Tulip /Tulipa

Tulip Description

While not quite as popular as daffodils, tulips are a close second and most gardens have their share of these large and brilliantly coloured flowers.

There are literally hundreds of different varieties of Tulipa available. There are 8cm dwarfs right up to the variations such as Rembrandts that stand at ten times the height of their diminutive cousins. The array of colours is also very impressive ranging from white to near-black. Variations with second or third colours are actually caused by a virus and at one time these commanded huge asking prices.

Generally a single bowl or bell shaped bloom sits on top of an upright stem although some cultivars may have multiple heads and may be star-shaped. Most tulips have lance-shaped leaves. Unlike daffodils tulips cannot be grown in the lawn and must have their own clutter-free area of soil.

Cultivation of Tulip Plants

Tulip bulbs can be planted from November right through until Christmas. If the bulbs are planted too early the young growing tips may run foul of frost. For Garden tulips plant the bulbs 15-20cm deep and Botanical tulips can be planted to a depth of 10cm. The distance between individual bulbs will depend upon the variety but in some cases may be as far apart as 20cm.

The chosen site should be sunny and the soil must have good drainage. Tulips prefer alkaline soil so if your soil is acid in nature apply some lime just ahead of planting the bulbs.

Tulips benefit greatly from regular and frequent deadheading. Unlike daffodils tulips require annual lifting once the foliage has withered down. The lifted bulbs must be stored in a frost-free environment until planting time comes around again. Avoid using the same planting site every year.

Tulip Pests and Diseases

Tulips can be susceptible to viruses such as cucumber mosaic and arabis mosaic. Damaged bulbs can be adversely affected by blue mould and tulip fire can cause scorching on flowers and leaves. The foliage and bulbs may suffer attacks from slugs and snails. Finally, mice may feed on stored bulbs if accessible.