Grow Your Own Tulips
Tulips are a popular choice for gardens as they come in different colours and shapes. These perennial flowers can add a touch of elegance to any outside space and are very easy to grow yourself.
2 minute read
Pick the Best Bulbs
Rather than ordering bulbs online, visit a nursery or a garden centre and pick your own. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the very best for your garden. Healthy tulip bulbs should be firm to touch and free of damage, bruises and mould. Bulbs aren’t intended to be above ground so ensure they’re planted within a week of purchase.
Planting
Ideally, you should plant your tulip bulbs mid to late autumn ready to bloom in spring. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil and thrive in flowerbeds that get lots of sun but are sheltered from harsh winds. Plant the bulbs with their pointed ends facing upwards, at least 10cm deep and at least 5cm apart. Cover them with soil and press it down firmly. Although tulip bulbs dislike wet conditions, it is important to water them immediately after planting to trigger growth.
Pest Control
Snails and slugs can be frequent pests in the garden so ensure that you use slug pellets after planting your tulip bulbs and then on a monthly basis. Deter squirrels, rats and mice by spreading well-rotted cow manure across the flowerbed. Sprinkling cayenne pepper is also said to keep these pesky rodents at bay.
Lasting care
As mentioned, tulip bulbs don’t do too well in wet conditions so only water your beds during particularly dry spells. Deadhead the plants after flowering and only remove the leaves when they have died back to ensure the bulbs are ready for the following years bloom. Keep the new bulbs in a dry, airy shed ready for replanting.
