Tulips are in high demand in the gardening world and many people want to learn how to plant a cultivar. The doubt of many people is when to plant tulips since it must be at the time of the year when it is most favorable to their good development.
In this article we will tell you when tulips are planted and what are the main care we need to give them.
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When to plant tulips?
In general terms, tulip bulbs can be sown from 6 months to six months. However, the best time to plant tulips is in the fall, which can be done from September to January in the northern hemisphere. Indeed, it is very important to remember that it is necessary to sow when it is not too hot, but always before the onset of frosts.
This period is the most favorable period for the growth of tulip bulbs, but if they are planted early, the temperature is too high, the ground is too hot, or frost has formed after that, the bulbs will not will develop little or not at all. . This way they will grow better and the tulips will bloom between April and May. Now that you know when to plant tulips in the northern hemisphere, let’s talk about the southern hemisphere, since you know that the months change with the seasons.
If you’re wondering when tulips are planted in the southern hemisphere, keep in mind that the best time to plant tulip bulbs is also in the fall, as that’s usually the best temperature for bulb growth. . However, As for the south, fall is more or less from March to May. It is best to plant tulip bulbs no later than early April to late June. This way they will bloom in September and October.
Some recommendations on tulips
It is recommended to buy locally grown bulbs, as imported bulbs may require additional cycles and will not bloom everywhere. Remember, do not water if it rains every week. However, if there is a dry period and therefore no rain, you should water the bulbs weekly until the soil is moist again.
Remember that rainy summers, irrigation systems and wet soils are the death of tulips. The soil should contain organic matter, but not in excess. For it, if the terrain doesn’t have it, you can always add a little. It is important to add crushed pine bark, sand or other coarse material to the soil to promote quick drainage.
When the flower dries, you need to cut it off, leaving the leaves behind. Beyond that, it must be added that when the leaves dry out, it is time to dig up the bulb and store it until next fall, when it will have to be replanted to grow tulips again.
Most tulips need a “cold period” of at least 12 to 14 weeks to produce beautiful flowers. This makes it difficult to grow tulips in hot tropical climates. The cold period is usually given by nature and is when the ground temperature drops below 55 degrees.
On the other hand, on hot days when the soil temperature doesn’t drop low enough, i.e. below 55 degrees, you can trick the bulbs into thinking they’ve had a cold winter underground. This is another option for growing tulips.
tulips like plant them in cool soil (32-55 degrees) so they can take root. It takes 4-6 weeks for the roots to grow sufficiently, and once they have rooted they are ready for the warm spring temperatures.
In areas where the ground temperature does not drop below 60 degrees, a fridge or freezer can be used (40-50 degrees) to help develop a healthy root system. On the other hand, if you don’t have a freezer, I advise you to grow your tulips in pots and then store them in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks.
I recommend growing your tulips in partial or full shade. The bulbs should always be 6 to 8 inches deep and covered with 2 inches of soil to help retain moisture and keep the bulbs cool.
Tulips also do well in midday sun and under deciduous trees. In hot climates, flowers will last longer if they are shaded from afternoon sun. Tulip bulbs are susceptible to fungal diseasesespecially when grown in cool, wet weather.
For best results, simply remove the bulbs after they have bloomed and plant new bulbs each fall. Tulips also pair well with other flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. You can use it as a good suggestion for possible floral arrangements.
If you prefer a variety with a different flowering time, simply remove the bulbs after they have flowered and replant at a different time each fall to extend the blooming season. Remember that there are many varieties of tulips to choose from. Some have single flowers, others have double flowers.
When to plant potted tulips?
Now that you know when tulips are planted, let’s talk about some tips for growing tulips in pots:
- When you choose to buy a tulip bulb, make sure it’s a little firm and consistent to the touch, with a thin skin, like an onion. If you find anything wrinkled or soft, don’t pick it up because it won’t be in good condition.
- To break the dormancy of the bulbs and allow them to start growing, it is important to cool them before planting them.
- It is best to buy tulip bulbs grown in the area where you live or in the same country, as tulip bulbs imported from other places in other climates may have different cycles. In this case, they will not grow well and bloom outside the site.
- It needs cool soil to thrive, so a good time to plant is when the soil temperature is stable and below 15°C.
- This type of bulb does not do well in the ground for long periods of time. For this reason, we recommend that you plant it within the same week of purchase.
- When you go to plant them, dig holes in the ground three times the height of each bulb.
I hope with this information you can learn more about when tulips are planted.