Take-Aways from the Holland-Belgium Garden Tour – April 2025
Tulips don’t generally do well in Missouri, but you might try a few tricks such as planting Darwin Hybrids. This class of bulbs are more robust, actually producing more stems and flowers each year, rather than diminishing as other types do. They generally are taller varieties and produce the classic large tulip blossom, making them perfect for flower arranging, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Darwin Hybrids are more resilient to erratic weather, like what we have here in Missouri, plus they are heat tolerant. However, our conditions are still challenging for even these sturdy varieties. Here are 6 points that improve chances of tulips thriving:
- Grow the bulbs in a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight every day.
- The soil must be fertile, loose, and well-drained. The best way to accomplish this is to amend the soil generously with compost to a depth of 12″. This will loosen the soil, allow for better drainage, and add nutrition.
- Fertilize immediately after blooming. The critical time for next years flower production takes place as soon as the flower is spent. Applying a bulb food or a fertilizer for flowering plants provides an extra shot of nutrition above what is present in the compost.
- Prompt deadheading encourages more energy to be stored in the bulb for next years growth and blooms, instead of producing seed.
- Leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed or turned brown.
- Drought can affect tulips even though they are dormant much of the year. A good thorough soaking periodically, plus a layer of mulch, will provide the best conditions for keeping bulbs viable, including during the winter months.
Because many of the Darwin Hybrid varieties are taller, they are more susceptible to falling over or breaking with spring winds and storms. Try planting these bulbs in protected areas.
Basic reminders for planting tulips – plant bulbs in October and place them between 6-8″ deep. Mulch the area, then water thoroughly.
Another Option for Reliable Tulips
The group of tulips referred to as “Species” Tulip, botanical name Tulipa spp, are notoriously perennial and ideal for naturalizing. Several different varieties make up this category, all known for their ability to self-sow and have smaller flowers but longer bloom times.
One of the best features of species tulips is that many are deer resistant!
