Tulipa Diversen 17th Century

Tulip bulbs are planted from October to mid-December for spring flowering. Plant them in a sunny or partially shaded location, in a sheltered spot. Tulips appreciate rich, well-drained soil and can tolerate dry soil in the summer. If your soil is very clayey, incorporate some sand into the soil before planting or place a few gravel stones at the bottom of the planting hole.

Work the soil deeply and remove unwanted weeds or rocks. Dig a hole using a bulb planter and bury the bulbs, pointy end up, two to three times their height. Space the bulbs about 10cm (4in) apart. Bulbs can be planted individually or in groups of 5 to 10 for a beautiful colour effect. You can either place them one by one on the ground or "scatter" them on the ground for a more natural effect in flower beds. Lightly water after planting.

For container planting, provide drainage at the bottom of the pot (clay pebbles or gravel) and then place the bulbs in a mixture of potting soil, topsoil, and a little bit of sand. Add a small amount of compost when flowering.

Tulips require little maintenance. Water if necessary in spring. Remove faded flowers to avoid exhausting the bulb. After flowering, allow the foliage to naturally die off and only cut it when it turns yellow, to promote the accumulation of new reserves in the bulb.

Unlike botanical tulips, large-flowered tulips will degenerate after 2 to 3 years if left in the ground. You can choose to leave them in place and renew them regularly. If you want to extend the flowering period, dig up the bulbs when the foliage is dry. Remove the soil around the bulbs and then store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Plant them again in the following autumn.