Problems with spring bulb corner (have a look at my gallery)

Hi everyone,

With the tulips now coming into flower - I've noticed that some are starting to flop over .

Is this 'normal' or is there something I can do to make them erect again - fairly windy here today which I don't think is helping.

I wonder should I just go for 'dwarf' varieties next year - is there such a thing when it comes to tulips - what do people think?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I'm sure the wind isn't helping, but, I also notice that where you have sited them "doesn't get much sun" and I'm wondering if that could also be contributing to their flop?
As for dwarf tulips, yes, they do exist but I don't have any personal experience with them.

 

Hi Chris, in my experience the taller varieties are better in the ground as they give the best results when they are planted around 8 to 10 inches deep. For pots etc you could try the Kaufmanniana or Greigii types (around 8 inches) or true species such as Bakeri Lilac Wonder, the Humilis group, or my favourite T. Tarda, all of these only grow between about 4 and 6 inches high and form nice clumps and are multi-flowering.

 

I've grown dwarf types in pots and have been really pleased with them. I think planting them deeply helps with keeping them from flopping but I suppose it's more likely to be the variety, some do have very heavy blooms so what is gravity supposed to do?

There are some good supports around now, no good for this year but next time......

 

Hi

How long have they been in as the they look a bit tired

Lots of dwarf varieties but get a specialist bulb catalog as you will have a better choice , but you are probably the same as me they are ok for a year or two (if I am lucky 2nd year) to get flowers or they just don't appear ! again I have one purple one left in the back garden.

 

Thanks for replying everyone - some useful information .

Hi Spruce - the bulbs were planted fresh this Spring. I'm not blessed with the best 'soil' - it's mostly stones and clay. Living on the side of a hill doesn't help either - I was half expecting some roof tiles to be taken off yesterday.

'Spring bulb' corner is shady in the morning and sunny in the afternoon. As we move through Spring into Summer - it's more in sun than shade.

I've been watering with a high nitrogen feed - which I understand is good for shoots and leaves - but not sure whether this has helped the strengthen the stems....it's certainly done the Cherry Laurel a power of good .

 

Hi Chris, I hope someone can provide a little more info than me here but I never feed bulbs with high nitrogen feed as it tends to encourage more lush growth hence the weaker stems. I find that a general eg tomato food works better with bulbs as you're trying to build up the bulbs for next year.

 

did you plant in the Autumn of 2014 ?

 

@Spruce

 

"M"
I just wanted to clarify when they went in as "fresh this spring" hadnt given them a chance to root

 

I,m on your side Spruce cuz "fresh this spring", could mean planted in the autumn fresh for this years growth.
Why can't I do smiley faces, I wanted to stick my tongues out
Lol

 

Sorry should be "tongue". I've only got one, despite the fact that my mum says I never shut up.

 

When you type in the reply box, on the top of the reply box, you'll see a smiley face. Click on that and the smileys will appear below the reply box, where you can select the one you would most like to use
However ... there is no "tongue-poking-out" smiley on here
<-- only that one

 

Tulips like to be planted deep. They also like good drainage and many like a hot summer bake. This is why they tend not to do too well if left in the ground. Many places just take them up and replant in the autumn with new bulbs.
Having said that I have had a clump of Queen of Sheba, tall red, growing in a bed that only gets sun early morning is over wet cold clay for about 8 years now. Queen of the Night and White Triumphator also survive in that bed but nowhere near as well as the first year they were in.
I wouldn't give them a high nitrogen feed, they certainly shouldn't need watering. Maybe a general fertiliser such as Growmore.

 

It must only work with computers, I've got nothing like that on my phone :(