Marianne's Response

Transplanting tulips in Spring

Can I transplant tulips in Spring? It is 11 April, and I have tulips with green leaves above ground that I would like to relocate from lawn to flower beds. Can I do it now?

Posted by Donald Nicklin on April 13, 2020

Marianne's Response

Yes, I have successfully move tulips in bud but you must dig up the bulbs with stems and flowers intact and very carefully place them into their new location without disturbing the roots coming from the bulb. This means water well, then once you dig under the bulb or cluster of bulbs immediately set into a pre dug hole and water again. The bulbs may droop a bit at first but then adjust. Do this delicate transplant operation on a cloudy day or in the evening to keep the roots cool. Accept that you will cut into some bulbs with your shovel or lose some flower buds. If it is possible to wait, try to move the tulips once the bulbs are finished flowering. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti