Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers, and their happy pops of color can instantly make any garden look better. But before those bright flowers show up, strange green sprouts appear from the ground. If you know how to spot tulip sprouts, you won’t pull them out by accident when you’re pulling weeds. Here is a full picture guide to how tulip sprouts look so you can spot them as they grow.
When Do Tulip Sprouts Emerge?
Tulips are one of the first bulbs to sprout each spring; they usually do so in March or April. The exact timing depends on climate and variety. Early bloomers are Darwin Hybrid and Fosteriana tulips, while late bloomers are Single Late and Parrot tulips.
Most tulip bulbs start sending out roots and sprouting about 4 to 6 weeks after the soil reaches 40°F on average in the spring. Once the process begins sprouts appear above ground quickly.
What Color Are Tulip Sprouts?
Tulip sprouts can range in color from light yellow to dark green when they first poke through the soil. Many varieties initially sprout with a reddish or purplish blush on the tips that fades to solid green as the shoots grow taller. The intensity of the reddish blush depends on the variety.
When yellow and white tulips grow, their shoots are often light green or yellow. Pink, red and purple tulips often have more reddish sprouts. As the sprouts get older, they turn an emerald green color to get ready for photosynthesis.
What Shape Are Tulip Shoots?
The most identifying feature of tulip sprouts is their uniquely twisted, spiraling shape. The long, pointed leaves twist together into a corkscrew, pigtail or noodle-like shape.
The sprouts emerge looking like red or green spikes with the leaf tips curled into tight coils or spirals. As they grow, the leaves unfurl slightly but still retain a wavy, spiral shape.
How Big Are Tulip Sprouts?
When first poking through the ground, tulip sprouts are quite small, less than an inch tall. But they grow rapidly, sometimes extending 1-2 inches per day once established.
Within a week or two of sprouting, the shoots can reach 6 inches tall. Full size is typically 12-24 inches tall depending on the variety. Dwarf types may top out under 12 inches while giant tulips grow over 2 feet tall.
Other Key Traits
Here are a few other ways to identify tulip sprouts:
- Smooth, slender leaves with a rounded cross-section rather than flat
- Each bulb produces one sprout – clusters indicate another bulb
- Upward curling tips compared to opening downward for daffodils
- Much thinner than daffodil, hyacinth or iris leaves
- Blades appear singly rather than in fans or clumps like other bulbs
Caring for Tulip Sprouts
Once you spot sprouts emerging, it’s important to give them proper care and feeding:
- Keep soil moist but not saturated while actively growing
- Remove competing weeds but weed carefully around delicate shoots
- Apply bulb fertilizer when 4-6 inches tall to fuel growth
- Stake taller varieties to prevent damage from wind/rain
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming
When to Dig Up Tulip Bulbs
You’ll get the best results by allowing foliage to yellow completely before digging up bulbs:
- Mark locations so bulbs are easy to find when dormant
- Lift bulbs when leaves brown in early summer
- Allow bulbs to cure for 4-6 weeks in a dry spot
- Store the largest, healthiest cured bulbs for replanting
Learning to recognize tulip sprouts ensures you don’t accidentally pull these harbingers of spring. With proper care after sprouting, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant flowers and return blooms for years to come.
Tulip Symbolism and Fun Facts
- Tulips come from central Asia, mainly popularized in Turkey. Turkey introduced flowers to the Netherlands in the 17th century. The Dutch are the no. 1 producer of tulips in the world.
- Folktales say that blood-red tulips grew from the ground where people died for their loved ones. This makes tulips a sign of true love.
- Various tulips colors are said to have deeper meaning. Red flowers mean love that lasts forever, white flowers mean forgiveness, pink flowers mean friendship or family love, yellow flowers mean love that was turned down, and purple flowers mean royalty.
- It’s likely that the word “tulip” comes from the Persian word for “turban,” since the flower heads look like turbans.
- Tulips are the flowers linked to the 11th wedding anniversary.
Bloom Months
Tulips typically bloom in April or May, with foliage preceding flowers in March. They can also be forced to bloom earlier indoors after bulbs have had a 12-week chill period.
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Planting My Tulips Get Them To Bloom Again & Best Time to Plant
FAQ
What do early tulips look like?
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Single Early Tulips:These tulips are celebrated for their classic tulip shape, with a single layer of broad, symmetrical petals. They tend to be shorter, growing around 10-14 inches tall, making them suitable for smaller gardens or as companions for other early spring bloomers like daffodils.
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Double Early Tulips:These tulips have multiple layers of petals, creating a fuller, more dramatic bloom that can be compared to a rose. They also have a longer bloom time compared to other early-season tulips.
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Color and Size:Both Single and Double Early tulips come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels like blush pink and cream to vibrant shades like deep red and bright yellow, and even bicolors. They typically grow to a height of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
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Foliage:Some Single Early tulips, like those known as “green tulips,” may have green streaks on their petals, according to Longfield Gardens. Other varieties might have foliage with burgundy flecks or stripes.
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Bloom Time:The exact bloom time depends on the climate, but they generally bloom in late March and continue through April.
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Sturdy Stems:Both varieties are known for their strong, sturdy stems that can withstand the unpredictable weather of early spring.
What to do with tulip bulbs that are sprouting?
Keep sprouted bulbs in a cold location. Not simply cool. It needs to be cold (but not below freezing). In the back of a refrigerator or a cold garage (one that is attached to the house so it will not completely freeze) is ideal.
How many tulips sprout from one bulb?
Up to five small bulbs can be expected to grow out of the mother bulb. They form their roots slowly, and develop their blooms and leaves within the bulb, for next year’s plant.
Why are my tulips sprouting but not blooming?
- Tulips need a period of cold temperatures (usually 12-16 weeks below 40°F) to develop flower buds.
- If the bulbs haven’t received enough chilling, they may sprout but not bloom.
- In warmer climates, you can try chilling the bulbs in the refrigerator for the required period before planting.