What do I do with tulips I received as a gift for Easter in a small temporary pot?

Question

I received tulips for Easter in a temporary pot. Should I plant them outdoors now or move them to a bigger pot and keep them in the house? Do I water them until ready to plant in August or September? I live in West Texas.

Answer 1

Tulips need to go into dormancy. After you cut the flower stems off, leave the foliage until it dries up naturally. Decrease watering slowly until it is almost completely dead looking. You can pull that bulb out after this and put it into storage in a bag of vermiculite until fall.
Tulips aren't fond of warm weather so you need to take some extra care. These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tulips/tulips-care-and-tulip-planting-tips.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tulips/tulips-in-warm-climates.htm