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Old 12-12-2009, 09:35 AM
 
9,848 posts, read 30,190,667 times
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I got a bunch of tulip bulbs at HD last week for 75% off. I wat thinking I still could get them in the ground. But now that it has gotten so cold I am thinking I am too late. What do you NC gardeners think?
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Old 12-12-2009, 09:43 AM
 
Location: five points area neighborhood
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you are a little late, but you can still try. generally in our zone 7/slight 8, october to early december is the range. you are just outside of that, so you can give it a shot.
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Old 12-12-2009, 09:44 AM
 
Location: Ellicott City MD
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My dad planted some last week. I think that if you can dig, it's OK. They need a certain amount of time cold, and they are still going to get that. I have a friend from San Diego, and his mom would dig the bulbs out this time of year and put them in the freezer to get the cold time, then plant them back a couple of months later.
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Old 12-12-2009, 10:36 AM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
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you'll be fine. but don't expect them to come back next year as tulips are annuals here. some of the many different types of bulbs I planted in October started coming up already and were zapped in these latest freezes. I might try to find some sale bulbs this weekend myself.
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Old 12-12-2009, 11:00 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by no kudzu View Post
you'll be fine. but don't expect them to come back next year as tulips are annuals here.
Reallly? Why is that. I had no idea!
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Old 12-12-2009, 11:47 AM
 
Location: five points area neighborhood
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Quote:
Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy View Post
Reallly? Why is that. I had no idea!
tulips need a certain amount of cold for a certain length of time in order to store energy to continue.
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Old 12-12-2009, 01:24 PM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
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although some companies sell "southern tulips" most still don't come back. It just doesn't get cold enough here to give them a rest. Your best bet is daffodils and jonquils, grape hyacinths, allliums and lots of "minor" bulbs. You will find tulips mostly in commercial landscapes where they have no qualms about ripping them out when they are spent and starting again with new ones next year. Tulips are an expensive luxury but at 75% off you didn't do too bad. You may get some foliage next year but unlikely any blooms. Ask me how I know!!!
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Old 12-12-2009, 02:46 PM
 
Location: RTP area, NC
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Huh. I always thought my tulips didn't come back because the DEER ATE THEM!!! I feel so much better now.

NRG, thanks for reminding me - I was given some bulbs for my birthday and I put them in the fridge....Need to get them out and stick them in the ground.

I bought a "bulb planting" drill bit for my DH's drill - so it is hilarious planting bulbs - I point at a spot, he whirs the machine, I pop the bulb in and we move on. He is just ticked to be able to use the power tool and I am tickled it takes no time to pop a bulb in at appropriate depth. We just have to lock the dog in the house so she doesn't come behind us and dig them all up again.
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Old 12-12-2009, 02:49 PM
 
Location: RTP area, NC
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While we are on a gardening subject, do geraniums winter here? I have a few planted in pots and I left them in when I put my pansies in - they look so pretty. will they die?
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Old 12-12-2009, 05:18 PM
 
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Not all tulips are annuals (but most are). It depends on the variety of tulips. I only buy tulips that "perennialize" and they do come back for several years.

I order from Brent & Beckys Bulbs.
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