How to Grow and Care for Tulips

In our next series of spring flower tips we’ll be discussing how to properly grow and care for Tulips. Tulips are relatively easy to grow and obviously beautiful, but they do require a bit of extra care.

Selecting a Variety

Tulips come in many, many varieties. Tulips originated in the arid regions of Asia and Southern Russia and early varieties were mostly red or yellow. Hybrid versions now come in a wide variety of colors including pinks, purples, and pastel shades. Even though Tulips are perennials, years of hybrids have led to a weakening of many species of Tulips. Because of their low reliability of regrowth many gardeners save bulbs and replant them each season. Bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry space. Some gardeners recommended using the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator if there’s room. As far as selecting a variety, do some research to find out what you’re looking for. Smaller varieties have a better chance of surviving year after year and generally look better in a natural aesthetic. Large varieties look better in formal or ornamental gardens but tend to be riskier in terms of regrowth.

Planting

Since Tulips grow best during the cool months of spring people are often surprised that the bulbs should actually be planted the previous fall before the first frost.

• ·      Plant bulbs in an area that gets lots of morning sun and is shaded in the afternoon. 
• ·      Prepare soil by loosening with a garden till. Add a 2 inch layer of compost.
• ·      Plants bulbs about 8 inches deep with pointy end of bulb facing up spaced six inches apart.
• ·      Plant in well-draining soil and separate from water loving flowers as Tulips prefer drier soil. 
• ·      Bulbs should be spaced about six inches apart and should be thinned out if over-crowding occurs. 
• ·      Water bulbs well right after planting.
• ·      If pests are a problem consider methods of prevention such as chicken wire around bulbs or planting deterrent plants such as Holly. 

Care

 

• ·      Tulips should be watered weekly leading up to the first frost.
• ·      Adding bone meal or fertilizer for Tulips is a good idea if you’re hoping for your Tulips to return the next season.
• ·      In the spring make sure your soil has proper drainage and Do Not overwater. Overwatering is the most common cause of Tulips dying. Unless you are experiencing drought conditions you may not need to water your Tulips at all.
•           Deadhead flowers after they die back. Do not remove leaves until they have turned yellow. Tulips leaves gather energy for the following season.