Long Stemmed Perennial Tulip Mix

Plant these bulbs in fall, several weeks before the ground freezes, so they get the winter chill they need to bloom in spring. Unpack the bag as soon as it arrives and store the bulbs in a cool, dry, dark place until planting day.

Planting

1. Pick a sunny spot. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains freely; tulips rot in soggy ground.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 10-12 inches of soil and mix in compost if your ground is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep, pointed tip facing up, flat basal plate down.
4. Space them out. Allow 3 to 6 inches between bulbs, or cluster them in groups of 10 or more for a fuller display.
5. Backfill and water. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water once thoroughly to settle the bulbs in.
6. Mulch lightly. Add 2 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature and reduce frost heaving.

Container Planting

• Use a deep pot. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes.
• Plant closer together. Space bulbs 2 to 3 inches apart in pots for a dense show.
• Protect in winter. In zones 3-5, move pots to an unheated garage or shed to keep bulbs from freezing solid.

Watering

• Water at planting. One deep soaking is enough to start root growth.
• Keep it light in winter. Rain and snow usually supply all the moisture dormant bulbs need.
• Water during growth. Provide about an inch of water per week while shoots and flowers are developing if rainfall is short.

Feeding

• Feed at planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Feed again in spring. Scatter bulb food over the bed as shoots emerge to fuel next year's blooms.

After Bloom Care

• Deadhead only. Remove spent flowers but leave the stems in place.
• Let the foliage ripen. Allow leaves and stems to yellow and die back naturally so the bulb can recharge.
• Clean up later. Cut away foliage only after it has fully browned, usually 6 to 8 weeks after bloom.

How many bulbs come in this bag and what size are they?

Each bag contains 35 bulbs, each 11-12 cm in circumference, which is top size for Darwin Hybrid tulips.

Will these tulips really come back every year?

Yes. Darwin Hybrids are the most reliably perennial tulip class. Plant them at a full 6 to 8 inches deep, feed in spring, and let the foliage die back naturally to get the best repeat performance.

When should I plant the bulbs?

Plant in fall, roughly 4 to 6 weeks before your ground freezes. Bulbs need a winter chilling period to bloom the following spring.

Are tulips deer resistant?

No. Deer and rabbits browse tulip shoots and buds readily. Use fencing, cages, or a repellent spray if wildlife pressure is heavy in your yard.

Are tulip bulbs toxic to pets?

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

Can I grow these in pots on a patio?

Absolutely. Use a container at least 12 inches deep with good drainage, space bulbs 2 to 3 inches apart, and in the coldest zones move the pot into an unheated garage for winter.