Planting Instructions for Warmer Regions CAUTION: If you live in a warm region (Zone 8-11) use these special planting instructions! (...and remember these important dates >>) Before You Plant: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WARM REGIONS If you live in Zone 8, 9, 10 or 11 (California or one of the Gulf States), you may need to refrigerate your Red Emperor tulip bulbs to "force dormancy". Here's Why: Tulips are accustomed to a change of seasons and a cold period. In order to plant tulips outdoors and meet the chilling requirements, the soil temperatures must be 40-45 degrees or colder. Since temperatures your region may not meet this chilling requirement, your tulips might not grow without it. How To Force Tulip Dormancy: You must refrigerate (pre-chill) your bulbs at 40-45 degrees for at least 6 weeks. To be ready for planting the week of January 1, your bulbs must be in the refrigerator by November 20. Place the bulbs in a brown paper bag. If possible, put them in peat and keep them moist, but not wet. Do not remove them until you are ready to plant. When to Plant Your Tulips: All gardens in warm regions (Zones 8-11) should be planted during the first week of January. This time has been set in order to standardize our experiment. However, if your local nursery advises other planting dates for your region, please write back and let us know (our feedback form). REPORT: Even though you won't plant until January, report back to Journey North and confirm that you PLAN to plant an official garden. To report, simply click the "Sightings" button and a Field Data Form will appear. Important: Do Not Store Fruit in Your Refrigerator at the Same Time With Tulips Apples and other fruits give off ethylene gas, a natural by-product of ripening fruit. This gas could delay or kill the flower buds. Consult a "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map." If you live in Zone 8, 9, 10 or 11, you must force tulip dormancy. Report that you plan to plant and use January 1, 2009 as your planting date. Remember these dates! >> Back to: Planting Instructions This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.