How to Grow Tulips (and Plant Tulip Bulbs) – Complete Guide

Tulips are easy when you nail timing, depth, and drainage. Plant bulbs in autumn, pointy end up, 2–3× bulb height deep (typically 12–15 cm) and 10–15 cm apart in free-draining soil. Water in once, then keep barely moist. Feed at leaf-up with a balanced fertiliser like
CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20, then switch at bud stage to
NEW NPK 4-18-38 + Calcium & Magnesium for bigger, longer-lasting blooms.

Step-by-Step: How to Plant Tulip Bulbs

Pick bulbs: Firm, heavy, blemish-free; avoid soft/mouldy.
Choose a site: Full sun to light shade; excellent drainage is essential (raised beds/pots help).
Prep soil: Loosen 20–25 cm; mix in compost + grit/perlite for drainage. Avoid fresh manure.
Chill (warm climates): Pre-chill bulbs 10–14 weeks at 2–8 °C, or buy pre-chilled.
Depth & spacing: 12–15 cm deep (2–3× bulb height), 10–15 cm apart; pointy end up.
Backfill & water: Cover gently; water once to settle. Keep soil just moist until shoots appear.
Containers: Use deep pots (25–30 cm), premium mix + grit; closer spacing for a fuller display.

518276782_1033086082319427_6725132857142909773_n (1)

516600754_18511060666014669_7891739616402084016_n (1)

Growing Tulips: Care, Feeding & Aftercare

Watering: Tulips dislike soggy soil. Water when top few cm are dry; ensure pots drain freely.
Feeding schedule: At leaf-up, apply
NPK 20-20-20 every 2–3 weeks for root/leaf strength; at bud set/bloom, switch to
NPK 4-18-38 + CaMg to boost colour, stem strength, and bloom life.
Position: Sun + airflow reduce disease; protect from harsh wind for straighter stems.
Deadhead: Remove spent blooms (seed pods) promptly; don’t cut leaves yet.
After flowering: Let foliage yellow naturally 4–6 weeks to recharge bulbs; then tidy. In warm/humid zones, lift, dry, and store bulbs somewhere cool and dry.

Quick Troubleshooting

No flowers: Insufficient chilling, too much shade, or late/shallow planting.
Floppy/bent stems: Too shallow planting, low light, wind exposure.
Rot: Poor drainage/overwatering — increase grit, improve drainage.
Yellow leaves early: Nutrient shortfall — resume
balanced feeding at leaf-up.

480870579_18085491640587100_6933922009749599701_n (1)

398800394_307401685392899_3445568240427776083_n

Tulip FAQs

When do you plant tulip bulbs?
Autumn, when soil cools (~10–15 °C). In warm zones, pre-chill bulbs first.

How deep do you plant tulips?
2–3× bulb height (usually 12–15 cm). Deeper = straighter stems, better perennial return.

Which way up?
Pointy end up, basal plate down. If unsure, plant on its side — shoots self-correct.

Do tulips need fertiliser?
Yes. Apply NPK 20-20-20 at leaf-up, then
NPK 4-18-38 + CaMg from bud stage.

Can tulips grow in pots?
Absolutely — use deep, free-draining mix; tighter spacing for impact; keep evenly moist, never waterlogged.

Do tulips come back?
In cooler climates with dry summers, many varieties perennialise. In warm/humid areas, treat as annuals or lift, cure, and store.