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We usually think of tulips
as a flower that comes from Holland and yes, that is
true, thousands...if not millions, of tulip bulbs are
exported from the Netherlands around the world every
year. But the botanical name of this popular spring
flower is derived from the Persian word, toliban, turban,
which the inverted flower was supposed to resemble.
It belongs to the Lily Family and grows wild over a
great territory from Asia Minor through Siberia to China.
Ever since tulip bulbs were first exported from the
cool regions of Turkey and the Himalayas, gardeners
have struggled to make them perform each spring without
fail.
Perennial
Tulips:
Perennial tulips are special because,
unlike many hybrids, they come back reliably year after
year. Besides choosing a truly perennial variety, there
are a few steps you can take to ensure perennial performance…
Tulips are very easy to grow.
Planting:
Most gardeners plant their bulbs in
November in full sun. Place your tulips about 6-8”
deep in moderately loamy soil with some humus and sand
added. When the flowers die down allow the bulb foliage
to wither before cutting this allows the sap in the
foliage to return to the bulb to provide added strength
for next year.
* Plant bulbs in well-drained
soil. This will help
naturalizing or perennializing and cut down on the risk
of disease and fungus.
* Plant bulbs deep.
Measuring from the base of the bulb, place the tulip
about eight inches deep.
* Water after planting.
This will ensure that your tulips develop a strong root
system before going into winter dormancy.
* After the blossoms have peaked,
remove the flower heads and allow the green foliage
to die back.
* Fertilize in fall and spring.
Container Gardening:
When growing your tulips in containers,
avoid placing the container in direct sunshine. The
soil needs to remain cool so the bulb doesn't prematurely
receive signals that spring has arrived. If the sun
warms the soil in the container too early, the bulb
will send up shoot and flower before an adequate root
system has developed. Keeping the soil cool for as long
as possible will encourage the strongest and most expansive
root system possible.
For long-lasting
tulip arrangements
Cut the stems diagonally. Wrap the
entire flower (head and stem) tightly in newspaper.
Place stem in water overnight. Remove the paper and
recut the stems. Transfer the Tulips to a vase with
fresh water and plant food. Add water as needed and
keep out of direct sun and drafts. Enjoy blooms for
7-10 days.
Lifting your
Tulips:
You may choose to lift (meaning to
take out of the ground and store for next year) your
tulips after the foliage has ripened (died down). This
is not necessary with hardy perennial varieties. If
you lift, store the bulbs in a dry place during the
summer and replant them next fall in fresh soil –
this will reduce the risk of disease. Each year before
replanting, inspect your bulbs for bruises or cuts that
may allow diseases to enter and then spread to other
bulbs. This is essential since an infection of the incurable
disease ‘Fire’ (Boyrytis) will require you
to burn all your tulips!
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