Tulip

Plant tulip bulbs in autumn for a bright show in the spring

Tulip
Season
Autumn
Name

Tulipa

Common Name
Tulip
Description

With flowers that look like parrot feathers, these tulips are easy to grow and come in a variety of colours.


Growing Tips

Growing conditions

Likes to grow in well-drained soil in the sun.

When to grow

Plant tulip bulbs in early October to December to flower in the spring.

What you need

  • A packet of bulbs
  • A hand trowel
  • A rake
  • A sunny spot in the garden
  • Gardening gloves

How to grow

  1. Dig a hole with your hand trowel, so that it is big enough for your bulb to fit in. Check that your hole is deep enough by making sure that it is two to three times the height from the top of the bulb.
  2. Put the bulb in the hole with the thin end looking up at you and the sky. You might be able to see some dried roots on the other end of the bulb. Spread out the bulbs at least twice the bulb’s own width apart before you dig the next hole.
  3. Carefully put the soil back in the hole to cover up the bulb and press the soil down gently with the back of the trowel or a rake. Try not to stand on the soil where you have planted the bulbs, as it might cause damage.
  4. Keep looking in the spring for the shoots poking through the soil.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.