Apricot Pride Darwin Hybrid Tulip

Darwin Hybrid tulips are planted in fall so they can chill over winter and bloom the following spring. Give them sun and sharp drainage and they will return for several seasons.

Planting

1. Unbox right away. Open the package when it arrives and store the bulbs in a cool, dry, dark spot with air circulation until you are ready to plant.
2. Time it for fall. Plant 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, typically September-November depending on your zone, once soil temperatures have cooled.
3. Pick the site. Choose full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Avoid low spots that stay soggy, which is the main cause of bulb rot.
4. Set the depth. Dig 6-8 inches deep and place bulbs pointed end up, spacing them 3-6 inches apart. Plant in groups of 10 or more for the best visual impact.
5. Backfill and water. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water once thoroughly to settle the bed and start root growth.
6. Mulch lightly. Add 2 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature swings over winter.

Watering

• After planting. Water in once, then let natural rainfall handle the rest through winter.
• During growth. Provide about an inch of water per week while foliage and flower stems are developing if spring rain is short.
• After bloom. Taper off watering as leaves yellow; dormant bulbs prefer dry soil in summer.

Feeding

• At planting. Work a bulb fertilizer or balanced slow-release feed into the bottom of the planting hole.
• Each spring. Scatter a light application of balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flower bud.

Pruning and Aftercare

• Deadhead promptly. Snip spent flowers so energy goes back into the bulb rather than seed production.
• Leave the leaves. Let foliage ripen and yellow naturally for 6 weeks before removing it; this is what makes tulips perennialize.
• Cut flowers. Harvest stems in the cool morning when buds are just showing color, and leave as much foliage on the plant as you can.

Container Growing

• Use a deep pot. Choose a container at least 10-12 inches deep with drainage holes and well-drained potting mix.
• Overwinter cold. Keep potted bulbs in an unheated garage or sheltered spot so they still get their chilling period, and water sparingly.

How tall do Apricot Pride tulips get?

Stems reach about 22 inches tall, with individual flowers up to 5 inches tall. Spread is only 3-6 inches, so they plant tightly in drifts.

Will these tulips come back every year?

Yes. Darwin Hybrids are the most reliable perennializing tulips. Plant them in well-drained soil, feed each spring, and let the foliage die back naturally for the best return year after year.

When should I plant the bulbs?

Plant in fall, about 4-6 weeks before your ground freezes, generally September through November depending on your zone. The bulbs need a cold winter period to bloom.

Are tulip bulbs toxic to pets?

Yes, tulip bulbs and foliage are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if eaten. Plant where curious pets do not dig, and store bulbs out of reach before planting.

Do deer and rodents bother tulips?

Tulips are a favorite of deer, rabbits, squirrels, and voles. Use repellent on emerging foliage, or lay wire mesh over the planting area to protect the bulbs.

What size bulbs ship?

These are 12 cm bulbs, a top landscape grade that produces full-size flowers in the first spring after planting.