How to Cut Tulip Leaves

Originally from Central Asia, tulips now grow in many places all over the world. There are over 3,000 varieties of tulips and some with solid or multicolored flowers. The tulip has a long tuberous stem and long flat green leaves. Tulips grow quickly, and fast growth may make your tulip's leaves look untidy. You may be tempted to trim the tulip's leaves to neaten you garden, but you should not. The tulip relies on its leaves to collect energy that is converted to food. Only trim leaves at the prescribed time and under the correct conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors or gardening shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Refrain from cutting tulip leaves until they turn a faded yellow. This will indicate that the plant's growing season has ceased and it is safe to trim the plant. This yellow processing will occur approximately six weeks from the last bloom.

   • 2

     Place your scissors or small-handled gardening shears at the base of the leaves near the bulb. Cut away the spent leaves, one at a time, leaving the bulb untouched.

   • 3

     Throw away the dead leaves.