How late can you plant tulips?

Dear Dee,

My neighbor recently gave me some extra tulip bulbs she purchased this fall. Is it too late to plant them?

Justine

Dear Justine,

Unlike crocus and daffodils, which should be planted by Oct. 15th, tulips can be planted later in the fall. As long as you can still dig and work the soil, there’s plenty of time. In a mild year, I have planted them in early December! Remember that bulbs do not like constant moist conditions, so be sure to find a dry, sunny, well-drained location. Dig deep-tulips must be planted 5-6 deep. Fertilizing in the fall is not necessary but I would suggest fertilizing next spring, after they finish flowering.

 Sincerely,

 Dee