Tulip Growing Guide

Tulipa

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average garden soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun. In less than full sun, tulip blossoms will twist toward the strongest directional light.

Frost tolerant

Excellent. Most tulips are hardy to -35F (-37C); cold tolerance varies with species.

Feeding

Topdress with rich compost in spring, when new growth appears. Fertilize established clumps with a balanced organic fertilizer in the fall.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs from late summer to early winter. Allow 4in (10cm) between bulbs of miniature tulips, and 6in (15cm) between taller varieties. Cover the bulbs to four times their depth with loose soil.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Tulips will return for several years where winters are cold, but may rot when grown in warm, moist climates. Colors choices are endless, from white to almost black. Clear primary colors create a festive effect in a mixed planting.

Harvesting

Cut tulips to use as cut flowers just as the buds open. As the flowers fade in the garden, trim them off with scissors or pruning shears.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Tulip

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail