Tulips are the ultimate spring staple, but did you know you don’t have to wait for the thaw to enjoy them? While getting a full bouquet to thrive in the dead of winter is a bit of a stretch, you can actually force dwarf tulip bulbs in glass vases to get those cheerful blooms right on your windowsill while it’s still snowing outside.
How to Grow Tulip Bulbs in Glass
For this specific indoor project, you’ll want to stick with short-stemmed varieties, often called “wild tulips.” It’s a slow, rewarding process—you get a front-row seat to watch the roots stretch out and the green shoots emerge until, finally, that first pop of color appears.
Great Varieties to Try
When picking out short-stemmed wild tulips, these varieties are absolute rockstars for forcing:
- Duc van Tol: Classic single red blooms
- Belle Lisette: Elegant single white flowers
- Braut von Harlem: Striking single red-and-white petals
- Tournesol: Lush double red blooms
- Murillo: Soft, romantic double pink flowers
- Turban: Moody, deep dark violet double blooms
Choosing the Right Glass
To pull this off, you need a specific type of vase. You want to avoid letting the bulb sit directly in the water, or it’ll rot before it ever has a chance to bloom. Look for a “forcing vase” (sometimes called a hyacinth glass)—it looks a bit like an hourglass, with a wide belly at the bottom, a narrow neck, and a cup-like opening at the top. The bulb sits snugly in that top cup, while the water stays in the belly below. The humidity encourages the bulb to send roots down through the neck and into the water to drink up everything it needs to grow.
Prepping Your Winter Tulips
The best time to start this project is in November. Start by filling your vase with water (using water that has been boiled and cooled helps keep things clean). Place your bulb in the top section, making sure there’s about a quarter-inch (0.5 cm) of space between the bottom of the bulb and the water line. You want it close, but not touching!
Next, move the glass to a dark, chilly spot—somewhere between 40°F and 45°F (5 to 8°C) is the sweet spot. Leave it there for about 8 to 12 weeks, checking periodically to top off the water. Once you see a strong, healthy root system and a sturdy little sprout, move the glass to a bright, warm windowsill. From there, it won’t be long before the stem shoots up and rewards you with a beautiful winter bloom!
