Gardening with Gael - Fridge key to flourishing tulips

 

This time every year I write about bulbs because it is time to think about planting some ready for the spring. Last year, at the end of the bulb planting season, I bought a large unlabeled bag of mixed bulbs from Kings Plant Barn. I recognised some of the bulbs and made a guess at the others. Some I was unfamiliar with. These turned out to be tulips. I had never planted them before and there was much excitement and surprise when they appeared in the spring, beautifully formed and an iridescent shade of pink. I had always supposed we were too far north to plant them. Strange really when I am prepared to give paeonies a go.

With the success of last year I am planning to increase my tulip display so it’s back on to Bulbs Direct to see what they have. I emailed them for some advice. Kayne Gravatt of Bulbs Direct replied with the following information: “There’s always been that misconception that tulips don’t do well in Northland – this couldn’t be further from the truth. With a little TLC tulips thrive all across the country. The best way to get your tulips flourishing, with tall, strong stems, is to chill the bulbs for around five weeks prior to planting. If you’re looking for the hardiest, almost impossible-to-kill tulips, then the specifically bred ‘Darwin Hybrids’ are the way to go.”

This is just what I needed to hear to go ahead with my order. I looked at the Darwin Hybrids that Kayne recommended, but, scrolling down, I found some that really caught my eye.

There are several types of tulips. The first are the single classic cup shape and from what I could find the Darwin Hybrids tend to that form. The Darwin Hybrids are reliable performers and their clear bright colours make a great show in the garden. They can tolerate partial shade as well as full sun.

Fringed tulips, also known as Crispa tulips feature ruffles or frills on the edges of their petals.

Parrot tulips begin as a green bud and green features in the large multicoloured flowers with fringed petals. These need to be planted in a sheltered spot because the size of the flowers need some protection.

Peony tulips, also known as double tulips, have double the number of petals giving the tulip a peony form. Some cultivars are fragrant. It is pretty easy to work out which ones I went for!

All tulips need full sun and a rich fertile soil. Once the bulbs have arrived, chill as Kayne suggested and plant in the autumn. Once they have flowered it is important to keep the leaves going as long as possible until they die back naturally. Cut back the flowers only or all the energy goes into seed production. The leaves feed the bulbs and they will be bigger for the next season.

After they have finished, feed them. Some good compost will work well. I think mine got some last year but I did not lift them. Now I am going to have to fossick around in the garden looking for them so they will have time for their chill before I plant. I knew that drinks fridge in the garage would be good for something.

Double tulips have double the number of petals giving them a peony form.