How to plant tulip bulbs

Planting Tulip Bulbs

When?

• Between September and November, up to 2 weeks before the ground freezes permanently.

Where?

• Choose rich, well-drained soil. Avoid clayey and waterlogged soils. If this is the case, opt for a raised flowerbed.
• Prefer a sunny location in spring. Bulbs can also be planted in areas that will be shaded in summer, as they are dormant at that time.

Hardiness tip:

• Most bulbs are hardy up to zone 3. For colder regions, you can add mulch!

How?

Preparation:

• Dig a hole 3 times deeper than the height of the bulb. For tulips, plant 30 cm deep to ensure their return each year.
• If the soil is heavy, add one-third compost to the excavated soil.

Spacing

• Plant several bulbs together for a beautiful effect: 10 or more for larger bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths) and 15 to 25 for smaller bulbs (crocuses, muscari).

Adding fertilizer:

• Incorporate bulb fertilizer, a slow-release organic fertilizer, or compost into your soil.
• You can add a pinch of mycorrhizae (beneficial fungi) to the bottom of the hole, especially if the soil has been disturbed, but it's not mandatory!

Bulb Placement:

• Place bulbs with the flattened side down and the pointed side up. Bulbs should ideally point towards the sky!

Filling and watering:

• Fill the hole with the removed soil and gently tamp it down.
• Water generously.

Finishing:

• Cover with mulch, if desired, to aid protection, although it is not mandatory. At La Pivoinerie Lili, we do not cover our bulbs, either in the field or in containers.

At La Pivoinerie Lili, every bulb planted is a step towards a magical garden, ready to dazzle your hearts next spring! 🌷✨