The Tulip
Growing tulips in your garden
Choosing a site
- Choose a planting bed in full sun or bright light in spring.
- Soil with good drainage is absolutely essential.
- For continuous colour, keep in mind: Most tulips in the Capital Region bloom in May. Perennials make excellent companion plants for bulbs and help to mask yellowing bulb foliage. Summer annuals can be planted right over top of tulip bulbs, after tulip foliage has dried.
Choosing your tulip bulbs
- Plan to plant the bulbs in clusters of 7 to 15.
- Try choosing a blend of colours and differing heights to create a “bouquet” effect.
- Choose varieties with different bloom times (early, mid-season or late) to extend the blooming period.
- Store bulbs in a cool, dry place until they are planted — at temperatures between 10 and 15˚C (50 to 60˚F).
When/How to plant
- Plant tulip bulbs when soil temperature is below 10 to 15˚C (50 to 60˚F), before the ground freezes, usually between late September and late October.
- Loosen and remove soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches). Rule of thumb: plant at a depth that is equal to three times the height of the bulb.
- Loosen soil at the base of the planting hole. To enrich it, mix in bone meal (follow package directions).
- Place bulbs with the pointed tip facing up at least 5 cm and (2 inches) apart.
- Cover bulbs with soil, and water the area thoroughly.*
Remember to handle with care & wear gloves.
*Source: National Capital Commission, partner of the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Official Gardener of Canada’s Capital. canadascapital.gc.ca/tulips