There is so much to do in the garden in May, but one task I never forget is a simple five-second job recommended by Monty Don that results in better tulips every year. Tulips, perhaps the most popular of all spring bulbs, are adored by gardeners worldwide, and they are among my favourites too. Bright and vibrant, these bulbs demand attention when in bloom to maintain a stunning display.
Why Deadheading Tulips Is Essential
Recently, I noticed my tulips starting to fade and nearing the end of their season. This signals the perfect time to deadhead them, as advised by Monty Don. Tulips put on a spectacular floral show each spring, but once flowering is over and petals begin to drop, it is time to remove the spent blooms. Last year, I deadheaded my tulips between late April and early May, and they returned looking glorious this year.
Monty Don's Expert Advice
In his gardening blog, Monty Don instructs: “If you have tulips growing in borders, deadhead them once they are past their best. This will stop the development of seed so that all the energy goes into forming new bulbs for next year’s flowers.” While you can use secateurs, I prefer to simply pinch off the flower head and take no more than two inches off the stem using my fingers. It is important not to prune the whole stem down to the base, as the green fleshy stem performs photosynthesis, generating energy for the bulb. Removing too much stem reduces energy production.
Alternative Methods and Replanting
If you want to tidy up the plants without damaging them, you can gently bend the foliage down or braid it. If you wish to replant tulips elsewhere, dig them out after flowering, store them in a shed or garage, and replant in autumn. Tulip bulbs are best planted from late October to December, pointy end up, about 8cm apart and three times the bulb’s height deep, then covered with soil. Alternatively, if you don’t plan to replant, you can compost the bulbs.
