Lily-Flowered Tulips

Growing Tips

When to Plant: Tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall, 6 to 8 weeks before a hard frost is expected. This is usually during September and October in the Northern Hemisphere.

Choosing Bulbs: Select plump, firm bulbs. Avoid any that are soft, damaged, or show signs of mold.

Preparing the Soil: Tulips prefer well-drained soil. If the soil is heavy clay, add compost or peat moss to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is best.

Planting the Bulbs: Dig holes or a trench if planting in a row, to a depth of about three times the height of the bulb. A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb 8 inches (20 cm) deep. Place the bulbs with the pointed end up and flat, wider part down.

Spacing: If you’re planting more than one bulb, space them about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart for large bulbs or 1 to 2 inches apart for smaller ones. The more space, the larger the bulbs will grow.

Watering: After planting, water thoroughly. Tulips need water to trigger growth.

Sunlight: Plant the bulbs in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

Fertilizer: During the growing season, inorganic fertilizers are the best choice since they contain the exact proportions and concentrations of nutrients. They also dissolve easily so that plants can absorb them more efficiently. Be careful not to apply too much inorganic fertilizer; excessively rapid growth results in weak plants that are then more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Applying too much fertilizer can also burn plants. Flower bulbs being used for perennial displays and for naturalizing in borders and beneath shrubs will benefit from a weekly application of a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer just as their noses become visible in spring. Feeding can be stopped once leaves begin to yellow and die back.

Care After Flowering: After the tulips bloom, cut off the flower stem but leave the leaves until they yellow and wither. This allows the plant to store energy for next year’s bloom.

Replacing Bulbs: Tulip bulbs don’t always re-flower after their first year (especially hybrids). For a sure show each spring, many gardeners treat them as annuals and plant fresh bulbs each fall.

Pests: Watch out for pests such as rodents, which can eat the bulbs. If pests are a problem in your area, consider planting the bulbs in a wire cage buried in the ground.

Remember that while tulips are beautiful, they can be toxic if ingested, and the bulbs can cause skin irritation. Handle with care and keep away from pets and children.