Want to plant tulip bulbs yourself? No worries. Whether you're a seasoned planter or new to tulips, planting tulip bulbs is easier than you think.
If you know what to look for. That's why bulb grower Simon Pennings of Tulip Experience Amsterdam shares his tips and growing secrets to transform your garden or balcony into a magical tulip garden this spring.
Timing is essential when planting your tulip bulbs. According to bulb grower Simon, it’s best to plant tulip bulbs between mid-October and mid-December: “The best time to plant your tulips varies by country, but usually in Europe, the end of the year is the ideal period .”
"It's important to have the bulbs in the ground before the frost so they can root properly. If you plant them too late and the frost sets in, the bulbs essentially stagnate." Planting early gives the bulbs the chance to develop strong roots over the winter. This way, they'll emerge vigorously in the spring.
Read more: The most unusual tulip varieties? Experience 700+ varieties in our Tulip Garden
Want your tulips to bloom profusely next spring? Simon shares his tips for planting tulip bulbs.
The location, or where to plant tulip bulbs, is just as important as the timing. Sunlight is needed for tulips. "Tulips like a bit of sun," Simon explains. "Make sure they're not in a shady spot. Preferably not under a tree, and the soil shouldn't be too dry. A little moisture is good, as the bulbs can benefit from it."
It doesn't matter whether you plant them in a flowerbed, border, or lawn, as long as they get enough daylight. Tulips also do surprisingly well among grass: "You can simply plant them throughout your garden. Just like crocuses, which often emerge before the grass starts growing. That creates a nice, playful effect."
A frequently asked question is how deep tulip bulbs should be planted. The rule of thumb is about 8 to 10 centimeters of soil or sand above the bulb.
Simon explains, “The flat side of the bulb should be facing down; that's where the roots are. The point should be facing up, because that's where the plant grows. People often accidentally plant them the wrong way around. And then you get weak tulips.”
Sometimes you buy your tulip bulbs before it's time to plant them. No problem, as long as you store them properly. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark place with a temperature between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius. A shed or well-ventilated storage area is perfect for this.
Let the bulbs breathe, and don't store them in plastic bags or in the refrigerator. It's often too humid there, which can cause mold. Check occasionally to make sure they're still firm and dry. This way, they'll stay in top condition until they're ready to go into the ground by then end of the year.
You can also plant tulip bulbs in flower boxes or pots on your balcony or patio. Ideally, use a pot with a hole in the bottom so excess water can drain away. Simon warns, "A pot has its own water management system. If too much water remains, the bulbs can drown. So water sparingly, and only when the soil feels dry."
A layer of gravel or hydro grains at the bottom of the pot provides extra drainage and reduces the risk of rotten bulbs.
Plant flower bulbs in flower boxes, just like in the ground, ideally between mid-October and mid-December. During this period, the temperature is cool enough for the bulbs to root well. Place the pot or flower box outside in a sheltered spot, water lightly, and let nature take care of the rest. You'll be surprised by the first flowers early in spring!
At the Tulip Experience nursery, double tulips are currently on trend, like the Tulipa Foxtrot. Simon says, “Those double tulips resemble peonies, and people love that. They bloom profusely, in rich colors and shapes. In addition, the mixed tulips are a garden favorite.”
Want to bring the most beautiful tulip bulbs into your home? Whether you choose a few pots on your balcony or a full field of tulips in your garden, with our tulip bulbs you'll enjoy a burst of color in spring!
In the Tulip Experience Shop, we sell bulbs from our own tulip nursery. These are the same tulips you see in the Experience show garden in the spring. We grow over 700 different varieties of tulips in our fields. Some varieties are even unique in the world!
Order your own tulip bulbs here (shipping in Europe!)
This article was written in collaboration with Simon Pennings, founder of Tulip Experience Amsterdam and a bulb grower through and through. As the second generation of the family business, he proudly continues his father's tulip nursery and focuses on innovation and sustainability within the bulb industry.
