Successfully Planting and Care for Tulips
I would like for you to take a journey with me as we tiptoe through the tulips. Tulips are just simply amazing and can be grown both out and indoors. These garden beauties have made a name for themselves and have been around for quite some time. Tulips are a native of central Asia but have found their way into the warmer climates like South Florida.
Tulips are so beautiful and will paint your gardens and landscapes with colors that are eye-popping. These plants are a gardener’s favorite, what I love about the blooming of tulips is a sign that spring is here. So if your desire is to have a garden that is bursting with colors signaling that spring is just around the corner then continue reading as we not only enter the fabulous world of tulips but learn how to successfully grow and care for them.
Planting Location
When deciding on where to install your tulips, look for an area that gets full to partial sun.
Soil Type
The soil should be sandy because tulips acquire a soil that is well-drained.
Watering Methods
Tulips require very little water because if they receive too much moisture will rot or encourage fungus.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilizing your tulips will keep them looking beautiful, feeding your tulips in the fall is great because this is the time of the year when your bulbs are putting out new roots to prepare for the winter. Spreading one inch of compost over the soil will work wonders.
Garden pests of tulips
These garden insect pests to keep an eye out for.
- Snails
- Slugs
- Aphids
- Spiders Mites
- Rabbits
- Squirrels
Aphids and spider mites
Aphids and spider mites are tiny insects pest which causes damage by sucking the plants fluid. The use of insecticidal soaps will bring them under control. Before applying read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and Snails cause damage by eating the plant parts turning your beautiful bulbs into a nightmare. The use of slug or snail bait will eliminate them or if you prefer you can remove them by handpicking.
Rabbit and Squirrels
As cute as these little guys are they can cause much damage besides making a meal out of your tulips, The use of barriers such as mesh wires, installing motion sensor sprinkler system, barrier fences, the use of squirrels repellents, etc.. can go a long way in protecting your blubs.
Diseases of tulips
keep an eye out for these diseases.
- Bulb Rot
- Botrytis Blight
- Pythium root rot
Bulb Rot
Bulb rot causes tulips top to take on a grayish color followed by withering.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight affects the entire plant, signs show up as discolored spots on the petals and the leaves. The bulbs will be covered with lesions, the stems will also be weak.
Pythium root rot
Pythium root rot shows up as gray and brown spots which cause the shoots not to emerge.
Treating Bulbs
Before purchasing bulbs look for signs of bulbs that are diseased or have and of color, these bulbs should be avoided. If you have bulbs that are diseased discard of. It is good to treat healthy bulbs with fungicides.
Growing tulips in containers
Adding tulips indoors can really liven up that area with those bright beautiful colors especially during the winter months.
For this project, you will need.
- Several 6-inch containers
- Good garden soil
- Plastic bags
1. First, moisten the soil and fill the containers halfway to the top.
2. Next place the bulbs on top of the soil. The pointed end of the bulbs should be an inch or two below the rim of the container.
3. Give each bulb a proper spacing of about 1 inch apart now completely cover them with the soil.
4. Place your containers in plastic bags and place the plastic bags in the refrigerator for about ten weeks. Water the soil if it looks like it is drying out.
5. Remove the containers from the fridge, once the shoots start to emerge.
6. Place the containers in an area that gets anywhere from 55-75 F. This area should have full sun.
7. Once the soil dry give your pulps a good soaking.
Additional Information
1. Planting different varieties with different bloom times will have your garden always painted with colors.
2. Tulips are planted in the autumn before the cold sets in or the ground freezes.
The final word
Growing and caring for tulips is pretty amazing, these garden beauties are sure to light up your life. If you are looking for flowering plants that are really colorful then my suggestion to you is to give these plants a try. Tulips have made a name for themselves among garden plants so join the many homeowners which are taking advantage of these babies and reap the rewards of flowering plants that will dazzle you with their beauty and charm.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.