Tulips are a springtime favorite, bringing elegance and color to gardens around the world. While they’re fairly easy to grow, certain mistakes can keep them from blooming—or coming back at all. If you want healthy, vibrant tulips year after year, here are 10 common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

1. Planting Too Early or Too Late

Tulip bulbs need cool soil to root properly. Planting them too early can lead to rot, while planting too late won’t give them enough time to establish roots before winter.

2. Using Poor Quality Bulbs

Small, soft, or moldy bulbs are less likely to thrive. Always choose large, firm bulbs from a trusted source.

3. Planting in Soggy Soil

Tulips hate wet feet. Poor drainage increases the risk of bulb rot. Always plant in well-drained soil and avoid low-lying areas.

4. Planting Too Shallow

Bulbs planted too close to the surface can freeze, shift, or fail to anchor. Make sure to plant tulips 6–8 inches deep.

5. Choosing a Shady Spot

Tulips need full sun to bloom well. A location with less than 6 hours of sunlight per day may result in weak or no flowers.

6. Overwatering After Planting

It’s important to water once after planting—but not frequently afterward. The bulbs are dormant and don’t need extra moisture during fall and winter.

7. Ignoring Chilling Requirements in Warm Climates

In Zones 8–10, tulips need to be chilled for 6–8 weeks before planting. Skipping this step can lead to no blooms.

8. Cutting Foliage Too Early

After blooming, the leaves need time to photosynthesize and feed the bulb. Cutting them off too early weakens next year’s growth.

9. Leaving Spent Flowers on the Plant

Deadheading helps prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Remove spent blooms as soon as they fade.

10. Expecting All Tulips to Return Every Year

Most tulips are treated as annuals in many climates. Some may return, but not all. Replanting each fall ensures a full display.

With just a few simple adjustments, you can avoid the most common tulip-growing mistakes and enjoy a garden full of vibrant spring color. Follow these tips to give your bulbs the best chance at thriving year after year.