The BULB Nursery

When should you plant Tulips?

Tulips don't start to root until the weather gets colder. They also are not happy sitting in lots of water and will begin to rot in these conditions.
The best months to plant tulip bulbs are; October - December.

How deep do you plant the bulbs?

As a general rule of thumb, tulips respond best if they are planted about 15cm deep
(6 inches) in moist soil.

Should I lift the bulbs every year?

Many tulips are able to remain in the soil year after year and still produce a good display (like the Kaufmanniana, Greigii and Darwin Hybrid species).
Others may require replacing after a couple of seasons.
If the tulip flower starts to look jaded and past its best then it should be replaced.

Can I plant Tulips in pots?

Of course! Remember to plant them at the same depth, ideally you should use soil from the garden rather than a peat based compost, and there should be at least 3 inches of room below the bulb to allow for root growth.

Any other tips for growing Tulips?

They prefer sunnier positions rather than shade. Although the roots don't like lying in water they need to be kept lightly moist - just ensure there is adequate drainage to stop them rotting. Once the flower has passed its best you should deadhead the flower to allow the plant to focus its energy back into the bulb.

Once the foliage has discoloured, remove and dispose of this too rather than
leaving it on the surface of the soil, otherwise this can cause a condition known as 'tulip fire' and this can damage the bulb.

And of course, keep an eye out for slugs!

CLICK HERE for information on Storing Tulip Bulbs