Tulips are one of the most recognizable and iconic flowers, frequently used in grand displays, parks, and residential landscapes because of their large and bright flowers. They are spring-blooming perennials and are a member of the lily family, having around 75 species. Tulips have been cultivated in Constantinople as early as 1055 and in the 15th century became the symbol of the Ottomans. It became popular in Western Europe and became extraordinarily expensive and sought after during a period called the tulip mania. This flower has since been associated with the Netherlands and has remained popular over time, perhaps because or despite infection with a virus that breaks its colors and created beautiful new patterns. At present, the Netherlands is the main producer of commercial tulips worldwide, up to billions of bulbs, and majority for export.
Today, most commercial cultivars are complex hybrids and sterile. Tulips can be propagated either through bulb offsets (a small, complete daughter plant that has been grown from a mother plant and is an exact copy of the latter), seeds, or micropropagation. Seeds are usually used for species propagation and to create new hybrids. Tulips grown from seeds will need anywhere from five to eight years before the plants are big enough to flower. Meanwhile, tissue culture or micropropagation and offsets are used for controlling cultivar genetic integrity, as they are clones of their parent plants. Offsets may need at least a year or more of growth. Tulip bulbs are usually harvested in the late summer and sorted into sizes, with those large enough sold for the season and those smaller replanted for further growth.
In horticulture, tulips are divided into fifteen different groups, based on flower morphology, size, and time of bloom. Generally, the plants have anywhere from 2-6 broad, strappy leaves, and most have one flower per stem. Flowers are usually cup-shaped, with three petals and three sepals, but even with these generalizations, there are many variety and exceptions, so that the petals and sepals can be ruffled, fringed, or have double blossoms.
Caring for Tulips
Tulips grow best in climates with moist and cold winters and warm, dry summers. The bulbs are usually planted in the fall, 4 to 8 inches deep, in well-drained soil. Compost can be added to improve soil drainage and increase nutrients for the bulbs. Tulips start sprouting and bloom in the spring and thus work well when situated under trees and shrubs. Ideally, the bulbs should be planted 2-5 inches apart, with the pointy end facing upwards, and in groups of 10. These plants should also be planted under full sun. As for water, bulbs should be watered thoroughly after being planted, but some rain every week or so should be enough. In very dry regions watering every 2 weeks is recommended.
Pruning can be done by removing flower stalks right after flowering, as this inhibits the production of seed pods, which utilizes energy from the tulip bulb and shortens its lifespan. Leaves should be maintained until they turn yellow in the late summer to provide more food for the plants.
Every three to five years, the bulbs of hybrid varieties should be divided. Watering in the fall should also be avoided to prevent rotting of the bulbs.
Problems with Tulips
1. Pests and diseases – Tulip bulbs and plans are favored by many animals, such as squirrels and other rodents. To counter them deterrents such as chicken wire over the bulbs, or intermingling tulips with other plants that are not as appealing, such as hyacinths and daffodils. You may also choose to simply plant your tulips in pots indoors. Insect pests include aphids and bulb mites, which can be solved by brief soaks in water. Finally, watch out for basal rot and fire fungus, which appears as dark brown spotting or pink or white fungi on the bulbs. These bulbs should be discarded, and new ones may be treated with fungicide, if preferred.
2. Difficulty flowering – This problem can be due to several reasons that can troubleshoot. It could be that the bulbs are not mature yet, and if so, time and good feeding can help their development. It may also be that they’re too old and need to bre replaced, or need a dose of fertilizer, or receive more sun.
3. Flopping over or collapsing – Tall varieties tend to collapse and may need staking. Meanwhile, watch out for collapsing at low levels, as this may due to the roots or stem rotting.
Best Uses
Most tulips only flower nicely for 2-3 years and then begin to decline. So plant them, and enjoy them in your garden or as cuttings indoors. They look best as clusters and accompanied by other flowers, such as snapdragons and pansies. You may also opt to mix tall and short tulip varieties, or to add tulips to existing beds of other bulbs like hyacinths and snowdrops. To cover post-bloom leaves, ground covers such as periwinkle can be used to provide beautiful foliage and beautiful contrasting small flowers.
Interested in growing tulips at your home? Give our team a call at Likas Landscaping, and we’ll be there to make your garden beautiful again.
