Grow cold-treated tulips in five easy steps

It’s almost time to plant tulips and we’re here to guide you on how to plant them as well as give you an extra tip or two that will ensure you grow very happy tulips. 

Growing cold-treated tulips is much easier than regular tulips, so look no further than this guide to grow them successfully in our wonderful South African climate. 

Step 1: Planting 

Once you receive your bulbs you should plant them immediately. Plant them with the pointy end up and cover them with 2cm of soil. Ideally they should be placed in a morning sun, afternoon shade position with the bulbs placed 8cm apart.

Step 2: Mulching 

Add a 2cm layer of compost that will act as a blanket and protect your bulbs from daytime heat and help retain water. You can overplant with winter annuals which will provide additional and extended winter colour. Doing this will also act as a living mulch which is highly beneficial for regulating the soil temperature. 

Step 3: Watering 

Once planted, water your tulips every 3-4 days for 10 minutes if planted in garden beds. If you have chosen to plant in pots, water them every 2-3 days until water runs out the bottom of the pot. If you have a saucer underneath the pot, empty it 30 minutes later.

Step 4: Blooming 

In approximately 6 weeks, after planting, your tulips will provide winter colour with their extravagant blooms. At this point you can cut the stems to enjoy them as cut flowers or if they are in a small pot, you can bring them inside and fill your home with blooming colour. 

Step 5: Discarding 

When the flowers have finished blooming you should discard the bulbs as they probably won’t flower again next year, because our springtime is too warm to make daughter bulblets.

Happy planting and enjoy your winter bloom!