Are tulips perennial? How many years can tulip bulbs be used?

1. Is it a perennial?

Tulips are perennial plants. Many people think that this plant can only be grown for one year and will wither after the flowers fade, but this is not the case. As a bulb plant, it is natural for the above-ground part to wither. The bulb is already in the ground and will generally take root again in the fall and winter, and will continue to grow in the spring. If it is planted in the south, especially in the ground, it is usually necessary to pill the seeds after the flowers have faded, dry them, and store them in the refrigerator at a low temperature. This can complete vernalization and avoid the impact of the rainy season.

2. How many years can the bulb be used?

Tulips are rarely planted from seeds; instead, bulbs are purchased and raised. Depending on the growth of the bulbs, there is usually no fixed number of years to grow them. For some bulbs that grow poorly and are small in size, they may become unusable within a year if you don’t pay attention to maintenance. If the bulbs grow large and the environment is suitable, they can be kept for many years, but they will usually degenerate after 2-3 years.

3. How to grow bulbs

1. Pruning after flowering: After the tulips fade, do not remove the bulbs immediately. Instead, prune them appropriately, cutting them 2-3 cm below the flowers. Keep the leaves as much as possible as they are still used for photosynthesis. The benefit of doing this is that it reduces nutrient consumption and at the same time allows the bulbs to accumulate more nutrients by allowing the leaves to bask in the sun.

2. Appropriate fertilization: In order to allow the bulbs to grow better in the second year, appropriate additional fertilizers are needed. During the bulb-raising period, compound fertilizers are often used for fertilization. This can ensure a more comprehensive nutrient supply and will not cause poor growth and development of the plant or affect its development in the second year due to partial application.