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Gardeners throughout the state of Mississippi have access to a mild and wet environment, creating an enjoyable setting for growing various flowers. To make sure your tulip bulbs or other plants thrive, it’s essential to understand which USDA Hardiness Zone you are located in and when to plant them.
What is USDA Hardiness Zones?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been tracking weather and climate information across the country since 1960. Their hardiness zone map is based on the average coldest temperature in a region over the past 30 years. The most recent update to the map was in 2012, and includes 13 distinct zones with an ‘a’ & ‘b’ level for each, making 26 overall. Knowing your hardiness zone helps gardeners determine which perennials, woody and herbaceous plants will be able to survive the local climate.
Mississippi’s Hardiness Zone
In eastern Mississippi, the USDA Hardiness Zones range from 3b to 7b. Tulips can be planted directly outside if you live in Zones 7 or below, as they prefer cool nights followed by sunny days. When planting tulips in zone 8 or higher, it is important to remember that they should be chilled at 40 to 45°F for ten weeks prior to planting.
Tulip varieties best suited for growing in Mississippi
When deciding which plants to grow in Mississippi, consider the following tulip varieties:
- Apricot Beauty
- Belle Epoque
- Daydream
- Flaming Flag
- Golden Apeldoorn
- Ivory Floradale
- Red Impression
- Van Eijk
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Tips for planting tulips
When planting tulips, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Be sure to choose the right variety based on your hardiness zone.
- Plant them in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
- Ensure tulip bulbs are planted deep enough.
- Water the soil after planting.
- Add mulch to maintain moisture levels and protect against extreme temperatures.
- Wait until the springtime to fertilize your tulips.
Storing bulbs over winter
For those living in zones 8 or 9, tulip bulbs should be kept indoors in a cool, dark place for 10-12 weeks before planting in early December or January. During this time, check regularly for any softening or shriveling of the bulb. This can indicate that the bulbs are not being stored properly and need to be moved to a cooler location. Additionally, keep away from rodents and other pests during the winter months.
Check your local climate as well
While the USDA Hardiness Zone maps provide gardeners with a helpful tool for understanding their local climate, it is important to note that there may be areas in between hardiness zones. In colder parts of Eastern Idaho, for example, trees and shrubs rated for zone 5 will still fail in years when temperatures dip far below the average lowest temperature indicated on the map. In order to ensure successful blooming, gardeners should check the average minimum temperatures in their area according to the National Weather Service, and adjust their planting times accordingly.
Additional sesources
If you are interested in learning more about gardening in Mississippi, consult the following resources:
- Mississippi Gardener
- MSU Extension Services
- Regional Wildflower Guide for Mississippi
Knowing which USDA Hardiness Zone you reside in is key knowledge for any Mississippian gardener looking to successfully grow tulips or any other flower. Take into consideration your local climate and average temperatures, and research the type of flowers and plants best suited for your area. With this information, you will be ready to create a beautiful and lush garden come 2023.
