How to Plant Tulips
Comprehensive guide on how to plant tulips and key points of tulip cultivation techniques for small-scale plant cultivation experiences. Let's learn about them together.
Tulips, also known as Dutch flowers and foreign lotus flowers, come in a wide variety of species. Tulips commonly cultivated at home are usually planted directly with purchased bulbs, and new plants can also be propagated through seeding and bulb division methods. After the bulbs sprout, care and maintenance should focus on aspects such as light, water, temperature, and pest and disease control. Below, I will specifically discuss the planting methods for tulips.
One, Propagating Seedlings
There are two propagation methods: bulb division and seeding. The seeding method is less commonly used in home cultivation. The bulb division method involves cutting off the small bulbs from the parent bulb for planting.
Two, Planting Bulbs
1. Choosing a Pot and Soil
The pot needs to be relatively deep, and the soil should be well ventilated and moisture-retaining. A mixture of leaf mold, peat soil, and river sand can be used in a certain proportion.
2. Handling Bulbs
Before planting, soak the bulbs in a carbendazim solution to disinfect and kill germs. You can add 3 or 4 drops of gibberellin to promote germination, then remove the bulbs after 30 minutes.
3. Planting Process
Tulip bulbs are usually planted at the end of October. First, peel off the bulb skin to expose the sprouting point. Place the sprouting point upwards on the soil surface, then cover it with about 5 cm of fine soil or bury it directly in the soil, and water thoroughly.
4. Post-planting Care
Place the potted plants in a cool place for maintenance, controlling the daytime temperature between 12 to 15°C, and the nighttime temperature should not be lower than 6°C. Usually, they will sprout within 7 days.
Three, Maintenance Management
1. Substrate and Fertilizer
Tulips are tolerant to poor soil, and the planting substrate should be a deep, loamy soil that is well-draining and loose. Sufficient base fertilizer can be added.
For bulbs with two leaves, you can apply fertilizer 1 or 2 times, and during the vigorous growth season, it can be increased to 3 or 4 times. Fertilization should be reduced during the flowering period. Additionally, tulip bulbs can also be hydroponically cultivated.
2. Light and Water
Tulips enjoy ample light and prefer a moist environment, fearing drought. Watering should be determined by the dryness of the potting soil, preferably in small amounts and frequently. Excessive watering can lead to root rot, especially avoiding rain is important. During the growing and flowering period, from November to the following May, maintain a relative humidity of 80% in the air.
3. Temperature
Tulips are not heat-tolerant but can withstand temperatures as low as -14°C. The growth temperature is between 15 to 25°C. The temperature during the growing period should be above 8°C for normal growth, and it should not exceed 28°C during the growing and flowering period to prevent the normal differentiation of flower buds. During the hot summer weather, move the plants to a cool and well-ventilated place for maintenance.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Common diseases of tulips include sclerotium rot and gray mold, which can be prevented by disinfecting the soil and bulbs during planting. If a disease is found, use fungicides such as carbendazim or mancozeb immediately. Pests include aphids and root mites, which also require timely control measures.
The introduction above provides a detailed explanation of how to plant tulips and key points of tulip cultivation techniques. Have you understood?