Best way to relocate tulips...

I planted some tulips several years ago, and the bulbs have all split. They are still blooming, but not nearly as big and I have 4-5 plants growing per bulb. I want to dig them up and split them, the replant them but I am not sure of the best time to do that. Also, once I dig them do I need to replant right away, or can I store them in the fridge or someplace cool until I can get a new bed dug? I have tons of new stuff to plant, so if I can hold them for a while that would work the best.

I've always been told to let the leaves turn yellow and die back before you dig them up. That way the plants can store energy. Then you should be able to store them until planting in the fall if you want, or re-plant right away (but don't water them or anything). I think the bulbs you buy in the fall have all been treated in this manner and they do fine. Sometimes, if I know I'm going to move them, I mark the locations as the leaves die back. That way, if it takes me a while to actually move them I know where to dig and what color, size they are (I'm forgetful :-) -C

What do you use to mark the locations, cchiovitti? I've got 3 dogs and 3 kids and would need something pretty impenetrable.

I'll see your 3 kids and raise you a chicken, a dog, and umpteen wild bunnies!

I use popsicle sticks and just shove them really far into the ground, being careful not to nick the bulb, leaving maybe a half and inch sticking up. They usually stay put (notice I said USUALLY - which explains my oddballs that come up, oh - in the middle of a new gravel path, snuggled up next to and "inside" yarrows, etc etc.) -C

LOL......you got me beat C!! LOL That's a good idea and should work for the majority. I'll give it a try. If you mark on it with a permanent marker (Sharpie) will it stay on until you dig later in the fall do you think? Or maybe a garden marker would be better. I have both.

I use crayon! -C

*WHACK* That's my hand hitting my forehead. And I'VE got a 3 yr old! duh.....

thanks for the advice, I was wanting to move the tulips too : )
also: NEVER use sharpie in the garden. i learned this the hard way when all my hard work labelling was lost to a winter of rain. i was told by the nurseryman to use pencil and so far that has worked well. crayon sounds good too!

Yes, I knew the Sharpie didn't last through winter, just wasn't sure if they might last a summer though.

Darn, I marked everything with sharpies this year. :(

Gwen

Ever tried the Super Permanent Sharpie? I've found them at the office supply store. (Office Depot) Mine still look really good after winter, even on the popsicle sticks. The ones I made with regular Sharpie are much harder to read.