Generally, when we want to grow a plant, we usually plant it directly in the ground in a pot or a seedbed with soil. However, with bulbous plants we have another very simple and effective option: water. Yes, the bulb can be placed directly in water so that it will eventually take root and develop the plant. As you well know, tulips are beautiful flowers which also have a bulb, so we can try it. To make it easier for you, we will explain in this article how to grow tulips in water
In addition to explaining the procedure, we will also talk a bit about what are bulbous plants and what care do tulips need in water. So don’t hesitate to take a look at this article if you love tulips and want to grow them at home.
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What are bulbous plants?
Bulbous plants are an increasingly popular type of vegetable. This is not surprising, as they are very hardy and easier to grow than many other plants. But, what are they exactly? Also, These are all those vegetables that can be grown from tuberous roots, rhizomes, bulbs or bulbs.
These elements are plant organs found underground and in which plants accumulate nutritional reserves constituted by their leaves. This is why they are able to survive the coldest months: in winter, these plants lose their leaves, but retain their nutritional reserves. Thanks to the organs we mentioned earlier, a new plant will be able to sprout in the spring.
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What are bulbous plants
While it is true that tulips are the most well-known bulbous plants, there are many other well-known ones. Let’s give some examples:
- Bulbs: Lily, Clivia, Fritillaria, Hemerocalis, Hippeastrum, Iris, Hyacinth, Muscari, Narcissus, Nardo, Nerine, Tigridia, etc.
- Corms: Gladiolus, Freesia, Ixia, Crocus, etc.
- Tuberous roots: Agapanthus, Anemone, Begonia, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Buttercup, etc.
- Rhizomes : Cala, Caña de las Indias, Convallaria majalis, Lily, etc.
How to germinate bulbs in water?
As already mentioned, growing tulips in water is perfectly viable. Not only is it a simple and effective method, but it is also very decorative. This method is also called hydroponics. This process is very easy to perform. For this we will need, in addition to the bulb, a container filled with water. It shouldn’t be too deep so that the bulb isn’t completely submerged.
If we want it to grow well, it is important that less than half of the bulb remains under water. Moreover, it is essential change the water every ten days about so that the mushrooms do not appear and end up rotting the vegetable. Between the first forty and fifty days, the containers must be kept in the dark and at a temperature between fifteen and eighteen degrees. A little trick is to cover the entire container with a black plastic bag or just cover the top of the ampoule.
Over time we will observe how roots and stems begin to sprout from this mass we call a bulb. It is a curious process to see and will result in spectacular water tulips. However, if you prefer to be more traditional with growing bulbous plants, here we explain how to plant bulbs.
Grow tulips in water
Elaborating a little more on the subject of tulips in water, it is important to comment on the best time and the best climate to carry out this task. As you may have already deduced, the bulbs of these flowers already contain enough nutrients, so They do not require excessive care.
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How to store tulip bulbs?
In general, if we live in areas with very cold winters, it is best to plant tulips in late fall and they will bloom around mid-spring. On the other hand, if we live in warmer regions, the best option is to plant the bulbs in early spring. In this case, they will begin to bloom in early summer. tulips in water nThey usually measure between thirty and sixty centimeters and the flowers eventually dry out after about three weeks.
But where do you find tulip bulbs? These organs are usually sold at nurseries, florists and garden centers. Keep in mind that the bigger the size of the bulb, the bigger the tulip will be. Once we have acquired them, it is important to incubate them for about twelve weeks in the refrigerator, They are native to colder climates. It is strongly advised to respect this rest period in general for all bulbs, whatever the type of culture and whether it is on the ground or in water.
How to care for tulips in water?
Traditionally, tulips are spring flowers. However, with the water bulb method, they can be grown year-round in a glass container. The roots grow downwards, remaining in the water, while the precious flower of this vegetable will emerge at the top. Without a doubt, it will stand out in our home and help us to beautify the environment.
It is true that it is very easy to grow tulips in water, but still They require a certain care that we must take into account. The water must be changed regularly to prevent the appearance of fungus and rotting of the plant. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the tulips from being exposed to drafts and not to place them near the radiator. The most advisable is to place these flowers near a window. In this way, they will receive the sunlight without it being too direct.
In case they gave us tulips in bulk or in a bouquet, the best thing to do is to cut the stems at a 45 degree angle and put them in the water. Thus each flower will have a larger absorption surface. Of course, we must perform this task with wide and sharp scissors so as not to end up crushing the stems inadvertently.
As you can see, growing tulips in water using their bulb is not complicated at all. Now you only need one bulb to try it out! You can tell us about your experiences in the comments.