Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 5/13/2004

Question
Hi, I live in mid-Michigan(east of Grandrapids)We bought very healthy Tulips and Hyacinthasis in full bloom at Easter.They are still outside in 50-80 degree weather in their pots.We have had alot of rain this month.They look like they are barley alive.The leaves are yellow and wilted.What would be the best thing to do with them at this time?Plant or store?How do I prepare the soil for the best results? Our soil has alot of clay in it.I appreciatte your input.
Raelynn

Answer
Both tulips and daffodil foliage will eventually yellow and wither. This is normal and signify that the annual growing pattern has come to it's end. the bulbs will now be dormant until fall, when underground rooting will take place in preparation for flowering next spring.

However, the bulbs may have rotted due to excessive water (e.g. poor drainage. typical if the pot was in a saucer with no holes, the holes were blocked, or if the pot was put on concrete so water could not run from the pot). The leaves could also have withered from lack of water (draught) of course..

the best way to deal with the bulbs now is to take them out of the pot and look at them. if they are plumb and firm they are ok to plant. Mix in some good quality potting soil or compost into the clay soil. preparre a large hole (larger than the bulbs themselves), at least 3 times as wide and 5 times as deep. This will ensure that water will drain properly. If you dig a shallow hole and amend this with compost, it can act like a 'cup' which gathers water which flow from the surrounding clay soil. By preparring a larger planting hole you improve overall drainage.

You can 'amend soil' by first loosening the clay soil in the flower bed to a dept of 8-12" with a spade (dig and chop up larger clumps). Then spread a 3-4" layer of good quality compost or potting soil over the area and mix this organic matter thoroughly with the native soil.

Plant bulbs with the tips up and 2 times the dept of the bulb. e.g. if the bulb is 2 1/4" tall, plant the basal plate (flat part) in a 4 1/2" deep hole (on top of amended soil). Cover with more amended soil. water well once to settle the soil.

Plant in full sun.

The bulbs should flower next year. at least the hyacinth should. tulips are a bit picky and not all tulips will reflower. most people treat tulips as annuals, but I think it is worth a shot never the less.

In fall spread some flowering plant fertilizer over the area where the bulbs are planted. repeat next spring just as the bulbs stick their heads above ground and then again just as the flower buds are forming/flowering commences.

Next year, do not restrict the foliage. The plant needs the foliage (green leaves) to conduct photosynthesis. you can/should cut off the spent flower (e.g. cut the flower off by removing the flower stem, but keep the leaves. This is usually done just as the flower petals start to fall off or the individual hyacinth flowers dry up. Do not remove the leaves, however, as they are needed to recharge the bulb. When the leaves turn yellow and wither on their own in early summer, you can remove them at soil level.

e.g.
- deadhead flowers after flowering
- let the foliage stay green until it withers on it's own
- always plant bulbs in good drainage which can be done by amending the soil in planting beds
- fertilize in fall, early spring and just before flowering

Good luck