bulb corm tuber

Tarda Tulip

Tulipa turfosa

The Story

Plant Bio

A low-growing, perennial species tulip that produces multiple star-shaped, yellow and white flowers per stem in early spring. It naturalizes readily in sunny, well-drained locations.

Forms a low clump of glossy green, strap-like leaves. Each stem bears a cluster of up to 8 star-shaped flowers that are bright yellow with prominent white tips and open wide in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides striking early spring color in gardens and containers.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance bulb that naturalizes over time.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts pollinators like bees early in the season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

6 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Dry to medium

Humidity

Prefers dry to moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
  2. Water lightly after planting to settle soil.
  3. Allow foliage to yellow naturally for energy storage.
  4. Divide bulbs every 3-4 years in late summer or early fall.
  5. Mulch lightly to protect from extreme cold.

Pro Tip

Plant bulbs in a sunny spot with good drainage for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

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

Don't

  • Don’t overwater in summer ❌
  • Avoid planting in heavy clay soil without amendment
  • Don’t cut back foliage until it yellows naturally

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright spring borderColorful rock garden accent

Companion Plants

Grape hyacinth Daffodils Crocuses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tarda Tulip questions

What zones can Tarda Tulip grow in?

Tarda Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tarda Tulip deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tarda Tulip, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tarda Tulip bloom?

Tarda Tulip typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tarda Tulip need full sun?

Tarda Tulip does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Tarda Tulip drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tarda Tulip handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Tarda Tulip with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.