Name: Tulips - Purple/White - 10 bulbs p-pack
SKU: 2509209-3
Availability: OutOfStock

Two-tone purple/white tulips bring a sophisticated and striking contrast to gardens. Since these bulbs have been cold-treated, they are ready for autumn planting (March–May) and will bloom in late winter to early spring (August–September).

1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:

Ideal for cool to mild winter regions (Western Cape, Highveld, and areas with cold nights).
Pre-chilled bulbs need cool temperatures below 20°C for optimal growth.
Best results are achieved when planted immediately after receiving the bulbs.

✅ Soil Requirements:

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

✅ Sunlight Needs:

Requires full sun to partial shade (minimum 6 hours of sunlight daily).
In hotter areas, plant where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent heat stress.

2. Planting Two-Tone Purple/White Tulips (Cold Treated)

✅ Best Planting Time:

March–May, when nighttime temperatures drop below 15°C.
Plant immediately upon receiving pre-chilled bulbs.

✅ Preparing the Bulbs:

No extra chilling required.
Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for 2 hours before planting to encourage root growth.

✅ Planting Depth & Spacing:

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

3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering Schedule:

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water once or twice a week, increasing in dry conditions.
Reduce watering when leaves start yellowing after flowering.

✅ Fertilizing:

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

✅ Mulching:

Apply a thin mulch layer (straw, bark, or compost) to keep soil cool and retain moisture.

4. Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

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

✅ Common Diseases:

Botrytis (Tulip Fire) – Prevent by ensuring good airflow and avoiding wet leaves.
Root Rot – Occurs in poorly drained soil; plant in well-draining areas.
Fungal Infections – Apply fungicide if needed.

5. Flowering & Deadheading

✅ Bloom Time:

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

✅ Deadheading:

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation and encourage energy storage in the bulb.
Keep leaves intact after blooming to help the bulb prepare for the next season.

✅ Cut Flowers:

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

6. Post-Flowering & Bulb Storage

✅ After Flowering Care:

Allow leaves to die back naturally for 6–8 weeks.
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 back.
Store in a cool, dry place (10–15°C) in a paper bag until replanting next autumn.
In cooler areas, bulbs can stay in the ground, but they may not bloom as well in the second year.

7. Companion Planting & Crop Rotation

✅ Good Companion Plants:

Daffodils, hyacinths, anemones, and freesias enhance the spring display.
Low-growing ground covers (like violas and alyssum) help 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

Two-tone purple/white tulips bring a unique and eye-catching look to South African gardens when planted in autumn in cool, well-draining soil with ample sunlight. By following the correct planting and aftercare methods, you’ll enjoy a spectacular spring display of striking bi-colored blooms! 🌷💜🤍