Tulips - How to Grow
Them Successfully in Your Garden
Tulip bulbs can be planted from
September onwards. They can be planted much later than other spring flowering
bulbs, even as late as January without suffering too much damage.
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As tulips come originally
from hot, dry regions they appreciate an open, sunny aspect and
don't really do well in shade or under trees. They also like good
drainage. If you've got a clay type soil then a couple of handfuls
of grit added to the soil will help.
If your soil is likely to be
waterlogged during winter then improve it before planting, as they
will probably rot and fail to flower in these conditions. Otherwise
tulips are relatively fuss-free flowers to grow. |
Loosen the soil lightly with a
fork before planting and avoid fresh manure or any nitrogen fertilizers,
as these encourage weak, soft growth that is susceptible to mould and
mildew.
The bulbs should be
planted 10 to 15cm (4-6in) apart at a depth of about 2 to 3 times their height.
Tulips
look spectacular planted in large single-color drifts. They also combine
well with winter flowering pansies. This combination is particularly
suitable for containers.
In large containers
tulips bulbs planted with hyacinths works particularly well as the
hyacinths provide a delightful scent early in the year.
If planting your
tulips in containers make sure the compost you use is free draining. You
can mix your own from clean garden soil and grit or buy a peat-free bulb
compost at your local garden store. I use old potting compost and garden
soil mixed with grit and/or perlite. Added fertilizer isn't necessary as
the plant has it's own supply stored in its bulb.
With the exception of
species botanic tulips, most varieties only multiply very slowly and often
decline in quality if left in the ground. Many gardeners discard the bulbs
and buy new each year.
However, if you want
to try growing the bulbs a second year then feed after flowering and allow
the leaves to die back. Lift and store in a dry, airy place such as a
garage or shed.
Tulip bulbs that are
lifted after flowering should be stored in a secure rodent free place. Mice
in particular love them. Mice and squirrels will also dig up any tulip
bulb planted too shallow. (Read more about tulip
bulbs for your garden)
You can place your tulip bulb order
now for immediate delivery from Michigan
Bulb Co who've got a special offer of 20$ off
order of 50$ or more on bulbs, trees and perennials right now.
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