Wondering What to Do with Tulips After They Bloom? Here are the right steps to make the most of this plant for the next season!
If you are not sure about What to Do with Tulips After They Bloom, then you might waste it. Here’s a step by step guide that will help you rejuvenate these plants!
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What to Do with Tulips After They Bloom?
After tulips have finished flowering, there are several steps you can take to ensure the health of the bulbs and prepare them for future growth.
1. Deadheading
Once the tulip flowers have faded and wilted, it’s beneficial to remove the spent blooms. This process, known as deadheading, prevents the plants from expending energy on seed production and directs it toward bulb development instead.
Use clean and sharp garden scissors or pruners to cut off the faded flowers just above the stem junction.
2. Watering and Nutrients
While the foliage is still green, continue to water the tulip plants regularly. Adequate moisture during this period helps the bulbs gather essential nutrients.
You can provide a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month until the foliage starts to yellow, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Avoid Cutting Back the Leaves
Resist the temptation to cut back or remove the foliage prematurely, as it is vital for the bulb’s replenishment process. Allow the leaves to wither and turn yellow naturally. This usually takes around six weeks after flowering.
During this time, avoid tying or braiding the foliage, as it can restrict the bulbs’ nutrient absorption.
4. Let Foliage Wither Naturally
After deadheading, allow the tulip foliage to remain in place and wither naturally. The green leaves continue to photosynthesize and provide energy to the bulbs, allowing them to store nutrients for future growth.
Do not remove or cut back the foliage until it turns yellow or brown.
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5. Removal and Storage of Bulbs
Once the tulip foliage has turned completely yellow or brown, it’s time to remove the bulbs from the ground. Gently dig them up using a garden fork or trowel, taking care not to damage the bulbs.
Shake off excess soil or gently rinse it off, and then set the bulbs aside to dry for a few days in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
After the bulbs have dried, remove any remaining foliage or stems. Inspect the bulbs carefully, discarding any that are damaged or diseased. Store the healthy bulbs in a cool and dry location, such as a mesh bag or paper bag, until the fall planting season arrives.
6. Fall Planting
In late summer or early fall, once temperatures have cooled down, you can plant the tulip bulbs again. Choose a suitable location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight.
Plant the bulbs at a depth of about two to three times their height, with the pointed end facing up. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly and provide a layer of mulch to insulate and protect them during the winter.
By following these steps, you can properly care for tulips after they bloom, allowing the bulbs to store energy for the next growing season and ensuring a beautiful display of flowers in the future
