Tulips: to lift or not to lift

[finglas]

Hello everyone, I am looking for some opinions and advice.

I planted tulips for the first time last November (a little late perhaps?) But they have came on really well, I'm very pleased with them. I am in central Scotland and they are beginning to come to an end, I think I'll maybe get 2 more weeks, though that's a guess.

So what should I do once it is apparent that they are past it. I know i should probably deadhead them but should i lift and store them or leave them? And if I should lift them then when?

I can identify the ones i bought that were sold as "Darwin Hybrids" from Ashridge nurseries but the rest were just bought from B&Q and I think they were hybrids too. I recall hearing a discussion on tulips on bbbc radio 4 GQT and they said there were two main types of tulips; species and hybrids. They said leave species in the ground but lift hybrids.....

Just wondering if anyone could offer advice on the best course of action.

Thank you all and stay safe!

Jamie

[Martin H]

Except for the small, early ones I think it's better to lift tulips, dry them off and replant in October or November. Left in the ground they tend to diminish year by year until they stop flowering altogether in three or four years.

Having said that, I personally have mine mixed in with the border perennials and it's too hard to get them out so I leave them in. Most of them have gone backwards as I expected, but one variety has proved tougher and comes back reliably each year. So you may get lucky with some of them!

Good luck anyway.

[Jay22]

Martin, would that be your advice if they are in containers?

[Martin H]

Martin, would that be your advice if they are in containers?

Yes. Firstly I can separate the big ones from the tiddlers if the bulbs have divided. Secondly I can plant something else in the container for the summer. The compost can be freshened up with some FBB or Growmore and re-used if there's no nasties in it.

[Jay22]

Thanks Martin. Much appreciated.

[finglas]

Thanks Martin, that sounds like great advice. I think I will lift them and get some annuals in their place then plant them back come late october time.

I might actually lift them earlier and let them wilt with their foliage in containers in the shed....

Sorry for the late reply, the forum seems a little temperamental at the moment.

Jamie

[rary]

Once my tulips are by flowering I will be lifting the bulb with foliage and keeping them in a cool dry space