Compare size of bulbs

Tulips are a very popular and a very pretty flower for spring interest in any persons yard.  Tulips are one of those flowers that everybody wants, but don’t think about planting until they are in bloom.  It is possible to plant them while they are in bloom, but you will be spending about 10 times as much money on them at that time.  Here is how to save tons of money…Plant them in the late fall or early winter.  Here in the Nashville, Tn area, I like to plant them around Christmas time.  Rule of thumb for the weather is plant them after all the ‘warm’ weather is over, and before the ground gets completely frozen.

Tulips need an extended period of ‘cold’ in order to rejuvenate and prepare the bulb for bloom.  The bulbs are sold by size of the bulb; it is always worth spending a few extra pennies and getting the larger bulbs.   Larger bulbs will yield larger blooms.  Tulips can be planted and will do well under large deciduous trees, where other blooming plants will not.  This is because the Tulips will be done blooming by the time the leaves fully shade the Tulips.  Tulips do best in loose, well drained soil.  Always apply plant food above the bulbs, but don’t let the fertilizer touch the actual bulb, and make sure to water in the food well.

You can periodically dig up the tulip bulbs and divide them and increase your initial investment.  Do this when the bulbs are not in bloom.  If you put extra water the bulbs when the bulbs are rising, you will get larger blooms and taller stems.

Happy Tulips