| Where I live growing tulips is a real challenge as the | | | | signify a healthy plant that will give you superior |
| weather is really too warm - but I still try and have | | | | flowers. |
| middling success. | | | | Feeding: all you need is a well composted soil. Tulip |
| However, if your climate is suitable, then growing tulips | | | | bulbs do not need fertilising - and don't put any in the |
| is not only easy, but a great addition to any garden - | | | | hole where you plant the bulbs - it burns them. |
| for color, texture and shape. | | | | Like daffodils and other bulbs, tulips can thrive on |
| Requirements | | | | benign neglect. Just give them a chance to do their |
| Tulip bulbs require 10-12 weeks (minimum) of really cold | | | | own thing - store energy after flowering, don't get their |
| or freezing soil in order to set the buds. I have to put | | | | feet wet in summer, compost in spring and that's it. |
| mine in the fridge and then dig them up after flowering | | | | Where to grow |
| and repeat each year. | | | | Like any bulbs, you can place tulips anywhere you like. |
| Don't over water in the summer when they are | | | | Pots - once the flower had budded and is ready for its |
| dormant - as this may cause them to rot. Ditto for a | | | | full glory - you can move the potted ones to a window |
| low level area where water gathers. They prefer a | | | | sill outside you kitchen window - which allows you to |
| dry ground during dormancy. | | | | enjoy them as you work in the house. |
| Compost the growing area in spring - but you probably | | | | You can have mass plantings - in the own bed, or in |
| will be doing this for all the garden anyway. | | | | the midst of other plants - this is a bit better as the |
| Pests: tulips don't have any particular susceptibility to | | | | other plants 'cover' up the dying leaves. |
| pests - except possibly for deer if you have them | | | | Another nice display idea is to 'wander' them around |
| wandering around and can get access to your garden. | | | | other plants - e.g. perennials - or even annuals that are |
| They think tulips are a treat - so remind "Bambi" that | | | | growing in groups. Just plant them 'snaking' around the |
| venison also tastes good! | | | | others. |
| After flowering, ensure that you leave the foliage until it | | | | Just note if the area is one you water well in the |
| goes yellow - this tells you that the bulb has enough | | | | summer, it will pay you dig up the tulip bulbs and store |
| energy stored for dormancy and to produce good | | | | them. |
| sized flowers the next spring. Good leaves on tulips | | | | |