How to Plant and Care for Tulips

Tulips are stunning showstoppers that work equally well in an informal shaded flower bed or for use in a more formal garden with raised beds. The tulip has a vast and prestigious history and at one time tulip bulbs were considered an extremely valuable commodity worth thousands. Though they look as delicate as orchids, Tulips are hardy bulb plants that will return year after year when cared for correctly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

General Care for Tulips

1

Choose tulips for either one color palette or plant in color burst. Tulip colors range from the traditional fire-engine red to the purple-black of "Queen of the Night," and range in shape from simple single-flowered varieties to the exotic, frilled parrot tulips.

2

Plant Tulips for longevity. If you want to leave your tulips in the soil year after year, plant them 2 to 3 inches deeper than recommended.

3

Plant tulips in borders or beds. Tulips look their best when showcased in borders and beds or as the main feature in window boxes or pots.

4

Plant tulips in containers or under shade. Under a tree, tulips will be sheltered from the sun. Tulips selected for color contrast in planters on a patio last much longer under shade. Plant them under deciduous trees so the shade is not too deep. In terra-cotta pots or wooden tubs, tulips provide a splash of spring color on deck or patio.

5

Plant tulips with partners. Plant masses of showy tulips together for a vibrant display or allow them to tower over other, smaller spring flowers. Whether in a bed or a container, the deep purple-black of "Black Diamond" tulips will look arresting when planted with a sea of lavender pansies splotched with black and gold accents. Primulas make ideal mates for tulips, as they are available in similar vibrant hues. Combine the glowing red-and-orange "Abra" fiery tulip with a yellow or white pansy for a dramatic but not shocking contrast.

How to Plant Tulips

6

Dig a wide hole, 6 to 8 inches deep in the fall. Add sand if drainage is poor to prevent the tulip bulbs from rotting.

7

Place tulip bulbs and bone meal in the hole. Make sure their tips are pointing upward. Plant tulips about 3 to 5 inches apart to give them room to spread.

8

Replace the soil and pat it down firmly, making sure you do not shift the bulbs in the hole.

9

Water tulip bulbs well after planting, and cover with 2 inches of mulch. If the soil is dry then the tulips require regular watering.

10

Deadhead flowers. When the foliage dies naturally, dig up bulbs. The tulip bulbs can be stored in a dry place for replanting in fall.