Q.Planting Tulips in Winter
I just found some tulip bulbs at a store. I live in NJ, and it is January and cold. Can I plant if I am able to dig and get the bulbs into the ground. If I can, should I protect them anyway? I read that I should keep them in the fridge for 6-8 weeks in a paper bag. Do I plant after those 6-8 weeks? Will they bloom for spring getting them into the ground that late? What should I do, in the past I did tulips in November before the frost, but I want more to bloom this year and I found these beautiful colors just the other day and now it is winter.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
The ground is probably too frozen at this time to plant the bulbs, but you can, as you suggest, put them in the fridge (or a cold garage) and plant them in the spring as soon as you are able. They will bloom (eventually). Just place them in a paper bag if they are going in the fridge. They will need at least 6-8 weeks of cold, so if you start now, they should just be ready for the ground in spring.
