Tulipa

The Tulipa species offered here fall into one of two categories. A few are quite specialist and like to be grown under alpine glass, whilst many of the others (usually the cheaper species) are those which we have found not to be difficult outside in the garden or in a raised bed. In the garden most of the latter benefit from a sunny, well-drained site. Many grow better still in a raised bed, with the bulbs lifted and cleaned every other year to stop overcrowding and the resultant diminution in size. A few (such as Tulipa sylvestris) do best in a damp spot which becomes shaded after the leaves are made. An equally small number are desert dwellers, intolerant of too much water at the wrong time.

Many of the smaller species can also be grown in the bulb frame or pots in the alpine house. When grown in pots provide a fertile, well-drained, loam-based compost such as John Innes compost No3, plus extra grit. Tulipa do not like peat-based composts as a rule.

Tulips are normally available between early September and late November. They need a longer ripening with us before they are judged ready for sending out but will safely plant much later than most other autumn-planted species. This can extend into early-Spring planting for many.

Available for ordering from our Autumn list (though many will plant safely as late as February-March).