Make most of tulips

The tulip is the perhaps the best known of all bulbs. Its brilliant spring display is enjoyed throughout the world. The flowers vary considerably. Tulips are spectacular when massed alone or combine beautifully with other flowers such as alyssum, pansies and violas. Where you decide to enjoy tulips is only limited by your imagination.

Tulips are officially divided into divisions, which group related flower types, but are not based on botanical relationships. To simplify my tulip purchases, I generally look for the time of bloom, early and midseason bloomers are labeled as such, and then select the colors, flower shape and size. With constant new introductions each season, it is wise to consult your local nursery person to keep current with the latest hybrids.

Buy bulbs only from a well-stocked nursery, which offers varieties selected for your climate zone. Refrigerate them at 40 to 50 degrees, in paper bags for a minimum of eight weeks (don’t allow bulbs to freeze).

After removal from the fridge, plant the bulbs immediately. Do not plant tulips in Laguna until after Thanksgiving and as late as February. They will bloom from March to April.

Tulips thrive in rich soil, but most importantly, they require a soil that drains well and quickly. Animal manure should not touch the bulbs. Specially formulated granular bulb fertilizers, low in nitrogen, are best. Plant bulbs at equal depths, about four to six inches under the soil.

Remember, when in doubt, plant tulips a little deeper. Spacing should be carefully arranged to allow root growth, and good quality bulbs will always ensure uniformity in stem heights.

Water thoroughly immediately after planting, and continue watering sparingly until the leaves emerge. Soak beds regularly after this. You will obtain best results if the soil is mulched to keep it cool and moist, not soggy, throughout the rooting season. It is important to reapply bulb fertilize several times during the spring growing season.

Keep tulips out of direct sunlight. Light shade helps to prolong bloom. The longer the soil can be kept cool, the better developed the root system will be, providing superior blooms.

Tulips have a certain impatience with continued summer watering, so in general, it is difficult to keep them more than one season. For that reason one usually discards them for new bulbs each year.

I grow tulips because of their magnificence and because many are red. It seems that I have always lusted after anything that is bright red, roses and Ferraris come to mind. And of course, Catharine’s red lipstick. See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to award winning writer Catharine Cooper, and has three dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.