"Tulips for Tomorrow"

Tulips for Tomorrow

Tulips sing the arrival of springtime to gardeners throughout the world.   Tulips offer a kaleidoscope of colors for all to enjoy—some are early bloomers while others are late.  When my late-blooming, red-orange tulips emerge, I know most tulips are finished for this spring.  These three late-blooming beauties have appeared in my garden every spring for several years.  (I snapped this photo today, April 30, and they appear to be at their peak.)

Although tulip blossoms are gorgeous, their foliage is not spectacular; however, it is important that gardeners allow foliage to remain in the garden, even after petals have fallen and you have removed the stems from each bloom. The foliage will continue to photosynthesize for a month or two, producing sugars (carbohydrates) which will transfer to each bulb beneath the surface.  These carbohydrates are stored in the bulbs until next spring when they provide the energy to push new leaves and blooms to be enjoyed again.

 When foliage is dry and brown, the photosynthesis cycle is complete so leaves can be removed and placed in your compost bin.  Allowing tulip leaves to remain in place until dry sets the stage for large, lovely tulips for tomorrow! 

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture