You can keep tulip bulbs in your refrigerator (or some other cool, dry location) for about 2 months before planting season if you buy them in summer. However, do not store them next to apples, as they give off ethylene, destroying the bulb. Most bulbs need 12-14 weeks of a “cold period” to bring about beautiful bulbs come spring. Do not buy bulbs after December 1st unless they’ve been “pre-cooled. "
If you’re farther north, sun all day may be fine (the soil will be naturally cool enough). But if you live further south where it’s hotter, shade in the afternoon will be better to keep the soil cooler. [4] X Research source
Wet soil is death to a tulip. Never purposefully go out of your way to water your tulips – all you can do is ensure drainage by adding shredded pine bark or even sand to the area.
The bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom will be, too. [6] X Research source If you live in a very warm climate, you may wish to keep the bulbs in your fridge for the first 4-6 weeks to simulate cold weather. Give it a light watering every couple of weeks to retain a bit of moisture.
Plant each bulb pointy end up. Fill the hole back with soil and press the dirt into place firmly. Tulips rapidly multiply. Even if you only plant a few, in a couple of years, you’ll have a whole family. [7] X Research source
Use a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) to 2 inches (5. 1 cm) layer of mulch, leaves, or wood chips to protect the bulbs, control weeds and retain moisture. If you’re planting perennials, you’ll need to feed them every year to start them going again. You can use organic material, compost, or a balanced time-release bulb food every fall to start the process going.
Do not water them again until you see leaves. Then, you can give them a light sprinkling and that’s it. [8] X Research source
Tulips often need less water during the spring due to lots of rain and moisture. Most of the time, the weather will take care of this plant for you. Normal rainfall is all they need. [9] X Research source
If you notice that the area you planted your tulips in collects water, you’ll likely be better off moving the plant to a drier area. Dig them up taking the surrounding soil with you and find an area that rain falls on, but can drain out of.
Sprinkle or pour about one tablespoon of flower or plant fertilizer around each tulip bulb. This will last them for their entire “hibernation” period in the winter. Tulips are great at storing nutrients for long periods of time. Did you forget to fertilize in the fall? You can use a fast-release nitrogen fertilizer on developing leaves. [11] X Research source Tulips are pretty easy in the scheme of things. If you’re dealing with annuals, they may not need fertilizer at all. In the right climate, you can plant your tulip and essentially forget about it, no watering or fertilization necessary.
The only thing you can do to prevent disease is to adequately care for your tulips. You can only make sure they get a modicum of moisture, a little bit of shade, and are planted in decent, slightly acidic soil. Aphids can be a problem, but they’re easily handled with water spray.
Take shears and cut off the flower head from the stem once it’s fully spent. Leave most of the stem in place for about six weeks or until the foliage starts to yellow. Shear off the leaves at ground level and dispose of the spent plant matter once the six weeks is up. Mark the location, if desired, so you can find the bulbs later. However, don’t do this with species tulips. You want them to reproduce with their seeds and turn into an entire colony.
Many farmers and gardening enthusiasts prefer annuals when it comes to tulips. They’re easy to grow, cheap, and when the year is done, that’s it. They can grow more for the next year and experiment with different varieties if they so choose.
“Olympic Flame” Tulip “Peppermint Stick” Tulip Crocus Tulip “Negrita” Triumph Tulip “Spring Green” Veridiflora Tulip
