Tulips

Tulips: the most recognisable symbol of spring

From stately Darwin hybrids to playful wild tulips

A place for tulips everywhere

Frequently asked questions about tulips

• When should you plant tulip bulbs?
  It is best to plant tulip bulbs from October through to December, preferably only once the soil temperature has dropped below 10 degrees. Planting later – in November or December – also reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as tulip fire.
• How deep should you plant tulips?
  Plant tulip bulbs at a depth of about two to three times the height of the bulb – this usually amounts to 10 to 15 centimetres. Plant the bulb with the pointed end facing upwards and leave a gap of about 5 to 10 centimetres between the bulbs.
• Do tulips come back every year?
  That varies by variety. Many modern tulip cultivars flower at their best in the first year and then somewhat less so. Botanical varieties, such as our botanical tulips, are, on the other hand, strong naturalisers: not only do they return year after year, but they also spread further on their own.
• Can you plant tulips in a pot?
  Certainly. Tulips thrive in pots and planters, provided there is good drainage and the pot is at least three times as deep as the bulb. This way, even without a garden, you can create a colourful spring display on your balcony or terrace.
• When do tulips flower?
  Most tulips flower between mid-April and mid-May, depending on the variety. By combining early, mid-early and late-flowering varieties, you can keep your garden in bloom for weeks on end.
• What should you do with tulips after they’ve finished flowering?
  For the familiar, tall tulips, let the foliage wither and turn yellow naturally after flowering before removing it – the bulb draws nutrients from it for the following year. Then dig them up and store the bulbs in a dry place until autumn. With non-botanical tulips, however, you can remove the spent flower heads straight away, so that the bulb doesn’t waste energy on seed formation.