Tulips the last Dance

Tulips The Finale

What a show!   A dance of bright colours and open petals, a very different flower to the tightly wrapped controlled display that met the start of spring. This is the final dance and what a performance all show and Razzle Dazzle - Goodbye my tulips until next Year.

Encouraging re-flowering:

Most bedding type (i.e. not species) tulips are best replaced each year. If left in the ground they are unlikely to re-flower after their first year.
The alternative to discarding old bulbs and replacing with new is to lift and dry the tulip bulbs after flowering;

1. Deadhead to prevent seed production and wait until foliage turns yellow before lifting the bulbs (about six weeks after flowering)
2. If you need to lift earlier, place in trays until the leaves become yellow and straw-like
3. Clean the soil off the bulbs and discard any that may be diseased or damaged
4. Allow the bulbs to dry thoroughly before storing
5. Store the bulbs in trays or net bags in a warm, dark well-ventilated place 18-20°C (65-68°F) before replanting in the autumn
6. As flowering is uncertain, it is often best to use old bulbs in the less important beds, borders and containers, and use new bulbs for conspicuous areas