Watching Tulips Grow Without Soil

Science Project to Do with Kids

Breathe a little fresh color into the home you work in by doing this simple science project without the mess of potting soil or dirt. Bulbs generally contain all the nutrients required for blooming, although they still need water to grow blooms. Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, amaryllis, and lilies grow without soil and last longer than cut flowers. A clear glass vase, filled with pebbles, and a little water is all you need. You and the kids will love watching the roots grow from the bulbs, then the green sprouts, and finally bloom.

see the roots growing

1. Put an anchoring item in a clear glass vase like glass pebbles or the plastic insert we found at the local florist shop.

 2. Place the bulbs onto the top of the anchoring material with the pointed tip end pointed up. 

3. Add water to the container until it comes to just below the base of the bulb.

4. Place the vase in an area that gets bright sunlight for at least six hours a day.

5. Replenish the water as it evaporates, always filling the container to just below the base of the bulb.