Tulips are bulbous perennials usually found in hot, dry habitats, from sea level to alpine areas in temperate Europe, Middle East and Asia. Tulips are valued in beds and borders but also in pots for their brilliant colors. This is one of the most cultivated bulbs worldwide.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: TulipScientific name: Tulipa, Tulipa
Plant type: Bulbs
Height: 10cm - 50cm
Flower color: Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Season of interest: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Formal garden, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Containers & Pots, Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding
How to deadhead, lift and store Tulip bulbs
Tulips show their glory usually during April and May. When the flowers start to fade out, cut them. The foliage must remain intact for at least 6 weeks after the last flower. This will give plenty of time to the leafs feed in the bulb for the next year flowering. If you need to move them before this 6 weeks period, because you need to plant the border or you need the pots, you can lift the bulbs with a fork getting as much soil as possible. Then heel them in a corner of the garden. Dig a shallow trench and place the bulbs with the foliage above soil. Cover them and lift only when the foliage has died back. Then place them in an open box and let them dry in a shady place. They must be stored in a dark, dry and fresh place until it is time to plant again, next autumn.
How to plant
Tulips should be planted from the end of October to mid-December. Tulips are more susceptible to disease than other bulbs and may be planted later. The depth of planting is about two to three times the bulb size in open field, but can be planted in smaller depth in pots. Don’t forget that tulip bulbs require good drainage so add grit to the soil if it has poor drainage.
Propagation
The most common method is by separating offsets after lifting in summer, replanting next autumn and grow as a new tulip. The offsets may take 2 years before flowering.
Sow seeds in containers in a cold place in autumn. They can take more than 4 years before flowering.
Tulips pests and diseases
The most common problem with tulips is when they are planted in poor drainage conditions causing the bulbs to rot.
Tulips are also prone to aphids, tulip fire, slugs and stem and bulb eelworms.
