Tips for Planting Tulips
Tulips are an easy care addition to any landscape, and they are easier to plant than many gardeners realize.
- Choose only top-sized bulbs without any bruises or obvious damage. Bigger bulbs generally indicate better quality and bigger flowers.
- Plant bulbs as soon as purchased or store in a cool, dry location.
- Choose a sunny (or part sun) location with well-drained, rich soil.
- Plant 2″ deeper than recommended to promote re-blooming each year.
- Apply bone meal 3 times a year – in fall when you plant, in spring as bulbs emerge from the ground and after flowering has finished. This will provide food for the foliage and bulb growth for next year’s flowers.
- Mulch and water the bed thoroughly after planting.
- Plant before the ground freezes.
- Deadhead flowers after they have faded, but leave the foliage to die back naturally. Do not cut off the leaves until they have turned brown, or else they will not develop large enough bulbs for a good show the next year.
