Can tulips be transplanted while blooming?

13 years ago

I bought a mix of tulips that were supposed to be red, orange and fushia pink. What bloomed were orange, pink and white. Although it isn't a bad look, I don't want the white ones in this area. Will I kill the bulbs by moving the white ones now to a different area right now?

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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

13 years ago

True the CW is that they should be moved while dormant, but I would move them as soon as the flowers aren't pretty anymore, not bare-rooting like I would a dormant bulb, but more like transplanting a "regular" plant, if it's few enough plants to do so. Also done this many times with hardy, bought-in-bloom bulbs and almost always got flowers the next year, certainly no dead bulbs.

You would know best if you're likely to follow through later, but waiting in fear of killing the bulbs is not something I'd worry about. I've never killed any kind of healthy, mature bulb by moving it at any time, but I usually do it as soon as the flowers aren't pretty anymore (if that's an option, whenever if not.) That gives it a whole year to get ready to do it again.

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Comments (8)

freki
13 years ago
during bloom is the worst time to move *anything*. there's a good chance they won't make it.

is it feasible to mark the white ones (with a toothpick?) and move them when they go dormant instead?
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necegil
12 years ago
I realized that in bloom or near blooming tulips should not be moved. However, I am in dilemma where a family "home house" has been sold and I must move them immediately. The species is unknown, but they are sturdy, repeat bloom, have been at this home for at least 50 years. Soil in their new location has been worked and amended. I plan on removing any stems and cutting leaves back by about 1/3, and of course will keep watered. Any thoughts on success rate or other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
gardenper
12 years ago
Well in your case, you can't help it to wait, so yes, you'll have to do that.

Give them all the chance to survive and make it. It's good to hear you say that they have been reblooming or naturalizing for at least 50 years. I've heard differently about tulips but it may be the specific variety.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
12 years ago
When you remove them from the soil try and take as much soil with them as possible and keep the soil damp and replant in the new location immediately. Al
katob Z6ish, NE Pa
12 years ago
.... also don't cut the foliage, they need to have all their foliage in order to store the energy for next year.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
12 years ago
Yes - don't cut them back - just pack in moist soil and heel them in as soon as you can when you get to the new place if you can't put them in their new position immediately. You can deal with them at your leisure after that.
ladychroe
12 years ago
Remove the stems but not the leaves.