Also known as Tulip · 5.2k gardener saves

Tulipa: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Tulipa, the genus most gardeners know as tulip. We track 197 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

197 varietiesZones 4–10Mostly full sun

The 12 most-saved Tulipa varieties

Of 197 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 197 Tulipa varieties →

How to grow Tulipa

What the Tulipa varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Tulipa year

  • PlantSeptember–November100% of varieties

    Plant bulbs 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil during fall

  • DeadheadApril and May100% of varieties

    Remove spent flower head; leave foliage intact until it yellows naturally

  • FertilizeFebruary and March100% of varieties

    Apply bulb fertilizer as new shoots emerge in early spring

Do

  • Water regularly during active growth 🌱
  • Water during dry spells in spring 🌱
  • Apply fertilizer in early spring
  • Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering in summer ❌
  • Don’t disturb bulbs once established

What goes wrong with Tulipa

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue on leaves and distorted growthUse insecticidal soap or neem oil
Bulb rotSoft, rotting bulbs with foul smellEnsure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
Bulb FlyChewed or damaged bulbsUse physical barriers or beneficial nematodes
Bulb MitesStunted growth and bulb decayUse nematodes or insecticidal soap
Botrytis (Gray Mold)Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leavesImprove air circulation and apply fungicide
Gray moldGray fuzzy mold on flowers and leavesImprove air circulation and remove affected plant parts
Gray MoldFuzzy gray patches on flowers or leavesImprove air circulation and remove affected parts

Making more Tulipa

Division

  1. Dig up bulbs after foliage dies back, approximately 6 weeks after flowering.
  2. Separate offsets carefully with a sharp knife or hands.
  3. Allow bulbs to dry for a few days before replanting.

Bulb planting

  1. Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around bulbs.

Tulipa questions

How many types of Tulipa are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 197 distinct Tulipa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 5.2k real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Tulipa grow in?

Across its varieties, Tulipa covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Tulipa bloom?

Most Tulipa varieties bloom in spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Tulipa should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Tulipa in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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