December may not feel like “tulip season,” but for North Texas, this is exactly when the real work happens underground! Tulips need a long, cool period to form strong flower buds, and our soil doesn’t stay cold long enough for many varieties unless the bulbs have been pre-chilled ahead of time. Planting them now (generally best planted between Thanksgiving and Christmas) gives you the best chance at reliable, uniform blooms before the heat settles in.

This year at Rooted In, we’ve selected five superior, well-adapted cultivars known for dependable performance, sturdy stems, and strong color in our climate: Dynasty, Purple Prince, Stronghold, Ballerina, and Ronaldo. Each one brings a slightly different character to the garden, from romantic pinks to deep reds to bright, architectural orange tones.

Dynasty

Darwin Hybrid Tulip

Color: Rosy pink with pale feathering
Height: 20–24 inches
Bloom time: Mid-season

Dynasty is a classic Darwin hybrid—large flowers, thick stems, and the kind of color that stands out without overwhelming the landscape. The warm pink tones and clean flower form make it a great choice for front yards and visible beds where consistency matters. Darwin hybrids also tend to hold up better to wind and temperature swings than many other types.

Purple Prince

Single Early Tulip

Color: Clear royal purple
Height: 16–18 inches
Bloom time: Early

Purple Prince blooms early and brings true, saturated purple to the garden when everything else is still waking up. The medium-height stems are sturdy, making it a good option for exposed sites that see spring gusts. It’s a strong choice for layering color—let this one signal the start of the tulip season, with mid- and late-season varieties following behind it.

Strong Gold

Triumph Tulip

Color: Clear, saturated golden yellow
Height: 18–20 inches
Bloom time: Mid-season

Strong Gold is one of the most reliable yellow Triumph tulips available. The color is a true, vivid golden yellow that holds well in full sun and doesn’t fade as quickly as many older yellow varieties. Flowers are classic in form—clean, upright cups on sturdy stems that resist early spring wind. As a Triumph tulip, Strong Gold comes from breeding that combines Single Early tulips with robust mid-season varieties, giving it excellent uniformity and dependable performance. It pairs well with deep purples, burgundy reds, and warm oranges, and it is also a standout choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long vase life and strong stems.

Ballerina

Lily-Flowered Tulip

Color: Warm orange
Height: 22–26 inches
Bloom time: Late

Ballerina brings movement and a more architectural look to the garden. The petals flare outward into a lily-like shape, and the orange color glows in both morning and late-day light. It’s also notably fragrant. This is a strong late-season performer and pairs well with deep reds or purples for a more dramatic display.

Ronaldo

Triumph Tulip

Color: Deep wine red
Height: 18–20 inches
Bloom time: Mid-season

Ronaldo offers a darker, more refined color than standard red tulips, leaning into burgundy with velvety depth. The flower form is classic, and the stems are strong, making it a favorite for cutting gardens as well as more modern landscape designs. It contrasts nicely with white, soft pink, silver foliage, or other deep purples.

Tips for Success

Growing tulips in North Texas isn’t difficult– once you understand how they behave in our climate. These strategies will improve performance and help you get the most out of your bulbs.

Start with pre-chilled bulbs

Tulips require 12–16 weeks of consistent cold (35–48°F) for proper flower development. Only purchase bulbs that have been pre-chilled or store them in a refrigerator until planting. Keep bulbs away from apples and pears—ethylene gas can damage the developing flower.

Plant in Late November, December through early January

Wait until soil temperatures consistently fall into the upper 40s or low 50s. Planting too early encourages premature sprouting.

Prioritize drainage

Tulips rot quickly in poorly drained soils, especially Blackland Prairie clay. Raised beds, berms, or well-amended (compost + expanded shale) planting areas dramatically improve success.

Space for impact

Clusters of 10–20 bulbs create a stronger visual effect than scattered singles. Grouping also helps the color read more clearly from a distance.

Protect from early sprouting

Warm winter spells can encourage foliage to emerge early. Tulips tolerate light freezes, but avoid heavy mulching once they sprout—trapping extra warmth can potentially cause stretching.

Fertilize lightly

A small amount of slow-release/ organic, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting supports root development. Avoid high-nitrogen products.

Water wisely

Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. From then on, keep soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. (which is why improving drainage is key in heavy clay soils)

Treat them as annuals

Most hybrid tulips won’t reliably return in North Texas due to short winters and heat. Expect one magnificent spring display each year.

Cut flowers at the right stage

Harvest when buds show color but are still tight. Tulips continue to open in the vase and last longer when cut early.

Keep pets and children safe

All parts of the tulip plant are mildly toxic if ingested, particularly the bulb.

Putting It All Together

Each of these five cultivars brings something different to the spring garden, whether you prefer soft pinks, deep purples, glowing orange, or rich burgundy tones. Planting a mix of early-, mid-, and late-season varieties stretches the bloom period and adds depth to your design.

In our climate, the formula is simple: start with quality pre-chilled bulbs, plant in cool soil, prioritize drainage, and enjoy the show when spring arrives. Tulips may behave like annuals here, but with thoughtful planning, they can deliver some of the most striking color of the entire gardening year!

*Each in stock at Rooted In, 12804 Pelzel Rd. Pilot Point, TX 76258