What is a pre-chilled or pre-cooled tulip bulb?Updated 15 days ago

Tulips are spring-flowering bulbs that need a prolonged period of cold temperature to grow and bloom properly. In most of the United States, this cold period is provided naturally by a winter spent planted outside in the ground. However, bulbs planted in warmer regions of the country in growing zones 11-7b including the Deep South, the desert Southwest, and most of California do not get the cold temperature they need because the outdoor ambient temperature and soil temperatures in the winter are warmer than what the tulip bulb requires for proper bud and flower development.

To reach their proper flowering development in warmer regions, they must be given time pre-cooling at (34-45 degrees F) for 6 to 12 weeks before planting. Bulbs that don’t get sufficient cooling will have stunted growth, shorter stems and deformed flowers. We’ve done that pre-cooling for you here on our farm in our temperature and humidity controlled coolers ensure optimum health and viability of the bulb.

Our bulbs have received the minimum amount of chill time for successful flower development. It's best to plant immediately upon receipt of your order to ensure bulb viability however if you need to store them to plant at a later date, you can place in a cool, dark well ventilated location (34-50 degrees F) for an additional few weeks. We recommend planting no later than January 1st.

Don't live in a warm growing zone? You can still purchase bulbs from us too! As long as your ground isn't frozen you can plant our pre-cooled bulbs. 

Read more on our blog → What Are Pre-Cooled Tulip Bulbs?, Growing Tulips: The Story of Our Pre-Cooled Bulbs and 4 Tips For Growing Tulips In A Warm Climate.