How to plant TULIP FLOWER BULBS

February 22, 2019 Yasmeen 0 Comments GROW TULIPS, PLANT TULIP BULBS

While growing Tulips may not seem like a big deal in cold weather regions, for those of us in warmer climates, it does take some planning to plant tulip bulbs correctly so that they actually flower. As a child, I was fascinated by tulip flowers & as a gardener, they challenged me! Anyway, apart from techniques like chilling in the freezer (which I don’t), it is very easy & simple to plant tulip bulbs for flowering in North India (Punjab, Delhi) & other generally hot regions.

There are two simple facts to consider –

Weather – Since we have shorter winters, it is best to plant tulip bulbs as soon as it starts getting pleasant – around October. Please not that TULIPS flowers ONLY when it is COLD. They do not grow in tropical regions.
Soil – Tulip bulbs rot easily and roots need to grow quickly, so well-draining loose soil is important.

How to plant Tulip Bulbs

Get your soil ready. Add some compost, sand & check by pouring water. It should drain away in a minute or so. Standing water rots bulbs.
Till the soil at-least 5″-7″ deep, no matter you are planting in pots or ground. Loose airy soil helps roots grow quickly.
Lay out the bulb arrangement first. space tulip bulbs at-least 6″ apart.
Dig about 3″ deep. This is illustrated in the pics that follow. See how deep the tool goes.
Plant the tulip bulb and cover. (If by any chance you are trans-planting a bulb that is already sprouting, then just keep the sprouted part above soil.)
Cover the planted bulbs & water.
Water every alternate day or till the soil appears dry. Never over-water flower bulbs. They will rot.

Bulb to flower takes about 3 months in warm climates.

P.S. If you have planted bulbs and forgot what is where, here is a handy guide to IDENTIFYING LEAVES OF FLOWER BULBS, to help you identify the plants.

To IDENTIFY FLOWER BULBS – CLICK HERE