Tulips don't ask much of you. In return, they often provide a lavish flower bed full of colour, which is probably why they are such a popular flower when choosing what to grow in a raised bed. In this article, we will tell you more about flowers in raised beds – more specifically, tulips. What should you be aware of, and how should you go about it?
Can tulips withstand frost?
The advantage of tulips is that they are used to cold temperatures. This means that in many cases they can withstand frost. As long as you remember to cut the plant back, it will come back again and again. The bulbs, however, cannot withstand frost, so they must be planted before the frosty weather arrives.
Good tips before you plant:
- Tulips are not just tulips. They come in a multitude of varieties, which means that you should first and foremost read up on the variety you have chosen.
- Tulips are not so fussy about their position. They tolerate full sun, partial shade and full shade, but if you have the option, they thrive best in partial shade. If you have tall tulips, you should choose a sheltered position.
- Plant your tulip bulbs as soon as possible after you have bought them. If that is not possible, it is best to store them in a dark, dry and cool place.
- Clear the soil of stones, roots and weeds, and make sure the tulip bulbs are planted in well-drained soil.
How do you plant tulips?
- Dig a planting hole based on the size of the tulip bulb. The hole should ideally be as deep as three times the length of the bulb. You can vary the depth of the holes if you want flowering at different times.
- Next, you can place the tulip bulb in the hole – with the tip pointing upwards, of course.
- Then cover the hole with the first layer of soil and water evenly over it.
- Once the water has drained down and taken some of the soil with it, add another layer of soil.
- Use your hands to press the soil down firmly so that it settles.
Once you have planted, it is important to keep watering to a minimum. This makes it the perfect plant for those of you who tend to forget to water your plants. In the Danish climate, tulips can usually manage entirely without care and maintenance, but if it gets very dry, you should step in yourself.
When do you plant tulips?
Like many other plants, tulip bulbs should be planted in the autumn. This is because the soil is still warm after the summer, but also moist after the most recent rainfall. This gives the tulip bulbs the best conditions for flowering the following spring. Remember never to plant tulips after the frosty weather has arrived – instead, aim to plant as early in the autumn as possible, so that the flowers come up sooner in the spring.