One of the most common problems with tulip bulbs is that they don’t need that much warmth to start breaking dormancy and begin growing.
So it’s not unusual to see tulips growing in the middle of winter during a brief warm spell only to be killed or ruined by a heavy frost or snow a few days later.
To avoid this problem, keep your tulips as cold as possible – as long as possible.
Here’s What To Do:
1. Tulips need to be planted in cold soil so they don’t send up shoots. Tulips planted in warm soil, or even soil that gets a lot of sun during the day where it can warm up won’t do as well.
2. Plant tulips deep! Plant them 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep because if they are planted too shallow, it can lead to premature growth. Deep planting also will produce large, uniform flowers for many years, plus deep planting also makes the bulbs less susceptible to mouse and squirrel damage.
3. Mulch the soil – but only AFTER THE SOIL FREEZES. A 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of shredded leaves, wood shavings, or compost in the winter will keep the soil consistently COLD (not warm).
Other Helpful Articles:
Confidently Forcing Bulbs – The Best Ever!
Professional tips and insights into forcing bulbs
The First Flowers of Spring
Five delightful plants that flower well before other, more popular spring bulbs
For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine
Have great week!
