splitting apart tulip bulbs

by Linda
(Springfield, MO)

If a bulb now has 3-4 smaller bulbs hanging from the stalk of the plant, should they be split apart when planting in the fall or when drying during the summer to plant in the fall?

Doug says that the growers do it when the bulbs are dug for convenience and handling issues but you can do it then or wait till fall. It really won't make much difference to the bulb and bulblet if they're being stored out of the ground.

If you do separate them off before fall, you'll have to make sure you keep the smaller bulbs cool and dry. If allowed to get too hot, you may very well find them drying out easier than the bigger ones and that will kill them.