Clay Soil for Tulips

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• Tulips do not do well in clay soil. Water does not readily drain from clay soils, but pools on the surface. Tulip bulb roots cannot spread through the clay, causing stunted stem and leaf growth. Tulips typically have two to six broad, sword-shaped leaves per plant. Clay soil has high mineral nutrient content but plants are not able to easily access it because of its pore density. Clay soil also retains excess moisture which causes tulip bulb rot. Amend clay soil with organic matter such as mature compost before planting tulips.

Amendments

• Improve soil density by adding peat moss, mature compost or other organic materials before planting tulips. Plant tulips between October 1 and Thanksgiving, at depths between 5 and 8 inches. Adding one shovelful of mature compost per square foot of the tulip-planting area improves drainage and other problems associated with clay soil. Peat moss is available from garden centers. It also improves soil drainage and structure, but does not provide the nutrient content of mature compost. Tulips thrive when soil provides the 17 essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

pH Factor

• Soil pH also effects tulip growth. The acid-alkaline content of soil represented in the pH factor test determines if a particular plant is able to absorb soil nutrients. Tulips perform well in a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. Do-it-yourself pH testing kits are available at garden centers. There are many online soil testing laboratories that give pH results as well as assess the biological activity in the soil. Adding mature organic compost to the tulip bed soil increases the activity of the microorganisms that create nutrient content and improve soil structure.