Tulip FAQ's
Frequently asked questions for Tulip bulbs
How do I plant tulips?
Tulips can be planted into pots or directly into a border during Autumn. They should be planted in a planting hole to around 3 times their height as a guide, and in well drained soil. They perform best in a sunny position.
When should tulip bulbs be planted?
Tulip bulbs must be planted in autumn, the same year that they are supplied. It is best to plant them when soil temperatures are cooler, so avoid planting them early in the season while the weather is still warm and get them planted between mid-Octob
How many years will tulips last?
Darwin hybrid and botanical tulips are perennial and last for years, returning every spring. However, most other tulip varieties produce their optimum flowers in the first year and then will not return reliably from the second year onwards.
Do tulips come back every year?
Most tulips are not reliably perennial and don’t grow back after the first year, although you may see some return. However, darwin hybrid tulips and botanical tulips are perennial and will come back year after year.
Do tulips spread?
Botanical tulip varieties can naturalise, which means that the bulbs multiply over time and gradually spread. Most other tulip varieties do not return year after year and their numbers and flower quality will diminish from the second year onwards.
Do tulips double each year?
Some tulips multiply and produce multiple bulblets. Botanical tulips do usually multiply each year when they are happy in their position, but the larger hybrid tulip varieties do not.
Do you deadhead tulips?
You should deadhead tulips once all the petals have dropped. Just snip the spent flowerhead off at the top of the stem and leave the length of the stem and leaves intact while still green.
How often do you water tulips?
You should water tulips between mid-February and May if the soil feels dry 5-10cm below the surface. Spring bulbs should not be in permanently wet conditions. Usually rainfall provides sufficient moisture through winter until early/mid spring. Check
What do you do with tulips when they have finished flowering?
Deadhead the flower once the petals have fallen, but allow the full length of the stem and leaves to remain intact while still green. Once it has yellowed or died back, it can be cut off at soil level. Most tulip varieties are not reliably perennial
Can I save tulip bulbs for next year?
Most tulips are not reliably perennial and won’t produce such a good display in subsequent years. Darwin hybrid varieties and botanical tulips are the exception—allow them to die back naturally and leave them in the soil where they are planted. Other
Can I leave tulip bulbs in pots after flowering?
Tulip bulbs can be left in their pots after flowering. Deadhead the spent flower and allow the stem and foliage to die back naturally. Reduce watering and remove the old foliage once it has turned yellow. You should refresh the compost in autumn, rep
When should I buy tulip bulbs?
You can order tulip bulbs online between May and December. They should be planted in autumn, but ordering early reserves your favourite varieties which may become out of stock later in the season.
How do I save my potted tulip bulbs for next year?
If you are growing darwin hybrid varieties or botanical tulips you can expect them to return next year. You should allow the stem and leaves to fully die back before cutting it at soil level, leave them planted but refresh the compost in autumn if th
What do you do with dead tulips in pots?
Tulips flower best in the first year and may not grow back for a second year. You should remove finished tulips from pots and either discard them or replant them in the garden in a space where it does not matter if they don’t all grow back. You can a
Can you plant more than one tulip bulb in a hole?
Bulbs can perform badly when they are overcrowded, but you can dig a wide hole or trenches and plant multiple bulbs at the recommended spacing within that space. They should be spaced at least a bulb-width apart to give them the space that they need
What is the best time of year to plant tulip bulbs?
Tulip bulbs are best planted in November when the soil temperatures are cool, but can be planted at any time in autumn from September to mid December providing they are not planted too early when temperatures are still warm. Bulbs should always be pl
Do tulips like sun or shade?
Most tulips prefer a sunny or partly shaded spot in moist, well drained soil. They will also grow in shade but they will flower later and may have longer, weaker stems where there is insufficient light. For full details on how to grow tulips, take a
How quickly do tulip bulbs multiply?
Botanical tulips multiply gradually. They can double or sometimes triple but you may not notice they have multiplied in the first few years as the immature bulbs will take time to grow into flowering sized bulbs. It is only botanical tulips which nat
How many tulip bulbs should I plant together?
Tulips make a bigger impact when planted in groups. We recommend planting in odd numbers when making smaller groups, such as 3, 5 or 7. You can also plant large drifts, groups or swathes of tulips and use as many tulip bulbs as you need to fill the s
Why didn't my tulips come back?
Most tulips are not reliably perennial and do not usually grow back after the first year. They are best treated as annuals and replaced each year, which means that they’re perfect if you like to change your colour scheme.
Can you dig up tulips and replant them?
After flowering, you can deadhead your tulips and allow the length of the stem and the leaves to turn yellow or die back. Whilst they are not reliably perennial and may not grow back for a second year, allowing them to die back gives them the best ch
How do you lift and store tulip bulbs?
If you like to keep your bulbs for a second year, be aware that they are not reliably perennial and may not grow back, whether you leave them planted or lift and store them before replanting the following autumn. To give them the best chance of flowe
Can you leave tulip bulbs in pots over winter?
Tulip bulbs should be outdoors in pots or borders throughout winter, they need this cool period in order to grow and flower successfully the following spring. They are fully hardy and do not require frost protection over winter.
How deep should tulips be planted in pots?
Tulips should be planted around 15-20cm deep, whether they are in pots or borders. It is important when planting in pots to ensure they bulbs also have at least 15cm of soil below the bulb too, so that they have room to grow a strong root system.
How long will bulbs last unplanted?
Tulips usually stay fresh until around mid-December (in the same year they are supplied) if they are stored in opened packets in a cool, well-ventilated space. They will start to deteriorate naturally if stored for too long. Whilst they should ideall
Will dried out tulip bulbs grow?
Bulbs naturally deteriorate if stored beyond their planting season. Any which have become soft, mouldy or dried out and shrivelled are unlikely to grow.