How to plant tulips
Our guide to planting the bulbs this autumn
Choose a sunny, warm spot in a well-drained patch of garden - or a pot if space is tight - and plan your display of different varieties and shades, from pure white to purply-black, before burying these horticultural treasures deep in the ground. Easy to grow and bearing impressive, sculptural flowers, the tulip is definitely worthy of a place on your patio in a container or a space in the flowerbed.
November is an ideal month in which to plant them - the bulbs are dormant at this time. Before doing so, ensure bulbs aren't showing signs of rot or aren on the soft side.
Bear in mind the display you want to create - arrangements of six or more will have impact come spring. Once you've dug a hole in the ground, or placed compost in your tub, with the shoot facing upwards (this is also known as the nose), place the bulb to a depth two to three times its length. Position the next bulb with a distance from the first that is double its width. Carry on in this way and cover with the correct amount of soil. Then gently firm in, but take care not to tread on the soil and damage the bulbs beneath.
Planting in a container? Click here for instructions
For a list of RHS recommended tulips, click here.
Click here for the RHS's advice on detecting viruses.
Where to buy tulip bulbs
The following online shops offer a good selection:
Sarah Raven
Thompson & Morgan
Mr Fothergill's
Bloms Bulbs
RHS Online Plant Shop
Crocus
Books to read
The tulip has inspired a devoted following throughout history. Below is a selection of books on the plant.
'The Tulip' by Anna Pavord
'The Infinite Tulip' by Harold Feinstein
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