Tulip is a perennial grown for its root. Notably, it grows just as well in a container as in the ground. Its summer flowers are a moderate draw for honeybees and native bees, even though the root is the prize.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
6-7
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
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Score Tulip on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether tulip actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score tulip against your land's real conditions.
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What Tulip is
Tulip grows as a perennial and reaches around two feet at maturity. It blooms red in summer. It's also well suited to containers.
How to grow Tulip
Tulip does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 6 to 7, on well-drained ground.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
6 - 7
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
2 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Sow directly
Sow tulip seed straight into the bed — root crops germinate fast and resent transplanting. Give them full sun.
Match the soil
Tulip prefers pH 6 to 7 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Harvest at maturity
Pull while roots are young and tender — sweeter than oversized ones. Local Cooperative Extension guides publish timing tables.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — tulip is toxic to dogs and cats (moderate severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Tulip offers moderate value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Tulip thrives
Whether tulip thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Tulip will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether tulip actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Tulip in my zone?
Zone data for tulip is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Tulip?
Most growers plant tulip after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Tulip need?
Tulip needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Tulip need?
Tulip prefers soil pH 6 to 7, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Tulip attract pollinators?
Yes — tulip's flowers are a solid nectar source for honeybees and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Tulip safe for pets?
Tulip is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with moderate severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.