When is the best time to plant tulip bulbs?

It is now the season when tulips are in full bloom, and botanical gardens in many cities have launched tulip flower shows. Tulips are perennial herbs with rich colors, which are very eye-catching for taking photos and checking in. Let’s learn below: When is the best time to plant tulip bulbs?

When is the best time to plant tulip bulbs?

Tulip bulbs are best planted in the fall, usually between late September and late November. The climate during this period is mild and humid, which is suitable for the rooting and germination of tulip bulbs. If the ground temperature in the planting area is too high, early planting should be avoided to prevent the tulips from experiencing vernalization. Before planting, the bulbs need to be properly treated, such as sterilized and dried. In addition, ensuring that healthy bulbs are selected is one of the keys to successful planting. The bulbs should be complete in shape, firm in texture, dry on the surface and free of pathogenic bacteria.

What are the key points in tulip planting?

1. Bulb processing

Before planting, you need to peel off the yellow-brown skin of the tulip bulb to reveal the white healthy bulb. Then soak the bulbs in 800 times carbendazim solution for 20-30 minutes, then take them out and dry them.

2. Soil preparation

Tulips have relatively simple soil requirements; loose, breathable soil is sufficient for planting bulbs. If there is no ready-made soil, you can prepare 60-70% peat soil and mix 30% of medium-coarse sand to adjust the structure to make it loose and breathable.

3. Planting Containers

You can choose flower pots, small wooden boxes, small straw frames, etc. as planting containers. The best depth of the container is 20cm, and the diameter of the pot can be slightly larger than the width of the bulbs depending on the number of bulbs planted.

4. Planting temperature

The suitable temperature for planting tulip bulbs is below 9 degrees. The bulbs are not afraid of cold, but dryness has a greater impact on the bulbs. It is best to keep the bulbs dormant throughout the winter after planting in cool, humid conditions.

5. Planting method

When planting, the bud should face upwards and the soil covering it should be about twice the size of the bulb. Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist within a week after planting, but do not allow water to accumulate. Keep the soil draining smoothly.

6. Watering and fertilizing

Tulips like fertilizer. Adequate fertilizer is conducive to large and colorful flowers, and is also conducive to the growth of new underground bulbs. Water in time after planting to keep the soil moist. After germination, gradually reduce the amount of water and water once every 7-10 days. Apply liquid fertilizer once two leaves grow, and then apply it with water every 10-15 days or so.

7. Pest and disease control

Common diseases and pests of tulips include gray mold, root rot and penicillium. Disinfect the bulbs before planting, ensure that the soil is fully disinfected and well-drained, and make sure the soil temperature remains below 10 degrees to effectively prevent and control diseases and pests.

8. Lighting management

When newly planted, provide appropriate shading, and increase the light intensity appropriately after the seedlings emerge. Since the plant tends to move toward light, it is best to rotate the container frequently so that the stem can grow upright without tilting.

9. Post-management

When the flower buds emerge, applying some boron fertilizer appropriately will help the buds grow larger and color more. After the flowers have bloomed, cut off the remaining flowers in time, but do not cut the leaves. Then continue to apply Huaduoduo No. 2 or potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote the growth of bulbs.

The above is an introduction to the time for planting tulip bulbs. It is recommended to do so in autumn. There are many varieties of tulips, and you can choose according to your personal preferences.