in the spring. I know the christams catus my mother would hide in the dark, and they were so beautifull. Then she just did nothing and they still would bloom. they grow here for me inside.