Did I screw up planting tulips?

I planted them today August 28th, 50 bulbs. I live in chicago and want them to bloom next spring. But now I'm wondering if I planted them too early? I hope not it took me forever. I'm a single guy and have no clue what I'm doing. How deep should I of planted them? I planted them a few inches in the ground.

Did I screw up planting tulips?
Hopefully you will have an early autumn. September through November, or anytime before the freezing starts is fine. You are close enough to autumn for them to settle in and start developing roots now; which is what they need to do. Don't fret too much; actually bulbs can be quite forgiving unless you drown them; they seem to be able to manage quite a few mistakes. An inch or two won't matter either, they know how to right themselves and usually can manage through the wrong depth too, providing you are close. You usually plant about twice the width of the bulb; and tulips usually should be about 4-5 inches deep. Avoid too much water though. When the leaves start to come up you can fertilize gently, and then again after the flower. This helps them to prepare for next year. Do not cut the foliage either; as they restore themselves this way and the leaves make food.
Reply:Don't worry. You should be okay.

For future reference, when planting any bulb, plant depth is twice the diamater of the bulb. Bulb is 2" accross @ the widest part? Plant 4" deep.
Reply:Tulips are usually planted in the fall before a frost. I give you an "A" for effort though. The planting instructions are usually on the box or package of Tulips. There is a special tool you can buy that is used when planting Tulip bulbs that pretty much guarantees the proper depth when planting, if you didn't use one already. Wait %26amp; see what happens in the spring. You may have the prettiest Tulips on the block. In the spring, after the Tulips are no longer in bloom, don't cut down the greenery right away, as it's best to leave it so it will nurture the next batch of Tulips. I once heard that it's best to leave them for a little while before cutting them way down. Maybe someone who is a pro when it comes to Tulips, can best advise you :)
Reply:here in NSW Australia we plant bulbs in march so that would be Sept for you so no you didn't plant them too early. Tulips should be chilled before you plant them here but where you are in Chicago I think it gets very cold quickly at night. I also think your planting depth is fine also. Now you just have to wait until Spring.
Reply:We usually plant them in the Fall, like any other bulbs.
Reply:err?
Reply:Weeeel, it's sort of late to ask this question now.....tee, hehehe. But beginners always seem to be blessed. It would not surprise me at all if they grow beautifully for you next spring.



Here in Texas we plant them in November. Since we have mild winters, they usually only bloom one or two times and then no more. But you have cold winters, so if they grow they will be pretty for years to come.



By the way, if they show some green above the ground before your first frost, don't worry. They will be fine.

barber