Get expert tips on what to do with tulip bulbs after flowering so they’ll rebloom next spring.
But what should you do with tulip bulbs after flowering and they’re starting to look scraggly?
That depends mainly on thetype of tulipsthey are and where you planted them.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Find out what experts recommend to encourage tulip bulbs to bloom again next year.
Which Tulip Bulbs Rebloom?
Whileall tulips are perennials, some are better than others when it comes to blooming again next season.
They flower in a week and provide us with some needed indoor cheer.
Thesebulbs have been forcedinto blooming outside of their natural timeframe.
Plus, they are often planted too tightly together.
But they usually wont continue to grow well if planted after they flower.
These forced tulip bulbs are bestrelegated to the compost pileafter blooming.
That’s why she prefers to treat tulips in pots like annuals.
I dont like to tie up my containers while the tulips naturally die back.
Tulip bulbs compare favorably in price with other annuals, Montgomery says.
Their treatment this year strongly determines the success of next years flowers.
There are three key tips for helping your bulbs come back strong.
Tulips are deer candy.
Plant tulips in a fenced area if deer are a problem.
Remove the Spent Flowers
Like all flowering plants, a tulip is trying to reproduce.
After the petals fade and fall off, the rest of the flower parts remain to create the seeds.
Its best toremove the spent flowersso the plants energy doesnt go into producing seed, Montgomery explains.
This energy will fuel next year’s flowers.
This can take between four to six weeks."
Nesvacil also points out that after blooming is a good time to support the plant with some nutrients.
Apply a balanced, slow-release bulb fertilizer right after flowering.
Maintain Good Drainage
Tulip bulbs in the garden may rot if the soil is kept too wet.
To avoid this, Nesvacil says to Keep the soil light and dry, as tulips dislike soggy soil.
check that you plant tulips inwell-drained areasand avoid heavy mulching.
