Tulip planting methods and precautions

When to plant tulips

Tulips prefer a cold and wet winter and a hot and dry summer. They enter dormancy in summer and take root and sprout new buds in autumn and winter. The best time to plant tulips is in autumn, which is approximately from late October to December. The temperature is suitable at this time. If planted early or late, it will affect rooting.

How to grow tulips

Tulips are commonly propagated by dividing bulbs and sowing. Many bulbs will grow around the plant, which can be planted separately according to the size of the bulbs. Large bulbs will bloom soon after planting, and small bulbs can also bloom after 1-2 years of cultivation. In addition, the seeds are harvested in time after they mature, stored in sand until October, and then sown in pots indoors. Keep them moist, and they will germinate in the spring of the following year and bloom in about 3-4 years.

Tulip planting steps

1. Garden planting method: When planting tulips in the garden, control the row spacing and maintain it at about 14-16 cm. Apply sufficient base fertilizer and cover it with 4 cm of soil. The trench depth should be 15-20 cm. Pay attention to watering in time after planting. Apply thin fertilizer 2-4 times during germination and flowering.

2. Potted planting: Tulips can be planted in pots with a diameter of 10-20cm. The pots can be padded with rubble, and then fertile, loose, well-drained soil can be added. Note that it is best not to use old soil to prevent infection by pests and diseases. After planting, cover with 1 cm of soil and maintain in a ventilated sunny place. Maintain 5 degrees for the root system to grow.

Tulip Care Tips

1. Regulate the temperature: The suitable temperature for tulip flower bud differentiation is 17-23℃. When it exceeds 35℃, the flower buds are difficult to differentiate. It has strong cold resistance and can withstand temperatures as low as minus 35℃ in winter. It starts to grow when the temperature remains above 8 degrees.

2. Water: Tulips cannot tolerate waterlogging and should not be overwatered. However, they require more water within a week after planting, so you can water them frequently. Control watering after germination, especially during flowering. Do not use too much water. You can water them in small amounts multiple times. During the growth period of tulips, the air humidity should be kept at around 80%.

3. Fertilization: After the tulip bulbs grow two leaves, they can be top-dressed. During the period of vigorous growth, a compound fertilizer with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be applied once a week. Fertilization should be stopped during the flowering period. After flowering, apply 1-2 times of liquid potassium dihydrogen phosphate or compound fertilizer.

4. Pest and disease control: If tulips are not properly maintained, they will suffer from rot fungal disease, gray mold and broken petal disease. It is best to use virus-free bulbs. The soil and bulbs need to be disinfected in advance. Spray them with benomyl wettable emulsion every half a month. Common pests include aphids and root mites, which can be killed with dimethoate emulsion.