Expert: Gary Bachman - 6/28/2004

Question
I don't know how to treat my tulips and other spring flowring bulbs after they have flowered and wilted. Do I just leave them to die completely on their own or do I need to cut their stems and leaves down? Thanks.

Answer
Pam,

You should leave the foliage on spring bulbs for at least 6 weeks after flowering.  This allows the plant to store sugars for flowering next year.

To help hide the foliage you can interplant annuals and perennials.

This has been a frequent question and you can look at some of the other answers for a more complete answer.

Good luck in the garden,

Gary