Tulip Bulbs - Tres Chic

Pointed petals on shorter stems

Tulips are a must for every spring garden, creating colourful displays in beds, borders, containers and rockeries. These classic beauties are, of course, the perfect companions to spring bedding plants, and they make superb cut flowers too. They are the embodiment of a British spring garden, but did you know that they have their humble origins in the mountains of Kazakhstan? And did you know that in the early 17th century, when 'tulip mania' hit Holland, prices of the recently introduced bulbs soared, some single bulbs selling for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman! Today there are literally thousands of varieties available, in a stunning array of colours and forms.

Planting bulbs in groups will produce a colourful spring display. For best results plant your delivery of bulbs as soon as possible, although tulips can benefit from planting in November as this will help to avoid frost damage to early shoot tips in spring. When planting choose an area that is freely drained as bulbs will rot in waterlogged areas. As a general rule for outdoor planting, you should bury the bulb to a depth three times the height of the bulb. Small bulbs can be planted 10-15 cm (4-6") apart and larger bulbs such as daffodils and tulips plant 15-20cm (6-8") apart. If planting in containers, bulbs can be planted closer together but ensure they are not touching each other. Containers that will bloom for months! By planting layers of different bulb varieties your containers could be blooming from February to May! Cover the pot's hole with at least 5cm of small stones or crocks to improve drainage, and use a 50/50 mix of good quality compost and garden soil. Allow just 1cm gap between bulbs and don't allow them to touch the sides of the pot. Provide protection over winter, and move outside when the first green shoots appear in spring.

Ideal for beds and borders, patio pots and containers. Suitable for cut flowers. Prefers full sun or partial shade.