The absolute diamonds of the spring garden, nothing can match Tulips for uniformity, colour, perfection and style. Tulips come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and types. Nearly every colour of the rainbow can be found in the Tulip family, from the strong primary colours through to pastel, two-toned and multi-shades. Tulips are ideal for picking for the vase as they last for over a week.
3 steps to planting tulips
prepare
Growing Tulips is generally straightforward. Choose a well-drained site, as they loathe wet feet. Plant into a fertile, free-draining soil. It’s essential Tulips have plenty of sun to flower; rarely do they thrive when planted under deciduous trees. They do well in pots and containers too, hence you have many options about where to plant your bulbs.
Some favourite varieties to look out for are Casablanca, Donna Bella, Dynasty, Fancy Frills, Ile de France, Pinocchio, Pretty Woman, Princeps, Spring Green, White Dream.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Bulb Mix. To help with flowering, use a side-dressing at planting time of Tui Bulb Food. Check individual planting instructions. Plant each bulb twice the width of the bulb. Always water well after planting.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Bulb Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Bulb Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead pant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Bulb Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Tulips with Tui Bulb Food or use an all-purpose variety such as Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser. Fertilise when the first leaves and buds appear, and then again straight after flowering.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Tulips are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Pick once the colour appears in the petals before the flower fully opens. Fill the vase up to neck with water. Blooms will last a week or two once picked.
Plant more than you think you need, as once they appear in the garden the temptation to pick them for the vase is strong.