Gardeners are being urged to plant tulip bulbs now to ensure a vibrant display next spring. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends planting dry tulip bulbs in autumn, between September and November, while the plant is dormant. If bulbs cannot be planted immediately, they should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Border tulips, grown for spring colour, can tolerate less-than-perfect soil as long as it is not waterlogged. They can be planted in borders between perennials or in containers to brighten paved areas. Specialist tulips, however, require specific conditions. Some need excellent drainage and full sun, making them suitable for gravel or rock gardens, while others prefer part-shade and damp soils, ideal for planting beneath shrubs and trees.
Tom Strowlger, a gardening expert with nearly 200,000 Instagram followers, advises planting tulip bulbs about 15cm deep in well-drained soil with full sun. He suggests planting in pots, beds, and borders, noting that tulips can cope with autumn planting. Crocus experts add that tulips should ideally be planted six to eight weeks before the first frost, typically at the end of October or beginning of November. If not planted by Christmas, they are unlikely to flower the following year.
Depending on the variety, tulips will flower from April to May, providing up to six weeks of blooms. With proper planting now, gardeners can look forward to a colourful spring garden.
