Tulipa hybr
Tulipa hybr · Liliaceae
⚠️ Chats et chiens : bulbe et fleur toxiques par ingestion, causent troubles digestifs, salivation excessive et apathie.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tulipa hybr: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Mature height
- 50 cm
- Flowering
- April to May
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Ideal exposure
- Full sun
- Growth
- Fast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant the bulbs 10-15 cm deep in October (before frost). Well-drained soil is non-negotiable; even in mineral soil, standing water can weaken them.
The common mistake
Planting them too late or in waterlogged soil at transplanting: grey rot sets in before germination even starts.
The pro's trick
Preferably add coarse sand or gravel to the planting hole; if you've got heavy soil, create a small mineral bed dedicated to bulbs.
Care
Exposure
Hybrid tulips need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom generously. Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location, which also helps prevent fungal issues. A south or south-west facing position is ideal in most temperate regions.
Watering
Water moderately after planting bulbs in autumn, then regularly during spring growth if rainfall is insufficient. Once flowers fade, gradually reduce watering to let the bulb rest. In summer, allow the soil to dry out.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent bulb rot. Enrich the soil with compost or potting mix before autumn planting. Tulips tolerate a wide pH range but prefer slightly neutral to alkaline soil.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or bulb-specific fertilizer when planting in autumn. An additional application in spring, as shoots emerge, stimulates flowering. Stop fertilizing once flowers have faded.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, but keep the stems for a few weeks to allow the bulb to rebuild its reserves. Cut back all dry foliage only when it's completely yellowed, usually in June.
Diseases and pests
Tulips fear excess moisture and bulb rot. Ensure optimal drainage and good air circulation. Aphids and thrips may appear in spring: monitor and intervene early if necessary.
Did you know?
Modern hybrid tulips result from complex crossbreeding carried out since the 17th century in Holland, when "tulip mania" caused genuine speculative frenzy over the rarest and most colorful bulbs. Today, the Netherlands remains the world's leading producer, exporting billions of bulbs annually. Did you know that the solid, brilliant color sought after at that time was often due to a virus: the tulips of that era were actually... diseased!
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Wild tulipTulipa sylvestris
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.