Cut out the flower stems once they fade so that the plant directs its energy toward nourishing the bulb rather than producing seeds.
Allow the tulip foliage to remain in the garden after flowering so that the bulbs absorb nutrients essential for next year’s blooms. After it turns completely yellow or brown and pulls away easily, remove it.
Hide the unsightly dying foliage by planting annuals among the tulips once the flowers fade.
Fertilize the tulip bed in the early fall with a bulb fertilizer according to the label instructions. Bulb fertilizer contains nutrients encouraging root growth and helps extend the bulb’s life.