Tulips and Daffodils

These grow best in sun and partial shade.

Planting spring gardens can be an educational treat for young children.

Few garden subjects are more associated with the coming of spring than tulips and daffodils. For this to be a reality, action must have been taken several months earlier. Tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowering bulbs are best planted in the period of October through December.

They grow and flower best in a location that receives strong light. They will grow and flower in part shade such as you might get under high branched trees or through the sparseness of pines.

Soils are a key…

Soils are a key factor in bulb culture. It must be light, well drained, and contain plenty of humus. You can improve a clay soil for success with bulbs. Add 3" of pine bark plus 1" of coarse sand thoroughly mixed in the 10" - 12" of soil. This will improve aerating and drainage and if you add manure, or compost, some nutrients will be added.

Planting depth…

The depth of planting is quite important since our winter soil temperatures are quite warm and can promote growth before the desired time. A general rule on depth of planting is to set the bulbs a depth so that they are covered two to three times their greatest diameter. This means that anemone should be planted about 1 1/2" deep, crocus and grape hyacinths - 2", dutch iris - 3", hyacinths - 5", daffodils narcissus and jonquils - 5 1/2", and tulips - 6", shallow planting will result in extremely poor flowering.

Fertilizing needs…

If your soil is known to be fairly fertile you do not need to add fertilizer at planting. In poor soils, use 1 pound or two rounded cups of 5-10-10, 6-12-12, or 6-8-4 in an area about 5’x10'. As the foliage reaches 6" in height make another light application of fertilizer - use no more than 1 pound per area 5’x10'. Rinse away any fertilizer material that gets into the foliage.

As soon as the flowers fade, cut them away. Do not disturb the foliage until it yellows and begins to droop.

For more information on tulips and daffodils, contact your local county Extension office.