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Garden & Landscape
Plant now to herald spring with color!
Botanist Carolus Clusius planted the first Tulip in Holland in 1593, according to the U.U. Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in New York. Because Clusius refused to sell the bulbs, historians believe pent-up gardeners stole part of his collection-launching the Dutch Tulip Industry.
Today, Holland produces approximately 3 billion bulbs annually-importing nearly 1 billion to the United States. Top quality bulbs are available through mail order and local sources.
While bulbs are easy to grow, the NFIC offers these growing strategies:
· Purchase 4-inch or larger bulbs to ensure bloom quality.
· In cold climates, plant bulbs approximately six weeks prior to hard ground frost to allow for root development. If you’re late, plant them.
· Cover bulbs with a 3-inch layer of mulch just before the ground freezes to help retain soil moisture and ground temperatures stable.
· In warm climates, pre-chill tulips before planting in December. Refrigerate them for a minimum of six weeks. Cluster bulbs for more color impact, placing larger bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart, and smaller bulbs 1 to 2 inches apart.
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