How to Cultivate Tulip Bulbs
Are you curious about how to grow tulip bulbs and the essential care points for them? Let's explore this topic together.
Tulips, also known as Dutch flowers and Western lotus flowers, come in a variety of species. The tulips we grow at home are usually planted directly from purchased bulbs, and new plants can also be propagated through seeding and bulb division methods. After the bulbs sprout, care management should focus on aspects such as lighting, water, temperature, and pest and disease control. Let's delve into 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, while the bulb division method involves cutting off the small bulbs from the mother 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 decomposed leaf soil, peat soil, and river sand can be used in certain proportions.
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 sprout. Place the sprout side up 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 care, controlling the daytime temperature between 12 to 15°C and ensuring the nighttime temperature does not drop below 6°C. Usually, they will sprout after 7 days.
Three, Maintenance Management
1. Substrate and Fertilizer
Tulips can tolerate poor soil. The planting substrate should be a deep, well-drained sandy loam soil, and plenty of base fertilizer can be added.
For bulbs that have grown two leaves, you can apply fertilizer 1 or 2 times, and up to 3 or 4 times during the vigorous growth season. Fertilization should be reduced during the flowering period. Additionally, tulip bulbs can also be hydroponically cultivated.
2. Light and Water
Tulips enjoy ample sunlight, prefer moist conditions, and are afraid of drought. Watering should be determined based on the dryness of the potting soil, preferably in small amounts multiple times to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is especially important to avoid rain and maintain a relative humidity of 80% during the growing and flowering period, from November to the following May.
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 must be above 8°C for normal growth during the growing period, and it should not exceed 28°C during the growing and flowering period to avoid failed flower bud differentiation. During hot summer weather, move the plants to a cool, well-ventilated place.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Common diseases in tulips include sclerotium rot and grey mold. You can prevent diseases by disinfecting the soil and bulbs during planting. If any symptoms are found, use fungicides such as carbendazim or mancozeb immediately. Pests include aphids and root mites, and timely control measures should be taken.
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