Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M University, College Station, TexasOctober, 2008
by Dr. William C. Welch, Professor & Landscape Horticulturist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
|
| Tulips at the home of Dr. Bill Welch |
The association of the popular tulip with Holland has led many to believe that it is native to that country; however, the tulip was brought from Constantinople in the mid to late 1500s. The name "tulip" is derived from the Persian word "turban," which the inverted flower resembles. The tulip is a member of the lily family, and is represented by approximately 100 species, although few are found outside botanical gardens.At one time, the tulip was considered completely unadaptable to Deep South gardens, but research has proven that with proper treatment and variety selection, tulips may be just as spectacular in Texas as they are in more northern areas. To achieve long, graceful stems and successful blooms, the colorful tulip demands a pre-chilling of the bulbs in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator for 45 to 60 days prior to planting. Be certain that the bulbs remain dry to avoid mold or rot; wrap them in paper towels, and put them in paper bags or plastic to help assure dryness. Plant the bulbs immediately upon removal from cold storage in December or early January.
There are many tulip types which provide the gardener with a wide variety of types of bloom, times of bloom, sizes, and colors. The following are some recommended types and varieties for Texas gardens. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, as most varieties of tulips will perform if handled properly.
- Darwin TulipsThe Darwin is an ideal all-purpose tulip, and is by far the best for general garden use and beauty. Darwins appear on long, graceful stems, and usually reach peak bloom in late March and early April. Some recommended Darwin varieties include 'Aristocrat' (soft rose), 'Paul Richter' (bright red), 'Golden Age' (golden yellow), 'Red Master' (deep crimson), 'The Bishop' (deep violet), and 'Zwanenburg' (pure white).
- Darwin HybridsThese are improved, larger-flowering Darwin types. Darwin hybrids usually bloom several weeks earlier than the regular Darwin types. Outstanding varieties include 'General Eisenhower' (large, scarlet red), 'Apeldoorn' (warm orange-red), 'Roosevelt' (orange-red), and 'Diplomat' (vermilion red). 'Jewel of Spring' is yellow, marked with red, and 'Elizabeth Arden' is deep salmon-pink.
- Cottage TulipsThis variety has many colors and flower forms, and blooms later than Darwin types. The blooms are usually large and egg-shaped. Outstanding varieties include 'Halcro' (carmine-red), 'John T. Scheepers' (soft yellow), 'Renown' (red), 'Smiling Queen' (light pink), and 'White City'.
- Parrot TulipsParrot tulips have fringed and scalloped edges. There are numerous varieties of parrot tulips; however, many have weak stems and do not flower properly. Because of their large, heavy blooms, wind and rain can damage parrot tulips. Some varieties include 'Red Parrot' (deep scarlet), 'Blue Parrot' (bluish with gray sheen), 'Texas Gold' (golden yellow), 'Orange Favorite' (bright orange), and 'Fantasy' (soft rose with apple-green stripes).
- Peony or Double TulipsThese tulips of many petals bloom late in the spring season. Good varieties include 'Eros' (rose-pink), 'May Wonder' (clear pink), and 'Orange Triumph' (soft orange).
- Other Tulip TypesThese include lily-flowered tulips, Breeder tulips, Rembrandt or broken tulips, Fosteriana tulips, and Duc van Thol tulips.
Regardless of tulip choice, locate the planting in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil and on a raised bed. Planting the bulbs beneath a deciduous tree will provide adequate sun before foliage appears in spring.Tulips make a more effective display when planted in masses of one variety and color. However, a number of varieties will assure a longer season of bloom and show of color. For vivid garden displays, mix tulips with other spring bulbs, perennials, spring-flowering shrubs, and annuals.
EarthKind uses research-proven techniques to provide maximum gardening and landscape performance while preserving and protecting the environment. For more information on EarthKind Landscape Management Practices see our website: https://earthkind.tamu.edu
FAQs
A tulip bulb is an amazing container: a swollen underground stem that stores food energy. It contains a miniature plant with flower, leaf, and root parts, all ready to spring forth when conditions are right.
