So, I have some tulip foliage sprouting in the garden. These tulips flower some years and not others - last year was a spectacular surprise since nearly every tulip I ever planted decided to flower, even tulips that had done nothing for years.

Now I'm trying to figure out whether to expect any flowers this year. I know the bud would already be formed if it's going to flower. Typically, when should you be able to see the bud within the foliage? If the foliage gets to be 4-5 inches and you don't see any buds, does that mean fuggedaboudit until next year?