• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Care-of-Tulips-and-Hyacinths-THUMB.jpg

Care of Tulips and Hyacinths

I planted hyacinths and tulips this fall. What can I do to insure they’ll return each spring?

Newer hybrids of these bulbs tend to put on a spectacular show but only for a few years. Growing species or perennial-type tulips that tend to grow and flower for many seasons will result in years of spring beauty.

Hot summer temperatures can also limit flowering on both these plants. Proper placement and planting can help reduce this problem. Plant bulbs in areas of your landscape that tend to stay cooler in the summer. You can also mulch the soil in summer with shredded leaves, pine needles or other organic material to keep it cooler.

Plant both hyacinths and tulips six (eight in well-drained soils) inches deep in moist well-drained soil. This helps insulate bulbs from extremely hot and cold temperatures. Northern gardeners can cover plantings in winter with straw or march hay after the ground freezes. This will prevent early sprouting that often occurs during a winter thaw.

Use a repellent or bulb cages if animals tend to dig and eat your tulips.

And complete the process with a light application of a low nitrogen fertilizer in spring as the leaves emerge to help invigorate the plants.

If this sounds like too much work, don’t worry. With proper selection and planting you will usually get a great display. The extra effort increases the odds and longevity of the bulbs. And worse case scenario, the bulbs fade and you get a great opportunity to try some new varieties.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW