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Tulip bulbs are best planted in September or October in the northern climates and October or November in the southern climates. The warmer your climate, the later they should be planted. The soil should be below 60F (15C). You can keep tulip bulbs in your refrigerator (or some other cool, dry location) for about 2 months before planting season if you buy them in summer. However, do not store them next to apples, as they give off ethylene, destroying the bulb. Most bulbs need 12-14 weeks of a "cold period" to bring about beautiful bulbs come spring. Do not buy bulbs after December 1st unless they've been "pre-cooled." It should be sunny at least part of the day where you plant your tulips. In places like the American southeast, plant them in a place that gets morning sun only. Tulips want sun, but they also want cool soil don't give them sun that'll scorch them. If you're farther north, sun all day may be fine (the soil will be naturally cool enough). But if you live further south where it's hotter, shade in the afternoon will be better to keep the soil cooler. There is no sub-species of tulip that prefers excessive moisture. The soil should be well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic, fertile, and even sandy. Wet soil is death to a tulip. Never purposefully go out of your way to water your tulips all you can do is ensure drainage by adding shredded pine bark or even sand to the area. The bigger the bulb, the deeper your hole should be. It should be 12 inches (30.5cm) to 15 inches (38.1cm) deep. Loosen the soil to ensure drainage or create a raised bed. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom will be, too. If you live in a very warm climate, you may wish to keep the bulbs in your fridge for the first 4-6 weeks to simulate cold weather. Give it a light watering every couple of weeks to retain a bit of moisture. After planting your tulip bulbs, cover them with chopped leaves, wood chips or mulch. If you have rodents or animals in your garden that you're worried about, you may need to erect a cage or fence around the bulbs. You may also consider putting thorny leaves or gravel in with the soil to deter pests. Use a 1 inch (2.5cm) to 2 inches (5.1cm) layer of mulch, leaves, or wood chips to protect the bulbs, control weeds and retain moisture. If you're planting perennials, you'll need to feed them every year to start them going again. You can use organic material, compost, or a balanced time-release bulb food every fall to start the process going.
Plant your tulips in the fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before winter. Choose an area that receives some shade. Choose sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 6.5. Plant the bulbs at a depth that is about three times as deep as the bulb. Apply mulch.