Tulipa Gesneriana

Class

Monocotyledoneae (Equisetopsida)

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Liliaceae

Order

Liliales

Genus

Tulipa

Species

Jesnerian

Description

The tulip is a perennial bulbous plant with cup-shaped flowers that bloom in spring in a wide range of colours and shapes, growing to a height of 20 to 50 cm. It is ideal for flowerbeds, but also for pots or small planters on the terrace.

Curiosities and special features

The tulip, introduced to Europe in the 16th century, immediately aroused such admiration that it became the subject of so-called 'tulipomania' (tulip bubble) in the Netherlands in the 17th century.

Today, there are numerous events and manifestations featuring this magnificent bulb.

Origin and distribution

Bulbous geophyte native to Turkey, first described in the 1500s. Today it is present with a wide assortment of hybrids that differ in the height they reach and the shape and colour of their flowers.

Leaf

The leaves have a lanceolate, linear lamina.

Leaf colour

Plain coloured, in perfect colour harmony with the shades of the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.7 m, depending on the variety.

Lifespan

Bulbous perennial.

Where to plant

Tulips are an excellent choice for adding a touch of uniqueness and elegance to flowerbeds, central reservations, balconies, window boxes, gardens and parks.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, large in size, with a bell-shaped corolla. The petals are two-toned, with a solid colour. It flowers from late winter to late spring, with a flowering period of between 15 and 25 days.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habit visually reinforced by the flowers.

Branching

does not branch.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate or soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before planting the bulb, prepare the soil by removing weeds and large stones. Work organic or chemical fertiliser evenly into the soil and, if the soil is compact and poorly drained, add some sand as well. Finally, create a slight mound to form a raised bed, which will help ensure proper drainage of excess water.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

An exposure in half shade, full sun is recommended.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 22 °C. The survival temperature range is between -2 and 34 °C.

Use

The tulip, with its highly ornamental blooms, is widely appreciated in:
Outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

Under the right growing conditions, it is moderately hardy.

Soil

It requires a light soil, tending to be sandy, and well draining. For cultivation in pots, use a specific substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to grow.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to ensure proper growth followed by full flowering:
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Combinations with other plants

Tulips can be grown in single-row beds or we recommend arrangements with Myosotis and Viola x wittrockiana.

Planting

Tulips that bloom in early spring should be planted in flowerbeds in the autumn, more specifically from late September (in colder climates) through to November (in Mediterranean climates), to allow the bulbs to put down their first roots before the cold weather sets in. An average density of 60 bulbs per square metre is recommended. Place each bulb in a raised bed 10–12 cm below the surface or at a depth of two or three times the height of the bulb, with the tip facing upwards.

Propagation

Multiplication occurs mainly from the bulb.

Watering

After planting, water avoiding excess water with stagnation. Afterwards, during the growing season, allow the substrate or soil to dry slightly between watering.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During soil preparation and at vegetative restart, evenly distribute slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental flowering plants.

Pet safety

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Toxic

Tip

The correct spacing between bulbs should be between 10 and 15 cm. In professional cut-flower cultivation, however, the spacing is much closer – for example, 10x10 or closer – to ensure that the slender stems grow significantly taller.