Also known as Tulip · 5.7k saves
Tulipa
Tulipa, the genus most gardeners know as tulip. We track 197 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Tulipa varieties
See all 197 Tulipa varieties →Search this genus →
24 species of Tulipa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Tulipa in Sow
Save the Tulipa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Tulipa
Whats common across all Tulipa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
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 balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Apply 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
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves and distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb rot | Soft, rotting bulbs with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Bulb Mites | Stunted growth and bulb decay | Use nematodes or insecticidal soap |
| Bulb Fly | Chewed or damaged bulbs | Use physical barriers or beneficial nematodes |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Gray mold | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected plant parts |
| Gray Mold | Fuzzy gray patches on flowers or leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
Making more Tulipa
Division
- Dig up bulbs after foliage dies back, approximately 6 weeks after flowering.
- Separate offsets carefully with a sharp knife or hands.
- Allow bulbs to dry for a few days before replanting.
Bulb planting
- Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
- 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 5.7k real gardeners — 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.