Fall Planting of Tulips

Plan

• Decide where you are going to plant your tulips before you start digging. They can be planted in clumps, in rows or as borders to paths or walkways, but you need 5 inches between each bulb. Also, be sure you plant them before the ground freezes because you have to be able to dig a fairly deep hole.

The Planting Hole

• Dig the hole for each tulip bulb from 8 to 10 inches deep. You may want to vary this to see which depth works best for you. If it's too deep the tulips won't bloom and if it's too shallow the bulbs may be carted away by enterprising rodents. Leave some loose soil in the bottom for drainage. Plant the bulb with the growing tips up and press the bottoms into the soil.

Considerations

• Tulips are perennial plants that grow best in climates with cold winters and hot, dry summers. Sometimes they don't bloom the second year after planting because of climate conditions. To get the most of your bulbs, American Meadows recommends purchasing Darwin Hybrids, Emperor Tulips and Triumph Tulips.

Mulch and Fertilizer

• If you use mulch when you plant your bulbs, figure the depth of the mulch into the depth of the hole, e.g., 3 inches of mulch and a 5 inch hole is an 8 inch depth. Water the bulbs after planting to help develop a strong root system. Fertilize in the fall with a low- nitrogen fertilizer.

Tips

• Drainage can be improved by putting well-rotted cow manure, compost or peat moss in your planting hole. In the spring, once the flowers are finished blooming, cut them back. This will force the plants' nutrients into the bulb rather than into maintaining foliage. Fertilize in the spring to ensure a comeback next year.