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Best time to feed tulips

TropicalDreamTropicalDream Posts: 29
in Problem solving
I planted tulips a couple of seasons ago. The first season they were a great height, big flowers, stiff stems, but thereafter next two seasons it seems they are getting shorter, smaller, floppier stems. Clearly I have neglected to feed/water them. Is this a good time to feed them, with water, fertilizer like miracle grow or something else? I don't want to lose them but at this rate next year they will be dwarves.

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Many tulips don't return for a second or third season. I would try species tulips which will return and multiply and spread. Failing that, replant regular ones each year, or try ones that have a reputation for sticking around for a while. My regulars never seem to come back for a second year, whatever I try. So I have gone over to the species kind.
  • TropicalDreamTropicalDream Posts: 29
    All the ones i planted are species. They are meant to appear every year and they do. Just getting smaller.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Now is a good time to feed Tulips.
    Also dead head the flowers, when finished.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    With tom feed, type thing?
  • TropicalDreamTropicalDream Posts: 29
    thanks guys, I've done this now, will feed regularly till the leaves drop off, some are discoloured already. Wish I had done it last year too, obvious really.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I don't think you'd need to feed more than once. If they're in a border, applying a general feed in spring which will give them some extra nutrition, and you can also add a layer of compost.
    You can add compost later in autumn as well. They multiply well so you should have plenty in future years. They're delightful  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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