Tulips (Tulipa spp)
Tulips (Tulipa spp)
Monthly Theme: Tantalizing Tulips!
“I must have flowers, always and always.” Claude Monet
Most people prefer a bouquet of a dozen red roses, but I would rather have a handful of pink or yellow tulips. Like you, I’m still anxiously waiting for drier and warmer days to work in the garden. We’ve had one or two nice weather days and then it goes right back to dark and dank days. However, the weather hasn’t deterred my tulips from peeking their cup-shaped faces out of the murky ground.
Tulips tulipa spp. are a spring-blooming perennial, which die back after flowering into an underground storage bulb. Each stem grows one tulip with 2-6 broad leaves. The flowers are bright and beautifully dressed in hues of red, pink, yellow or white. After years of cultivation, they can now be found in a variety of variegated petals and sepals. I’ve planted candy cane-striped tulips (unsuccessfully) and even dark plum-purple tulips that were almost black (also unsuccessful).
Tulip growth is dependent on temperature conditions. They require a period of cool dormancy in order to generate greater growth, which are ideal conditions for Ohio. After the flower dies, you can deadhead them, but don’t be tempted to cut off the leaves. I know it doesn’t look pretty, but keep the leaves on the plants for about 6-weeks. They need their foliage to gain energy for next year’s blooms. When the foliage turns yellow and dies back, you can remove the dead leaves.
Tulips were originally found in Southern Europe and areas of Central Asia, but now they are widely naturalized and cultivated around the world. When I think of tulips, I picture them growing in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam or Holland, Michigan. Due to centuries of hybridizing the bulbs, it has decreased their ability to come back yearly. Therefore, many gardeners have to continue to replant them. Other gardeners move the bulbs every 3-years to a difference location in their yards to provide increased soil nutrition, which rejuvenates the bulbs.
How to Plant
Select a spot with full or afternoon sun (tulips don’t like too much heat).
Shelter taller varieties from strong winds.
Dry or sandy well-drained soil, neutral to slightly acidic.
Plant the bulbs in September or October before the ground freezes.
Space bulbs 4”-6” apart and 6”-8” deep.
Place bone meal in each hole.
Generously water and cover with organic mulch.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Tulip is a member of the lily family, Liliaceae
Part or Full sun
Depending on the species, tulip plants can be between 4”-28” tall.
Prefer soil pH of 6-7
Tulips in a Vase, Pierre-Auguste Renoir
The More You Grow
Interestingly, the name tulip is said to be derived from a Persian word for turban because tulips resemble turbans. They also believed that tulips had magical powers against evil.
Unlike most flowers, tulips generally have little to no scent. History teaches us that the Dutch regarded this lack of scent as a virtue and chasteness. So, that’s why I can’t find tulip-scented candles!
Tulips produce chemical compounds named tuliposides and tulipalinsm, which are responsible for allergies. Sometimes this allergen induces dermatitis in people who work with tulips; i.e., bulb sorters or florists. Also, Tulipanin A and B are toxic to cats and dogs. Apparently, it doesn’t bother moles, voles or other rodents who like to dig them up for dinner. You can plant the bulbs near a thorny plant like Holly to deter critters or try putting kitty litter in the hole when planting the bulbs.
Surprisingly, tulip petals are edible. The taste varies, but it’s supposed to be similar to lettuce or other salad greens. However, keep in mind some people are allergic to tulips. Personally, I haven’t tried them.
Now for a little folklore, I’ve read several tales of tulips and their magical powers. In The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, Susan Gregg said, “If you’re having problems attracting and keeping a lover, place a tulip bulb on your altar. It will expand your ability to connect with the power of love. When you are fully aware of the sea of love you are always swimming in, fear is no longer an issue and you will be able to attract love and release fear.” Hey, it might be worth a try and safer and cheaper than Zoosk, eHarmony or Match!
Happy Gardening!