How do I get my tulips to bloom this Spring?

I have a whole mess of tulip bulbs planted. They came up and bloomed the first year, but last year they only grew to show green and then died off. I think this was because we had a hot spell during January, they came up, then everything froze again.



How do I get them to grow and bloom this year? Do I need to get a special fertilizer? The same thing happened to my hydrangeas, any advice on them as well?



I live in central Kentucky if that helps any.



Thanks!!
How do I get my tulips to bloom this Spring?
Hi!



Tulips and bulbs can be a finicky bunch. Sounds like the weird weather last season gave them the slip. A bulb stores energy with the leaves - if those leaves don't get a good season's worth of sun, they won't have the 'juice' to put forth good flowers next season.



As long as the weather cooperates this year, your friends should pop up again. However, you'll have to wait and see. There are bulb foods out there, but they are not required for bloom - just to make a good flower great.



If the tulips fail, all is not lost and you can take matters into your own hands. You can dig up the bulbs (now or after spring) and force them yourself.



Bulbs need winter's chill - then the thaw to wake up properly. You can simulate this with the fridge. Just be sure to seal them in a ziplock or similar as ripening fruit in the fridge give off ethylene which can spoil them.



This all may not be necessary, and patience is your best option. I have a friend whose mother kept a whole bed of a vintage strain of tuilps which returned year after year (Nebraska).



Remember, all plants *want* to live so they may need time to adjust. Look for information on "forcing bulbs" or "forcing tulips" for full details on other options should this years blooms elude you.



Good luck!!



-Joe
Reply:Tulips are that way. They bloom one season and hardly come back after that. It's best to dig them after they've blomed, compost the bulbs and plant new. You will have to do this each season if you have your heart set on Tulips.
Reply:Lime.
Reply:The trouble with Tulip bulbs I have found is they separate into little bulbs unlike daffodils which will give you more each year
Reply:Your tulips may be gone. You are right about the hot spell. It may have killed off the tulip blooms. They can be testy. Do you have any neighbors who grow tulips? Maybe you can ask them if they have success.

I am in Minnesota and usually treat tulips as annuals. In between the weather and squirrels who think tulips are candy, I don't have much luck.
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