My daughter lives in St. Louis. This morning she was walking through a neighborhood park where the landscapers were digging up tulips which have already bloomed. They said she was welcome to take home the bulbs which still have leaves and fading flowers attached. She called me for advice on whether she should plant them right away or let the leaves dry out. If the latter, does she plant the bulbs this season or store them until next fall?

Hello Tracy:

The bulbs should be planted now to produce what energy they can for 2021. it is not uncommon that you will not get flowers in 2021, but the following year. If you do get blooms in 2021, cut them out early to improve the health of the bulb. When planting, remove any flowers remaining so all energy goes into bulb reserves. Bulbs from a display garden are typicality not planted deeply as they should be. 2-3 times the diameter is more appropriate. Amend the soil with organic matter and incorporate a complete, basic fertilizer before planting. Water in well. the bulbs may not look very good for the rest of season and leave the foliage until it dries down naturally.