Jessica Tulips are great for gardens and even as an indoor plant. They are perennials and will need to be stored and then regrown when the seasons change. Since these flowers are grown from bulbs, it is imperative that the bulbs are in great condition when they are replanted. Tulip bulbs can be bought from gardening stores and nurseries if you wish, but you can also store them yourself, if you are so inclined. Those that are bought from stores are already pre-packaged and picked by the supplier. Although there is a minimal chance that these bulbs are not viable, it is still important that you know how to check if the ones you got are good for planting or not. There are several signs that you should be aware of when picking these kinds of plants for your home.
Size and Shape
Basically, good tulip bulbs are firm to touch with a nice rounded appearance. Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to cases like these because a big bulb is not automatically viable. Bigger ones does not also equate to large plants or flowers. Look for those that are fat, firm and bulbous in appearance. There should be a noticeable tip as well as a noticeable root end. The tip is where the plant will sprout while the end is where the roots will grow. If there are no visible roots, it is alright because these will eventually grow when conditions are good.
Soft and flabby bulbs are not viable and should be avoided. There is very little, even zero chance, that these will grow. They should be firm to touch all around, not just in some parts. If some parts of the bulb is already soft, then there is a very big chance that it is not viable.
Moulds
Some tulip bulbs may have moulds when you get them. This is especially true when ordering via the internet and having the packaged shipped from somewhere far away. Those that are mouldy are on their way to ruin and should be disposed of. Mouldy ones have a very little chance of sprouting and may even pose a hazard to you and your family. The mould may appear underneath the papery covering and some may already be soft to touch. Be careful when handling mouldy things as these can be dangerous.
Covering
The covering of the bulb should also be intact upon inspection. These papery coverings act as the plant’s first defence against anything while it is in storage. These should not be peeled off even when it is torn or cracked. It should have an onion-like appearance even with the tip and the root ends. The covering is usually only a single layer and it should be handled with care.
Some may already be sprouting even while they are in their package. This is a sign that they are viable and are ready to be planted. If the season is still not right, you might like to “force” the bulb indoors for a splash of colour in your home during the winter season.
