Autumn time is planting time for flower bulbs. This traditional gardener's rule is not precise enough for tulip bulbs. If the tubers are planted too early, they will sprout prematurely and the hope of lush spring blooms is gone. Read here when to plant tulip bulbs on time.
Tulips need cold to sprout
Time window opens in mid-October
Tulip bulbs depend on a cold stimulus so that they sprout on time in spring. As a result, there is no alternative to autumn as a planting time. On the other hand, if the tubers are exposed to excessive heat, growth will start prematurely. Temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees Celsius sometimes prevail in the sun-warmed September soil. These framework conditions signal the ideal planting date:
- The ground temperature constantly falls below the 10 degree Celsius mark
- Hard night frosts are not expected for the next 14-21 days
- The soil is neither parched nor completely soaked as a result of constant rain
With regard to the above criteria, the planting season for tulip bulbs extends until December in mild years. As long as the garden soil is not frozen, the window of opportunity remains wide open.
Correct planting time alone does not make a tulip blossom
Choosing the right date is just one aspect of properly cultivating tulips. In order for you to be able to enjoy a picturesque bloom of tulips in spring, a series of measures are important. The following brief overview gives you all the relevant aspects:
- Establish tulip bulbs in a sunny, warm spot
- Place in humus rich, loose, sandy-loamy soil
- The planting depth corresponds to twice to three times the bulb size
- Plant each bulb 15-20cm apart with the tip pointing upwards and water moderately
Enriching the excavated soil with sifted compost and horn shavings is beneficial for rapid rooting. Plant tulip bulbs in a pot or flower box, (16.99 €) prevent pottery shards from damaging waterlogging.
tips
Long before the time window opens for the ideal planting time, the store shelves bend under the weight of the most beautiful varieties. If you don't want to lose out now, buy fresh tulip bulbs and store them properly until mid/end of October. In the cool, dark basement room, you can easily store the flower bulbs on a grating, in a box lined with paper or wrapped in air-permeable fleece.