Tulipa

Family

Liliaceae

Origin

Asia

Description

Tulips (Tulipa) form a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes (having bulbs as storage organs). The flowers are usually large, showy and brightly coloured, generally red, pink, yellow, or white (usually in warm colours). They often have a different coloured blotch at the base of the tepals (petals and sepals, collectively),.

Purple Prince Tulip bulbs produce deep violet flowers in spring, providing graceful enhancements to garden landscapes. They bloom from January to February in plains and February to March in hilly regions. For best results, plant in November to December (pre-chilled) in plains or October to November in hills.

Environment

Tulips prefer a site with full or afternoon sun.Soil must be well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic, fertile, and dry or sandy. All tulips dislike areas with excessive moisture. Tall varieties should be sheltered from strong winds. You want to space bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart, so choose a large enough planting site.

Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, 6 to 8 weeks before a hard frost is expected and when soils are below 60 degrees F. This is usually during November or December in the India. The bulbs will need to be chilled in the refrigerator for about 12 weeks before planting in mild winters.

Plant bulbs deep at least 8 inches, measuring from the base of the bulb. And that means digging even deeper, to loosen the soil and allow for drainage, or creating raised beds. Remember, the bigger the bulb, the deeper the hole it needs.Set the bulb in the hole with the pointy end up. Cover with soil and press soil firmly.Water bulbs right after planting. Although they can t bear wet feet, bulbs need water to trigger growth.

Feed them a balanced fertilizer when you plant them in the fall. Use organic material, compost, or a balanced time-release bulb food.

Landscape Use

Tulips make wonderful specimens and very attractive to fit into formal garden plantings from beds to borders