A tulip bulb should be planted at a depth three times its height. If the bulb is planted deeper, propagation, or the development of a new bulb, will be slower.
Once the tulip bloom fades, cut the flower stem back so that the tulip doesn't seed and the energy goes to the growing bulb and developing new bulbs. Let the leaves turn yellow and shrivel.
Overcrowded bulbs will show smaller flowers. Once the foliage has died back in the summer, the bulb goes dormant and can be dug up and divided. The bulbs can be replanted immediately. Inspect the bulbs before replanting.
Plant tulip bulbs in well-drained soil so that they multiply instead of rotting.