7 Reasons Your Tulips Didn't Bloom This Spring—and How to Fix It For Next Year

Tulips are known as the harbinger of spring, so it’s especially disappointing when they don't bloom. However, there are many reasons why these colorful flowers might be missing—from pesky animals to incorrect drainage.

Thankfully, there are a few simple fixes you can make to ensure your flowers bloom next year. Here, we spoke to experts about the most common tulip mishaps—and how to properly correct them.

Bad Timing

Tulips should be planted between September and November, says Jen Naye Herrmann, co-founder of The Marketing Greenhouse. “Planting time really matters,” she stresses. “These flowers need 12 to 16 weeks of cold temps to trigger spring blooming.”

You can hope that those bulbs might bloom next spring—but Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden, suggests planting new ones just to be sure. “Tulip bulbs are cheap, so leave the existing ones, but also put new ones in. Best-case scenario is you have double the blooms.” 

Lack of Sunlight

Tulips need full sun to develop strong blooms. “If they’re planted in too much shade, they may grow leaves but not bloom,” says Janney. “To fix this, choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Move bulbs in the fall—or better yet, just plant new ones—to sunnier areas for a better chance of blooming in the spring.”

Buried Too Deeply

“If your tulip bulbs are planted too deep, then be sure to plant your tulips a little more shallow in the fall for next year—ideally 6 to 8 inches deep,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at TN Nursery. Burying them any deeper can lead to delayed blooms—or worse, bulb rot.

Soggy Soil

Tulips need good drainage in order to bloom, and they can rot in soggy soil, warns Janney—especially during fall and spring. “To improve drainage, consider planting in raised beds and avoid low spots where rainwater tends to pool or puddle,” she says.

You might also consider adding compost and sand to improve drainage, says Herrmann.

Cutting Back Incorrectly

Don't cut back your tulips too much—or too prematurely. “Let the leaves fully yellow and wilt before removing them,” Herrmann says. “This gives the bulb the fuel it needs for next season.”

“Tulips need green foliage to produce food through photosynthesis—this is stored in the bulb for the next year," says Janney. "Cutting the leaves off too soon reduces the chance the bulb will bloom the following year due to lack of nutrients.”

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Past Their Prime

Not all tulips are reliable perennials. “Some varieties, like Parrot or Peony tulips, are gorgeous,” says Herrmann, “but may only bloom for a year or two before fizzling out.”

Even with good care, some just aren’t built to naturalize well. “I treat tulips like an annual, replanting each fall for a guaranteed bloom in the spring,” says Janney. “This ensures consistent color and bloom quality year after year. You’ll never be disappointed with this approach.”

Pesky Pests

Squirrels and deer are known for digging up tulip bulbs, which is why you might not see tulips bloom. “Use a bulb cage, or plant tulips near other plants that are deterrents,” says Janney. “Also, consider applying repellents in the fall to help protect the bulbs over the winter.”