Saving RGV Tulips

Leave the green stems on until they completely die. They feed the bulb.

Then google forcing bulbs. Because you are now going to have to put them in the fridge to cool down so they will bloom 'next' year. Bulbs HAVE to have to go thru a winter to bloom again.

Cut the folage off only after it is all brown and drying up. Waiting provides nutrition to the bulb for future growth and flowering. You should let the bulb dry some before putting it in storage. It needs to stay dry so it doesn't rot. It should be planted late fall (after it's cool out) for spring flowering. Tulips do just fine in the north. Ever seen the tulips in Holland MI at the tulip festival in spring - thousands and thousands of them.

Yes, let them die all the way back, including leaves. Keep the bulbs in a cool dry place. If they feel mushy, they won't grow. You can plant them in Oct-Nov time frame and they'll come up beautifully in Spring.

Tulips don't last long.Let the flower die back.Cut off all the folage when you get back home.Plant the bulbs about 6" deep when you get ready.They will grow just fine.Ours come up in the snow.

Those bulbs may not grow in a cold environment, but I'm guessing they have sentimental value. If that is the case I would try to keep them alive as long as I could (cut the flower stalk though)in the pot so as much energy as can will go into the bulb. When they are completely done put the bulbs into some sand, then into a dark cool place till fall time in IA. Plant in the fall (some bone meal would help) and keep your fingers crossed