bulb corm tuber

Tulip 'Burning Desire'

Tulipa gesneriana 'Burning Desire'

The Story

Plant Bio

A popular tulip cultivar known for its vibrant red blooms and strong, upright stems.

This cultivar features a unique flame-like appearance with a striking orange-yellow edging on the petals.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, colorful blooms add vibrant spring color to gardens and containers.
Practical UsesEasy to grow bulbs provide reliable annual display with minimal maintenance.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies during bloom.
SpeciesTulipa gesnerianaGarden Tulip

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

18 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial in suitable climates

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-spring

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In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 6 inches deep in well-drained soil in fall.
  2. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches apart for optimal growth.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  4. Position in full sun for best flowering results.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  6. Allow leaves to die back naturally for bulb health.

Pro Tip

Use gritty, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during active growth 🌱
  • Apply fertilizer in early spring
  • Plant in full sun for vibrant blooms
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Don't

  • Don't overwater during dormancy ❌
  • Avoid planting in heavy, clay soil
  • Don't cut leaves until they yellow naturally
  • Avoid excessive fertilization

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid flower bordersColorful spring flower bedsPots and containers for bright accents

Companion Plants

Grape hyacinth Daffodils Crocuses Tulips Hyacinths

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tulip 'Burning Desire' questions

What zones can Tulip 'Burning Desire' grow in?

Tulip 'Burning Desire' 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 Tulip 'Burning Desire' deer resistant?

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

When does Tulip 'Burning Desire' bloom?

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

Does Tulip 'Burning Desire' need full sun?

Tulip 'Burning Desire' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Tulip 'Burning Desire' 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.