Brightly coloured plants are planted in the fall to brighten the world after awakening from its winter sleep. Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, allium, and snowdrops, use the cool weather of winter to develop their root systems to bloom into life the following spring.
Did you know there are over 150 species of tulips with over 3,000 different varieties? Each tulip colour indicates a different meaning:
- Red = perfect love
- Orange = understanding, appreciation
- White = apology, forgiveness
- Pink = affection, good wishes
- Purple = royalty
Tulip flowers are cup-shaped with three petals and three sepals. Their flower buds are known for being almost perfectly asymmetrical.
Tulips are one of the flowers in Liliaceae family along with onions, garlic and asparagus. The bulb and petals of tulips are edible and have been used as a substitute for onions and to make wine.
Here is everything you need to know about planting and growing tulips for a spring harvest.
Timing: Tulip bulbs are planted in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the ground is expected to freeze. Planting different varieties causes different bloom times, from early to late spring.
A rule of thumb to plant bulbs is when the average overnight temperatures fall to 5-10°C.
However, even if you miss planting bulbs at the optimal time, there is no need to wait for spring or next fall. Bulbs are not like seeds and tulips can be planted later in the winter season.
Sowing: Tulips require well-drained soil as bulbs dislike areas with excessive moisture.
Plant tulip bulbs with the pointed end faced up, about 6-8” deep (about three times the height of the bulb) and 4-6” apart.
There is no such thing as planting too close - tulip bulbs may be planted touching. The best show of tulips occurs when they are snuggled closed together.
Growing: Water the bulbs once per week for the first month after planting, until the ground freezes. Begin watering again in the springtime when the leaves appear. Ideal pH level of 6.0-7.0.
To foster swift drainage, add shredded pine bark, sand or any other rough material to the soil.
Harvesting: The best tulip display is during the spring that directly follows the fall in which you plant the bulbs.
To enjoy tulips indoors, cut the tulips while the buds are still tight, and they will continue to grow at least an inch. To get the longest vase life, cut tulip stems diagonally and place in a clean vase filled with room-temperature water.
In the garden, to encourage tulips to come back year after year, allow the leaves to remain on the plants for about 6 weeks after flowering. The tulips need their foliage to gather energy for next year’s blooms. Once the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk to the base of the plant.
Protection: Plenty of critters such as squirrels, rabbits, and mice adore tulip bulbs as a food source. Line planting holes or utilize wired cages or a tall fence to help prevent these animals from digging up the bulbs.
These animals are often skittish and run away to sudden movement. It may be helpful to install a motion light or windchime nearby. Consider planting daffodil bulbs with tulips as these are toxic to animal consumption and can minimize damage.
Pests and Disease: The two main types of mite pests include the bulb mite and the spider mite. Bulb mites attack tulip bulbs in storage and after planting, while spider mites attack the foliage, stems, and flowers of tulips.