Name: Tulips - Purple - 10 bulbs p-pack
SKU: 2509209-5
Availability: InStock

Purple tulips symbolize royalty, elegance, and admiration, making them a striking feature in any garden. These cold-treated bulbs are ready for autumn planting (March–May) and will bloom in late winter to early spring (August–September).

1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:

Best suited for cool to mild winter regions (Western Cape, Highveld, and areas with cold nights).
Cold-treated bulbs must be planted immediately for best results.
Prefer cooler temperatures below 20°C for optimal blooming.

✅ Soil Requirements:

Well-draining, fertile soil (loamy or sandy with compost added).
pH level: 6.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic).
Avoid heavy clay soils, or improve them with compost and sand.

✅ Sunlight Needs:

Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
In hotter regions, plant where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade to protect from heat stress.

2. Planting Purple Tulips (Cold Treated)

✅ Best Planting Time:

March–May, when nighttime temperatures fall below 15°C.
Plant immediately upon receiving the bulbs.

✅ Preparing the Bulbs:

No additional chilling is required.
Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for 2 hours before planting to encourage root development.

✅ Planting Depth & Spacing:

Depth: 10–15 cm deep.
Spacing: 10 cm apart for proper airflow and even growth.
Water well after planting to settle the soil.

3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering Schedule:

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water once or twice a week, adjusting for rainfall and dryness.
Reduce watering once leaves start yellowing after flowering.

✅ Fertilizing:

At Planting: Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 3:1:5 or bone meal).
During Growth: Apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks to support strong stems and vibrant blooms.
After Flowering: Stop fertilizing when the foliage starts to die back.

✅ Mulching:

Apply a thin layer of mulch (compost, straw, or bark) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

4. Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

Aphids & Thrips – Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Snails & Slugs – Use crushed eggshells or organic snail bait.
Moles & Rodents – Protect bulbs by planting them in chicken wire baskets beneath the soil.

✅ Common Diseases:

Botrytis (Tulip Fire) – Prevent by ensuring good airflow and keeping leaves dry.
Root Rot – Occurs in poorly drained soil; ensure proper drainage.
Fungal Infections – Treat with fungicide if necessary.

5. Flowering & Deadheading

✅ Bloom Time:

August–September, with each bloom lasting 1–2 weeks.

✅ Deadheading:

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation and encourage the bulb to store energy.
Leave foliage intact until it naturally dies back.

✅ Cut Flowers:

Cut in the morning for a longer vase life.
Place stems in cool, clean water immediately.

6. Post-Flowering & Bulb Storage

✅ After Flowering Care:

Allow leaves to die back naturally (6–8 weeks) to nourish the bulb.
Stop watering once the foliage turns yellow and dries out.

✅ Lifting & Storing Bulbs (Optional):

In warmer areas (KwaZulu-Natal, Lowveld, coastal regions), lift bulbs after foliage dies.
Store in a cool, dry place (10–15°C) in a paper bag until the next planting season.
In cooler areas, bulbs can remain in the ground but may bloom less the following year.

7. Companion Planting & Crop Rotation

✅ Good Companion Plants:

Daffodils, hyacinths, anemones, and freesias for a colorful spring display.
Low-growing ground covers (like alyssum and violas) to shade the soil and retain moisture.

✅ Crop Rotation:

Avoid planting tulips in the same spot for more than two consecutive years to prevent disease buildup.

Conclusion

Purple tulips add a majestic and elegant touch to South African gardens when planted in autumn in cool, well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. With proper care, watering, and post-bloom maintenance, you’ll enjoy vibrant, deep purple flowers every spring! 🌷💜