
Growing Tulips in our warmer climate
Yes, tulips do grow better in cooler climates but you can share the pleasure in warmer climates too!
Imagine a beautiful tub of colour to enjoy in late winter that will be the envy of all of your neighbours. It will probably not be possible for you to get flowers from the bulbs in the next year but the 2-3 weeks of pleasure that you obtain from these stunning flowers is well worthwhile
Just follow these simple steps:
1. Select your bulbs from the medium and tall growing bulbs, not the rockery types. The safest ones to grow are those marked for warm climates.
2. Do not take delivery of your tulips until at least March (this protects the bulbs from the worst of your summer heat)
3. Between mid-March and early April put the bulbs in the crisper of your fridge for 6-8 weeks until late May
4. Plant the bulbs in a large pot/tub with up to 10 bulbs for a 20 cm pot, 20 bulbs for a 30 cm pot, 35 bulbs for a 40 cm pot and up to 50 bulbs for a 50 cm pot. (You can under-plant with violas and reduce the number of tulips.) Use a good quality potting mix.
5. Place the tub in the coldest place in your garden, with absolutely no sun, until the shoots are about 5 cm high.
6. Move the tub to your preferred display position, full sun or shade, and enjoy the spectacle of the rapid growth and flowering of the tulips. \
For more information and tips join our Garden Corner