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No Quibble GuaranteeHow to grow Tulips
From voluptuous doubles and multicoloured parrots to elegant lily-flowering cultivars, Tulips are the epitome of spring.
Growing those that flower in early and late spring together, extends the season of interest and gives a welcome splash of colour to garden borders and pots.
Some species Tulips will naturalise, returning year after year without fail.
New and unusual Tulip varieties are constantly being bred and make long-lasting cut flowers. They continue to elongate even after cutting - you may find yourself trimming the ends as you refresh the water every couple of days.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Tulips
Tulip bulbs should be planted in late autumn after the first frosts, which will kill any tulip blight that may be in the soil. Tulips are perennials, but many gardeners grow them as annuals because the largest blooms are produced in the first year.
Tulips thrive in all soil types and pH levels. Preferring a sunny spot, most varieties will tolerate some shade, particularly the paler coloured.
How to plant Tulips
For pot-grown Tulips, use a peat-free multipurpose compost with some added grit for drainage and choose a large, deep pot.
Tulip bulbs should be planted at a depth at least 3 times the height of the bulb. A deeper planting will ensure repeat blooming in future years, help prevent disease, and will make the bulbs harder to find by hungry squirrels!
Water your bulbs in well after planting and unless you are growing them in a pot, they will not require further watering.
What to plant with Tulips
Try pairing dark and mysterious tulips like double Tulip Peony Black Hero or Tulip Triumph Ronaldo with pure white Tulip Purissima or statuesque Tulip Apricot Beauty. Add in other spring flowering bulbs such soft Narcissus Bell Song, Fritillarias and low growing Heucheras for a striking and unusual display.
Create a welcoming corner of your garden or patio with a set of pots and containers in varying heights full of tulips and other spring bulbs. Whether you love bright colours, pastels, or a simple white and green planting scheme, there will be a range of Tulips which are perfect.
Please contact our helpful and knowledgeable Customer Care Team at Hayloft if you would like any planting ideas or further advice for your Tulips, we will be happy to help.
How to care for Tulips
From the second year onwards, apply a high potash when the tips just begin to show.
If you cut stems for your home, ensure at least one set of leaves is left attached to the bulb to help with repeat flower the following year. Deadhead spent blooms by just removing the bloom and keeping the stem in place. Leave behind at least a pair of leaves to fade and dry naturally. Remove the old foliage in summer.
A mulch of homemade or spent compost in Autumn will keep the soil and your bulbs healthy and will help to keep weeds at bay.
