Golden Apeldoorn Darwin Hybrid Tulip

Plant Golden Apeldoorn bulbs in fall, once soil temperatures cool, for a big display the following spring. These bulbs need a cold winter period to bloom well.

Planting

1. Unpack right away. Open the bag when your bulbs arrive and store them in a cool, dry, dark place until planting.
2. Pick a bright spot. Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; avoid low areas where water collects.
3. Dig 6-8 inches deep. Set bulbs pointed end up, spaced 3-6 inches apart, and plant in clusters of 10 or more for the best visual impact.
4. Backfill and water in. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water once to settle the bulbs.
5. Mulch lightly. Add 1-2 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature over winter.

Watering

• Keep it moderate. Water at planting, then let winter moisture do the work; tulips rot in soggy soil.
• Spring support. During active growth and bloom, water if rainfall is scarce, aiming for evenly moist but never wet soil.
• Stop after bloom. Reduce watering once foliage yellows so bulbs can go dormant dry.

Feeding

• Feed at planting. Mix a bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Repeat in spring. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

After Bloom Care

• Deadhead only. Remove spent flowers but leave the stems in place.
• Let foliage mature. Allow leaves to fully yellow and die down naturally — that's how the bulb recharges for the next season.
• Divide if crowded. After several years, lift and separate clumps in summer once foliage has withered.

Containers

• Use deep pots. Choose containers at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes and quality potting mix.
• Protect in winter. In zones 3-5, move pots to an unheated garage or shelter to prevent freeze-thaw damage.

Will these tulips really come back every year?

Yes. Darwin Hybrids like Golden Apeldoorn have exceptional perennial qualities compared to most garden tulips. Deadhead spent blooms, leave the stems, and let the foliage mature and die down naturally so the bulb can store energy for next spring.

When should I plant the bulbs?

Plant in fall, after soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes — typically September through November depending on your zone. The bulbs need a winter chill period to bloom properly.

How tall do they get and do they need staking?

Stems reach 22-24 inches with 5 inch flowers. Staking is not needed; Golden Apeldoorn is among the most weather-resistant garden tulips and holds up well to spring wind and rain.

Are tulip bulbs safe around pets?

No. Tulip bulbs and foliage are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if eaten. Plant where curious pets dig less, and store bulbs out of reach before planting.

Are they deer and rodent resistant?

Tulips are a favorite of deer, rabbits, voles, and squirrels. Use a repellent, plant deeper, or add wire mesh over the planting area if wildlife pressure is heavy in your yard.

What exactly ships to me?

You receive a pack of 20 dormant Golden Apeldoorn bulbs, each 11-12 cm in size. Bulbs ship dormant and ready to plant, not as growing plants.