How to Mix Tulips With Daffodils

Select a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Check for buildings or other structures that may shade the area during the course of the day. Observe for deciduous trees that may produce heavy shade in summer and fall, but allow direct sunlight to the area in early spring before they are in full foliage. Tulips and daffodils may bloom before the shade of the trees becomes an problem.

Prepare the flower bed in the fall when soil temperatures have dropped to 60 degrees F, at least a month before the ground freezes. Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Remove rocks and other debris from the soil and rake the area smooth. Spread 2 to 4 inches of well-rotted manure or compost over the area. Till the organic matter into the existing soil to improve aeration and promote drainage.

Dig holes for the bulbs with a hand trowel. Add bulb fertilizer following the instructions on the container. Mix the bulb starter into the soil.

Plant tulip and daffodil bulbs to the recommended depth on the package. Typically, bulbs are planted three to four times the height of the bulb. Some large bulbs may require a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Position the bulbs in the soil with the pointed end facing upward and the flattened end downward.

Place shorter varieties in front of taller plants. Generally, this means planting daffodils slightly forward of tulips, but refer to the expected size of your varieties to be sure.

Cover the bulbs with soil. Firm the soil down with your hands to remove air pockets and settle the bulbs.

Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the root level. Water again when soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface of the soil. This encourages good root formation before cold weather arrives.