November flower fridays: Essential tulip insights you can't miss

Spring and summer would not be without fabulous, heart-lifting tulips. Tulips are a favourite spring and summer bulb, loved for their big statement colours and interesting shapes. They are showy bulbs coming in a variety of colours, just the perfect flowers for adding colour to garden borders.

How to grow tulips

Some tulips flower earlier than others; this is due to a number of reasons. Either the type of soil they are grown in, the climate, or the variety of tulips. All you need to do to get your tulips to bloom is to plant tulip bulbs in moist but well-drained soil. These flowers thrive in a sunny spot and will bloom from early summer to late autumn. November is when they start showing off their beautiful flowers. This, however, is dependent on when they were cultivated.

You can plant tulips in your borders individually or in small groups amongst existing perennials. If your garden is heavy on soil, cover the base with spent compost to encourage better blooms. Plant at least three times the depth of the bulb. To get the best out of your tulips, give them the best care possible and watch them display the best colours in your garden.

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How to care for tulips

With the right care, you can get your tulips to bloom, engulfing your garden with various shades of colour. Watering is a big factor for your tulips. Water your flowers when you plant them. Continue watering the flowers until they sprout and never let them go through prolonged dry spells.

Immediately after planting your tulips, mulch with organic matter. You can also opt for a mix of slow-release fertiliser. The right fertiliser helps contribute to healthier blooms. Continue feeding your tulips until the first shoots emerge. Staking your tulips is unnecessary if the bulbs are deeply planted, as this secures them against wind damage.

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As your tulips establish and show signs of maturity, you can cut them. Tulips make good cut flowers and have a good vase life. They can continue to grow in the water.

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