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Tulips already showing

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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited October 2021
    What varieties have you got @Happyinthegarden?
    Many aren't reliable returnees unfortunately, but they're lovely when in flower.  :)
    If you don't have 'proper' pot feet - anything will do. I use little bits of timber that have been cut off. The bits from roofing battens are a great size. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    It's not recommended that you plant tulips until at least November, because of tulip fire virus
  • It's been very mild apparently they may sprout then succumb to frost if planted too early. I'd throw some protective mulch on them. I just planted mine last weekend (Scotland a bit cooler and it's a ballance between planting and the first frost! ) 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Fine if planted in new compost in pots though, because commercial compost won't have the virus.
    In the ground it's different, but our ground here is single figure temps, even in this much milder spell, so it's unlikely to be a problem. We can usually plant in late September/ early October without a problem.
    They shouldn't be growing above ground so much that they'd get frosted at this time of year. If so, they haven't been planted deep enough to start with. Despite the mild weather, none of mine are showing.  However, it really won't affect the flowering next year if that happens, it'll only affect some foliage and look a bit unsightly.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Tulips need to be planted a lot deeper than daffs,  even though it may say 3x the bulb depth.  I make a hole at least 6’ deep,  if they’re not deep they will fall over when they flower.  
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Same here @Lyn - I plant tulips so there is at least 5 to 6 inches of soil above the top of the bulb.  For larger tulips, that means making holes about 8" deep.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Lyn,I think 6' deep is a bit extreme
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Everyone must do what suits them.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Indeed @Lyn and @BobTheGardener . I have difficulty getting holes deep enough, because of what's lurking underneath in a lot of the borders, but all my tulips are in raised beds or pots which makes it easier. It's easier with the species ones because they're generally much smaller.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Lyn,did you realise you put 6feet.
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