Short stumpy tulips!

[ArtichokeAardvark]

Why are these tulips blooming now, and with such short stems? They are 'ballade' variety, I grew them last year in combination with another variety and they were glorious. Same pot, same combination of bulbs again, same spot on the patio. They are still pretty, but very short and stumpy, and the other variety barely have buds on yet!

Just to add - last year it was late April, maybe even into May before they flowered.

The earlier blooming might be due to the warmer weather. Tulips seldom come back so well after the first year and are often shorter. Sorry to say it's normal for tulips.

Should have said - the bulbs were new this year, I bought same variety again. Agree that they are never as good the second year!

Early blooming could definitely be the warmer weather, it was 24c here yesterday. But just can't work out why the stems haven't grown longer before budding...

Mine are short too. I wonder if they’re too dry. I think mine probably are as it hasn’t rained for ages here and I don’t think about watering in March