Tulips planting
Planting Tulip Bulbs - How to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Your Garden?
Hooray! Planting tulip bulbs! Here, you'll learn from the growers what to pay attention to. Planting tulip bulbs is best done on a full moon on a warm October night, wearing a green tutu, and you need special training. Just kidding. Planting tulip bulbs isn't super complicated. In fact, when they bloom, they don't require much care. However, there are a few tricks we should be aware of when planting (and maintaining) tulip bulbs. So, take your time to read through all the advice and tips from the tulip growers. Also, always read the specifications and instructions on the product cards of your order. Dive into the article quickly and learn to grow with the confidence of a grower.
1. Planting Period – planting tulip bulbs is allowed until frost arrives (October to mid-December)
Tulips bloom in spring. Therefore, we plant tulip bulbs in the fall between October and mid-December. Remember the following rule of thumb: planting tulip bulbs is allowed until frost arrives. They absolutely dislike the cold. Brrr... That nasty cold weather. Just like you, they prefer to stay warm all winter (underground). If you start on time, your tulips can 'establish good root systems' before winter begins and absorb enough nutrients. This makes the bulbs stronger and ensures they survive the winter. And that means BEAUTIFUL flowers. Lucky you!
TIP: Planting tulip bulbs earlier during the planting season makes the bulbs stronger and they will bloom earlier (often with slightly larger, more beautiful flowers). If you plant the bulbs (just) too late, there is a chance they may not emerge or not emerge properly.
2. Location – You can plant tulip bulbs in full sun or partial sun/shade
Generally, you can plant tulip bulbs in a spot that receives full sun. Because they love the sun just as much as you do! There are also special tulip varieties that do like a bit of shade. So, when planting tulip bulbs, always check the location specified on the product card provided by us.
TIP: Planning to plant tulip bulbs next to a hedge or tree? Make sure it's not too densely grown or overgrown. Otherwise, they still won't get the amount of sun (and love) they need.
3. Drainage – planting tulip bulbs is best done in well-draining soil
If you want to plant tulip bulbs in the garden, find a spot where you're sure water can drain away. Bulbs can rot or freeze more easily in overly wet (soggy) soil. And we definitely want to avoid both scenarios...
4. Soil Preparation – After loosening the soil, you can plant your tulip bulbs
When planting tulip bulbs, it's good to loosen the soil. This allows more air into the soil, making it easier for the bulbs to establish roots.
TIP: Remove any weeds and pebbles. This way, your plants won't be obstructed when they emerge.
5. Fertilization and Nutrition – planting tulip bulbs with fertilization is not necessary. But it can be done.
We generally plant tulip bulbs without fertilization. Especially for annual tulips, fertilization is not necessary. The bulbs already have absorbed nutrients (while they were still in the ground at the nursery). Besides, annual tulips, logically, don't need to bloom again the following year (which would require that extra nutrition).
TIP 1: Just a quick reminder. Always check the instructions on the label to see how much nutrition you should give...
TIP 2: Planting perennial tulip bulbs with some fertilizer is indeed beneficial. Do this towards the end of the flowering period. This extra nutrition helps the plant produce just as beautiful flowers when we plant the tulip bulbs next year.
6. Planting Distance – You can plant your tulip bulbs about 10 cm (a fist's width) apart
A rule of thumb: we plant tulip bulbs about 10 cm (a fist's width) apart. This way, you create a magnificent spectacle of color, without any gaps between all the flowers. And that's exactly what you want, right? A sea of tulips. So beautiful, it warms your heart. It's like a harbinger of the delightful warm summer awaiting us!
7. Planting Depth – You can plant tulip bulbs at a depth of three times the bulb's height
You can plant tulip bulbs at a depth corresponding to approximately three times the height of the bulb itself. For example, if the bulb is 3 cm tall, you can plant it at a depth of about 9 cm.
TIP: When planting tulip bulbs, we need to be extra gentle with the bulbs. Because they can get damaged. Therefore, gently place them in the hole.
8. Position of the bulb – tulip bulbs are planted with the point of the bulb facing upwards
A tulip bulb has a flat side and a pointed side. You may plant tulip bulbs with the point of the bulb facing upwards. The stem of the tulip grows upwards through the point. If you don't do this, there's a good chance that the plant won't fully develop. It will have to grow upwards underground in a detour, costing extra energy. Energy that won't go into your flower... tum, tum, tum. A scenario we want to avoid.
TIP: Just before planting the tulip bulbs, it's wise to make the soil slightly moist with a little lukewarm water. This way, the tulip bulbs are less likely to be startled.
9. Watering – after planting tulip bulbs, the bulbs require little to no water
It sounds a bit strange, but when planting and maintaining tulip bulbs, you don't need much water. Only during long periods of dry weather (depending on the weather, but think of about a week). Generally, you can just let the bulbs be.
TIP 1: Water from the tap is often too 'hard' and contains a lot of minerals. Your plants might not like it as much. Planting and maintaining tulip bulbs generally goes better with rainwater. Your plants will appreciate it!
TIP 2: If extreme cold weather is forecasted in the winter (-10 degrees Celsius), it's advisable to cover the soil with straw or leaves. A sort of blanket. Quite cozy, isn't it? Good to know: if it's very dry in the summer, covering with straw helps keep the soil moist for longer!
TIP 3: Are there (many) mice or other critters in your garden? You can still plant your tulip bulbs and then cover them with animal-friendly mesh. This way, the tulips can emerge and bloom undisturbed in spring.
Meet Wilco and Johan-Willen
Meet the tulip growers who grow with you during your journey from bulb to flower.
Wilco
since 1982
Tulips bring color and joy to your life
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