Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 4/13/2004

Question
MY TULIPS BLOOMED AND NOW HAVE DROPPED OFF THEIR
STEM. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT TO INSURE PROPER CARE, CUT THE STEM OFF?  I LIVE IN WEST PART OF GEORGIA.  THANK-YOU FOR YOUR HELP.   BEVERLY  

Answer
Cut the flower off by removing the upper part of the stem (not the leaves) which held the flower. The leaves will be responsible for the conduction of photosynthesis (plants convert the sun's energy into foodstuffs). Once the plant has completed this task and recharged the bulbs for next year's bloom, the foliage will wither and die.

Make sure you continue to water your tulips at least once per week (if no rain) and do not braid, fold, or otherwise restrict the foliage. The foliage will use the light energy to improve the carbohydrates in the bulb for next year's bloom.

In early summer, when the foliage dies back (turns yellow and wither) you can cut it off at soil level.

It is a good idea to fertilize now, if you have not already done so. I usually fertilize by bulbs in fall (at time of planting, or if existing bulbs, then broadcast over the area where the bulbs are planted), in early spring when the tulips just poke their heads above ground, and again at flowering.

If the tulips are planted in the regular flower beds then just water as usual during summer. If not planted in flower beds, then water the tulips in spring if no rain for a week. this to keep the green plants actively growing until they die back on their own. However, in summer, when the bulbs are dormant, do not water the area. If part of a flower bed, then nothing really you can do (you have to water for the summer plants), but if not part of your flower bed, no need to water when the foliage is not present. in fact, tulips prefer dry conditions during summer.

If deadheaded (spent flowers removed), but the foliage is left intact to complete photosynthesis, the bulbs should rebloom next year. all you can hope for is just a nice cold winter which satisfy the vernalization (cooling) requirement.

One way to do this, remove the mulch (rake it back) in late fall and wait for a heavy freeze. then make the mulch back over the ground (when it is frozen). This will keep the temperature consistently cool and ensure the bulb can rebloom.

If you are in zone 6/7 you should usually be ok without this. if you are in zone 8, all you can do to help the soil staying consistently cool for the longest period of time, the tulips will appreciate.

Kenneth