Centuries ago, growing these flowers was a privilege of the wealthy, but now tulips (planting and care in open ground in autumn) are accessible to all enthusiasts. While not the most low-maintenance plant, anyone can cultivate vivid colors with a few key guidelines.
Planting and Caring for Tulips in Open Ground During Autumn
The first step is choosing the right bulbs. Look for signs of rot, black spots, and excessive softness, similar to selecting crocus bulbs. Only firm, uniform, and clean tulip bulbs are suitable for planting. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to peel off the top layer and treat them with manganese before planting.
Choosing the Right Spot for Planting Tulips
Tulips are sun-loving plants, so it’s not advisable to plant them in the shade of houses or under trees. However, tulips planted in autumn bloom in early spring, around the end of April, when trees aren’t fully leafed out yet, so they should receive enough light. Choose an open area with ample air and light.
Remember, the site for tulips shouldn’t have previously hosted bulbous plants (crocuses, daffodils, gladioli, etc.), or nightshade family plants like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants.
The soil for tulips should have neutral (or near-neutral) pH. Non-clayey, with good drainage, as all bulbous plants don’t tolerate waterlogging and soil over-moisture – this causes the bulbs to rot and the plant to perish.
Preparing the soil is essential for tulip planting and care in open ground in autumn. Thoroughly till the soil (at least 5-6 times the size of the bulb in depth) and fertilize at the same time. Use organic matter (manure, compost), peat, and nitrophoska at a rate of 5-6 kg, 2-3 kg, and 50 g per square meter, respectively.
If the soil is clayey, add 5-7 kg of coarse sand or perlite. If alkaline, add gypsum; if acidic, add slaked lime at a rate of 200 g per square meter. Prepare the site no earlier than a week before planting.
Planting the Bulbs
Tulips are typically planted in mid-September, when there are no night frosts, and daytime temperatures are around +10°C. Plant them at a depth three times the length of the bulb, with at least 10 cm between each bulb.
Gardeners have their own planting methods: some dig individual holes for each bulb, while others create a furrow of the required depth. Lay the bulbs in the furrow and then cover with soil.
Overwintering and Early Spring Care
For winter, especially early-blooming tulips, cover the tulip area with about 6 cm of peat or compost for frost protection. Late bloomers may not need covering, but if frost hits before snowfall, they can freeze, so it’s safer not to risk it.
In spring, when the snow melts, carefully remove the mulch and loosen the soil, incorporating nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Then, periodically loosen the soil and water moderately.
Check for healthy growth. Remove any diseased or ungerminated bulbs, as they can only harm the rest.
About Fertilizers
Tulips benefit from fertilization. Do this when the second or third leaf unfurls and when buds appear.
Avoid fertilizers with chlorine. Read the composition carefully! Apply fertilizers before or just after rain. Water-soluble fertilizers are most effective.
If you’re a novice gardener, purchase ready-made tulip fertilizers that have balanced nutrients.
If you planted and cared for the tulips correctly, they should reward you with beautiful, large flowers by the end of March or early April.
Videos: Tulip Planting and Care in Open Ground in Autumn
Unfortunately, in the middle belt, tulips planted and cared for in open ground in autumn can’t be grown by March 8. For holidays, flowers are sometimes grown in southern regions, but more often in greenhouses and with growth stimulators.