What are the tulips with pointed tips? ›
Lily Flowered Tulips
Elegant and lovely, the reflexed, pointed petals of the Lily Flowered Tulip make this a perfect tulip for cut flowers, or planting where their special form can be appreciated. Late spring blooming, they open like stars for a grand finale to the tulip season.
How many tulip bulbs per hole? ›
And following the design principle known as the Rule of Threes, odd numbers of objects in a grouping look more pleasing than even, so we suggest planting at least three to five tulip bulbs per hole. It's also beautiful to plant an entire area—say, a few feet wide and long—for maximum aesthetic impact.
What to put in the hole when planting tulips? ›
Simply dig out a generous circle of soil, about 6 in (15 cm) deep, mix in a little organic bulb fertilizer and compost, and then plant your bulbs roughly three times as deep as they are tall. Tulips can be planted quite close, less than 1 in (2.5 cm) from each other, similar to eggs in a carton.
Should tulip bulbs be soaked before planting? ›
It is not necessary to soak bulbs before planting, so you can skip this step. However, some gardeners prefer to soak bulbs as they believe it enables them to establish more quickly.
How long does it take for tulips to grow from bulbs? ›
How long does it take for a tulip to grow from bulb? Generally tulips need 8 to 16 weeks of artificial winter. After bringing the plants into temperatures resembling spring, the tulip will sprout along with leaves quickly emerging. A flowering plant will then appear within 15 to 30 days.
What do tulips do at night? ›
Tulip flowers open and close in response to heat and light. When tulip petals fold in at night, or on a rainy day, the pollen stays dry and reproductive parts are protected. When they open the next morning, the pollen is ready to attach to the bodies of hungry insects. (From there it is moved to another flower.)
Why are my tulips tipping over? ›
So, if you notice your tulips drooping and you know you are watering them correctly, it could be a sign that they are not receiving enough sunlight. Before planting, tulip bulbs need to be cold however once they grow above ground, they need warmth to survive and remain healthy.
What is the rarest color of tulips? ›
They can be grown in practically any colour, from snowy white to purples so dark they are almost black. The only colour tulips aren't available in is blue. Blue is one of the rarest colours in flowers, and despite breeders' best efforts, 'blue' tulips are usually more purple or lilac.
Do you plant tulip bulbs pointy side down? ›
One of the most frequently asked questions about planting bulbs is, “Which end goes up?” Most true bulbs, such as Tulips and Daffodils, have pointed tips which should point upward. Corms, tubers and rhizomes like lilies usually show sprouts on their upper sides, and these should be on top when planted.
Up to five small bulbs can be expected to grow out of the mother bulb.
Can you leave tulip bulbs in the ground all year? ›
While you do not need to dig and divide your tulips every year; they should be dug up at least 3-4 years if planted in the ground. If you are not digging them up yearly, make sure they are not in an area of the yard where they will be watered all summer. Too much water over the summer will rot/kill your bulbs.
What happens if I plant my bulbs too deep? ›
Planting bulbs too deep can result in bulb rot and a bit of a delay in spring growth. In general, plant bulbs a depth 2-3 times their vertical diameter. In heavy clay soils keep bulbs within the top six inches of the soil. This helps avoid rot caused by poor soil drainage.
What is the best month to plant tulip bulbs? ›
Tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall. The soil needs to have cooled off from the summer growing season before you plant, which could mean September in cold climates (zones 3 to 5), October in transitional climates (zones 6 to 7), and November or December in warm climates (zones 8 to 9).
Do you cover tulip bulbs when planting? ›
Planting Steps:
Cover your Tulips with 6-8" of loose soil, amended with compost or bulb fertilizer. Press down firmly to pack the soil in around your Tulip bulbs and to remove air pockets.
Where not to plant tulips? ›
After chilling them for 6 weeks, you may then plant them by our directions, preferably when your ground temps are the coolest in your area, usually late November. Where Not to Plant: Tulips do not grow well in acidic soil, or planted under cedar or pine trees.
Do you water after planting tulip bulbs? ›
Watering Tulip Bulbs
Tulips need very little water. Water them well just once when planting, then you can forget about them until spring. The only exception is during extended periods of drought when you should water weekly to keep the ground moist.
