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Tulips and bulbs advice

FlowerNewbieFlowerNewbie Posts: 153
edited July 2019 in Problem solving

Hi, I'm new to the garden world! I was given tulip bulbs last year and I forgot about them until about March. 3/4 of them were ruined so I though try plant them and salvage the rest. I planted with drainage  and bulbs near the top of tthe pot, as suggested online. They started to grow and I got quite happy thinking it might work, but they haven't flowered. I tried looking for answers but only suggestions where to cut the flower to save the energy for next bloom etc. It's now September and any other suggestions say I should be planting the bulbs in november so what shall I do with this plant, the green is still thriving. Do I leave it? Or what are your suggestions? 

Also, I got a happy bee mix in the hopes to get flowers next year, but I'm wanting them in pots again as I'm renting and want to take them with me, plus the suitable parts of the garden for planting are basically covered in deep rooted ivy. There is no directions on the pack, Except to plant in September, I want to get it right this time, so do you have any suggestions for this bundle too? I also got blood bone and fish meal, fish meal and chicken feed for other plants do these help in any way? A relative gave them to me along with strawberry plants, still can't remember what he said it was for. 

The bee mix is chionodoxa lucilae, nectaroscordum siculum, crocus ruby giant, muscari armeniacum, tulipa linifolia, and anemone blanda  

Thanks in advance! 

Last edited: 05 September 2016 10:06:00

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

    as a general rule. plant the bulbs with 3 times their depth of soil overhead. 

    So, if the bulbs are tulips are about 5cm in height , plant them 20cm deep . ie. the 5cm bulb with 15cm of soil overhead. Does that make sense?

    It's not really critical as bulbs, like all plants, want to survive and grow, but as a general rule it's fine.

    I'd stick them in pots. ( get them free from freecycle if you can ) I'd not fight with the ivy.

    Devon.
  • Kitty 2Kitty 2 Posts: 5,150

    You can grow multiple types of bulbs in one pot by planting them in layers, like making a lasagne.

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/layering-spring-bulbs-in-a-pot/

    Hope the link works.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Your tulips were planted too late to flower this year, and in a pot they will do fine even if not planted deeply enough, but the ideal is as Hostafan describes. Leaving them lying around means they won't have had the chance to build themselves up well enough, but they might be ok next year. I'd replant them in fresh compost and a bit deeper than you've had them. Always leave the foliage to die back naturally as that's what feeds the bulb for it's display the following year. You can tuck the pots soemwhere out of sight when flowering's done - that's the handy thing about pots  image 

    Tulips are slightly different from most other bulbs in that they don't continue to thrive year in year out unless you have perfect conditions for them. Many people use them as annuals as they often deteriorate after a couple of years.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FlowerNewbieFlowerNewbie Posts: 153

    Yeah that's great, that makes sense  The tallest of the mix is 8/10cm so put 30cm  soil on top and layer other bulbs? Do I need to keep the new planted bulbs in a certain place And keep watering sparsely? 

    The tulips I have planted are in full sun right now will I move them to a shaded place now then And let the foliage die back? Will that not mean them growing late again though? Also once it dies off what do I do? Sorry for all the questions can tell I've never done this before ?  

    Also I inherited a tomato plant which is now growing more tomatoes at the moment and some flowers, what happens in the winter will I need to bring this in, or cover it somehow? I was thinking of purchasing a small plastic greenhouse for now to keep it covered from frost etc. 

    Thanks for your advice! 

    Last edited: 05 September 2016 11:25:56

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    The tomato plant will not survive the winter. Pinch off any flowers now and stop it. It needs to put all its energy into ripening fruit.

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

    welcome to the wonderful world of gardening. 

    You'll go form Newbie to addict in no time. image

    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Just leave your tulips where they are just now. When the foliage has died back, repot with some fresh compost and tuck them somewhere sheltered over winter. Keep them on the dry side if possible - against a house wall or similar. When they start into growth again, you can move them to the position you want them  image

    You should get a few flowers next year - fingers crossed. Of course, by then you'll be wanting more,  and will have a list the length of your arm by this time next year  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FlowerNewbieFlowerNewbie Posts: 153

    I had so much plans for the back of the garden, but after chopping down a massive bush I found ivy everywhere and can't do anything with the surrounding area ?image Here's a before and after. Definetly wanted lots of flowers to plant for next year, getting rid of that shed ( theres a bigger better one nearer the front of the garden ) and putting in a greenhouse In its place. 

    So will need to pot everything. 

    Thanks for everyone's help! Going to get this done this week! 

    Last edited: 05 September 2016 19:59:24

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