Why can't I grow tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs in warm climates (zone 10, 11)?

Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils require a period of cold dormancy (vernalization) to initiate flowering. In warm climates like USDA Zones 10 and 11, the soil temperatures don't consistently drop low enough or remain cold for long enough to satisfy this crucial chilling requirement. Without adequate chilling, the bulbs are unable to properly develop their flower buds, resulting in poor or non-existent blooms.

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