How to Grow Tulips in the Low Desert of Arizona

By: Angela Judd | November 11, 2024

Ever dreamed of seeing vibrant tulips blooming in your Arizona garden? While tulips are typically associated with cooler climates, you can successfully grow them in the Low Desert by adapting a few key techniques. This guide will show you how to grow tulips in Arizona’s unique climate.

How to Grow Tulips in the Low Desert of Arizona

Timing Is Everything: Plant Around Thanksgiving

In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant tulip bulbs is around Thanksgiving. Planting them at this time allows the bulbs to establish roots during the cooler months before the spring heat arrives. Aim to plant your bulbs during November or December.

Extra bulbs and room? Stagger planting every 2 weeks to extend the blooming season.

Pre-Chill Your Bulbs

Tulips need a cold period to trigger blooming. Since the low desert doesn’t get cold enough naturally, you must pre-chill your bulbs before planting.

How to Pre-Chill Tulip Bulbs

Duration: Chill your tulip bulbs for 6-8 weeks before planting.
Method:
- Refrigerator Storage: Place the bulbs in a paper or mesh bag to allow air circulation.
- Avoid Ethylene Gas: Keep them away from fruits like apples and bananas, which emit ethylene gas that can damage the bulbs.
- Temperature Setting: Set your refrigerator to maintain a temperature of around 40-45°F (4-7°C).
Timing: Start chilling your bulbs in late September or early October so they’re ready to plant around Thanksgiving.
Plant Promptly: After the chilling period, plant the bulbs as soon as possible to prevent them from sprouting prematurely.

Purchasing Pre-Chilled Bulbs

If you’d rather skip the chilling process, purchase pre-chilled bulbs that are ready for planting. Companies like RoozenGaarde (tulips.com) offer pre-chilled tulip bulbs suitable for warmer climates, making it even easier to grow tulips in Arizona. You can learn more about ordering bulbs for fall planting in this guide.

Roozengaarde recommends choosing Darwin Hybrid or Triumph tulip families for growing in Arizona. Both groups offer a wide selection of colors, and these tulips tend to be hardier than other varieties, which can be ideal for warmer climates.

Planting Tips

Choose the Right Spot: Plant in full sun so they can grow well during the coldest months of the year.

Prepare the Soil: Tulips prefer well-draining soil. Mix in some additional peat moss or coconut coir if possible. When planting, add a little flower fertilizer at the bottom of the planting hole to give your tulips a nutrient boost.

Plant at the Right Depth: Dig a hole with a garden trowel or bulb planter. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end up. Plant the bulb at a depth of three times the bulb’s height, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep. Place bulbs 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart to give them room to grow.

Water Wisely: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly. Keep the soil moderately moist but not soggy throughout the growing season.

Planting Tulips in Containers

Planting tulips in containers is an excellent way to add extra growing space and color to your garden or patio. This method also frees up your garden beds for spring crops without sacrificing your tulip display.

Planting Tips for Containers

Choose containers at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep to accommodate the bulbs’ root systems. Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well; mix in some additional peat moss or coconut coir if possible. In containers, you can plant the bulbs a bit closer—about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) apart —for a fuller look. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches deep (15 cm), just as you would in garden beds. For continuous blooms, consider layering different types of bulbs at varying depths.

Care for Container Tulips

Containers dry out faster than garden beds, so monitor the soil moisture and water when the top inch feels dry. After planting, move the containers to a spot with plenty of sunlight. Adding a layer of mulch on top helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Apply a small amount of flower fertilizer when planting and about once a month throughout the growing season. Learn more about growing in containers in this guide.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Caring for Your Tulips

Add a layer of organic mulch to help reduce evaporation, keep the soil cool, and maintain even soil moisture. Learn about what to use for mulch in this guide.

Monitor the soil and water when the top inch or so of soil is dry. It is better to water deeply, less often than lightly and frequently. Learn more about how to water your garden in this guide.

Watch for common pests like aphids and slugs. For organic pest treatment options, see this guide.

Using Tulips as Cut Flowers

Here are some tips to get the most out of your tulip bouquets:

Harvest at the Right Time: Cut tulips when the buds are colored but still closed. This ensures they’ll open up indoors and last longer.
Cut in the Morning: Harvest early in the day when the temperatures are cooler and the plants are well-hydrated.
Use Sharp Tools: Use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to make a smooth cut at the base of the stem.
Remove Lower Leaves: Remove any leaves submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth.
Condition the Stems: Place the cut stems immediately in a vase filled with cool, clean water.
Change Water Regularly: Refresh the water every couple of days and trim the stem ends to improve water uptake.
Display Wisely: Keep the vase away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prolong the life of the blooms.

Note: Tulips continue to grow even after being cut, sometimes elongating by an inch or more. Arrange them with this in mind, and enjoy the dynamic way they bring life to your indoor spaces. Learn more about flower arrangeing in this guide.

After They Bloom

In cooler climates, gardeners often allow tulip foliage to turn yellow and die back naturally, which feeds the bulbs for next year’s blooms. However, tulips are typically treated as annuals in warm climates like Arizona. After the flowers have faded, it’s best to remove the plants entirely. This is because the conditions aren’t favorable for tulips to reliably bloom again the following year. Plan to plant new pre-chilled bulbs each fall to enjoy a fresh display every spring.

Enjoy Your Desert Blooms!

With these tips, you’re all set to grow tulips in the Low Desert of Arizona. Whether you’re planting in garden beds or containers, tulips can bring a vibrant splash of color to your spring—both in your garden and home.