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Daffodils and Tulips.

sutton.langleysutton.langley Posts: 38
in Plants
I have recently been given some Daff bulbs, plus Tulips. While i realise it is rather late for daffodils, I am anxious to plant them all in pots. I need advice as to which compost to use. I guess it is unwise to use peat based, for many reasons.

Posts

  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    I have only just put my daffodils and tulips in yesterday, after waiting for the rain to stop, so time is ok. As for growing medium,  whatever you can get, but if you use peat free just keep an eye on its wetness level, as some dry out fast.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Use anything you have. I use compost that was previously used for tomatoes and I boost it with a bit of blood fish and bone. However bulbs really don't need feed to flower the first year, but they need to be fed to build the bulbs up if they are to flower the second year. You could use home made compost, garden soil, a mix, or any proprietary compost from the garden centre.  I have planted bulbs up until xmas and they will still flower, possibly a bit later than expected.  Tulips planted in November are less likely to get tulip fire.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    It’s not too late, you could add some horticultural grit to peat free multipurpose compost to help with drainage and aeration. Elevate your pots on pot feet or similar and keep them protected close to a house wall until the bulbs start to emerge.  You could also plant them in the ground now if you have free draining soil and don’t usually get very cold, wet winters.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not too late at all  :)
    Most daffs like lots of moisture, and different conditions from tulips, which need sharp drainage and lots of sun. 
    They'll all be fine potted up for this season, and then you can move them after they're finished, or plant in the ground depending on what you want. Many tulips are less reliable in subsequent years though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • sutton.langleysutton.langley Posts: 38
    Many thanks to you all, most helpful.
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