To find the total distance from where the tulip bulb was planted to the top of the tulip, we need to consider both the depth of the bulb and the height of the tulip above the surface.
- The bulb was planted 6 inches deep in the soil.
- The tulip grew to a height of 13 inches above the surface.
To find the total distance, we simply add these two measurements together:
\[ \text{Total distance} = \text{Depth of the bulb} + \text{Height of the tulip} \] \[ \text{Total distance} = 6 \text{ inches} + 13 \text{ inches} = 19 \text{ inches} \]
Thus, the total distance from where the bulb was planted to the top of the tulip is \( \boxed{19} \) inches.