Life Cycle of a Tulip Flower

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Overview

Knowing the origin of the tulip assists in understanding its life cycle. Sandra Mason, horticulture educator, recommends planting tulips in well-drained soil that stays dry in the summer. This mimics their natural environment and helps them live longer.

Tulips in Nature

The tulip adapted to dry summers by developing an underground storage unit (the bulb), which permits it to stay alive through a long dormancy.

Tulip Structure

Inside the bulb lies everything the plant needs to grow. The dry reddish-brown coat (called a tunic) protects the plant, allowing it to stay dormant until conditions are right for growth.

Awaking From Dormancy

The bulb begins growing immediately after fall planting when it is exposed to moisture in the soil. It goes into winter having already developed a strong root system.

Spring Blooming

As the weather warms in the spring, the shoot emerges. Depending on the variety, tulips bloom any time from early April to late May.

Returning to Dormancy

The tulip's leaves convert energy from the sun into food through photosynthesis. The leaves must be allowed to stay on the plant until they wither for the bulb to bloom the next season. The bulb remains dormant through the summer.

References

University of Illinois Extension
Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden
Ohio State University Extension

Keywords: tulip origins, tulip life cycle, tulip bulbs

About this Author

Gwen Bruno has 28 years of experience as a teacher and librarian, and is now a full-time freelance writer. She holds a bachelor's degree from Augustana College and master's degrees from North Park University and the University of Wisconsin. She writes articles about gardening for DavesGarden.com.