When to plant tulips: the best tips and tricks
Tulips are very popular in the gardening world and many people want to learn how to plant this variety. Many people have doubts when to plant tulips it must be the time of year that is most favorable for their proper development.
In this article, we will tell you when to plant tulips and what are the main care activities we need to provide them with.
When are tulips planted?
In general terms, Tulip bulbs can be sown from 6 months to six months. However, the best time to plant tulips is autumn, which in the northern hemisphere can be done from September to January. In fact, it is very crucial to remember that you should sow when it is not too scorching, but always before the frost.
This time is the most favorable for the growth of tulip bulbs, but if they are planted early, the temperature is too high, the soil is too scorching or frost has formed after this, the bulbs will not develop or will work very poorly. . Thanks to this, they will grow better and the tulips will bloom from April to May. Now that you know when to plant tulips in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s talk about the Southern Hemisphere, since you know that the months change with the seasons.
If you’re wondering when to plant tulips in the Southern Hemisphere, remember that the best time to plant tulip bulbs is also in the fall, as this is usually the best temperature for bulb growth. However, In the south, autumn lasts approximately from March to May. It is best to plant tulip bulbs no later than from the beginning of April to the end of June. This way they will bloom in September and October.
Some recommendations for tulips
It is recommended to purchase locally grown bulbs as imported bulbs may require additional cycles and will not fully flower in all locations. Remember, should not be watered if it rains every week. However, if there is a drought and therefore no rain, you should water the bulbs every week until the soil becomes moist again from the rain.
Remember that rainy summers, irrigation systems and moist soil are the death of tulips. The soil must contain organic matter, although not in excess. This is why, If you don’t have it in the field, you can always add some. It is crucial to add crushed pine bark, sand or other abrasive material to the soil to speed up drainage.
When the flower dries, it should be cut off, leaving the leaves. In addition, let’s add that when the leaves parched, you should dig up the bulb and store it until next fall, when you will need to replant it to grow tulips again.
Most tulips need a “icy period” of at least 12 to 14 weeks to produce attractive flowers. This makes it complex to grow tulips in scorching tropical climates. The icy period is usually given by nature and it is when the ground temperature drops below 55 degrees.
On the other hand, on scorching days when the ground temperature does not drop low enough, i.e. below 55 degrees, the bulbs can be tricked into thinking that they have experienced a icy winter underground. This is another option when growing tulips.
I like tulips plant them in frigid soil (32-55 degrees) so they can take root. It takes 4-6 weeks for the roots to grow sufficiently, and once established, they are ready for hot spring temperatures.
In areas where the ground temperature does not drop below 60 degrees, you can operate the refrigerator or freezer (40-50 degrees) to facilitate develop a well root system. On the other hand, if you don’t have a freezer, I recommend growing your tulips in pots and then storing them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
I recommend growing tulips in partial shade or full shade. Bulbs should always be 6-8 inches deep and covered with 2 inches of soil to facilitate retain moisture and keep the bulbs frigid.
Tulips also do well in midday sun and under deciduous trees. In scorching climates, flowers will last longer if they are protected from the afternoon sun. Tulip bulbs are susceptible to fungal diseasesespecially when growing in frigid and damp weather.
For best results, simply remove the bulbs after they bloom and plant fresh ones each fall. Tulips also go well with other flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. You can operate this as a good suggestion for possible flower arrangements.
If you prefer a variety with a different flowering time, simply remove the bulbs after flowering replant at a different time each fall to extend the flowering period. Remember that there are many varieties of tulips to choose from. Some have single flowers, others have double flowers.
When are potted tulips planted?
Now that you know when to plant tulips, let’s talk about some tips on how to grow tulips in a pot:
- When deciding to buy a tulip bulb, make sure it is somewhat firm and consistent to the touch, with a lean skin, like an onion. If you find anything wrinkled or tender, do not pick it up as it will not be in good condition.
- To break the dormancy of the bulbs and allow them to start growing, it is crucial to frigid them before planting.
- It is better to buy tulip bulbs grown in the area where you live or in the same country, as imported tulip bulbs from other places in different climates may have different cycles. In this case, they will not grow well and will not bloom outside the site.
- It needs frigid soil to thrive, so A good time for planting is when the soil temperature is stable and below 15°C.
- These types of bulbs do not do well in the ground for long periods of time. For this reason, we recommend planting it within the same week of purchase.
- When you plant them, dig holes in the ground three times the size of each bulb.
I hope this information helps you learn more about planting tulips.