Tulip Bulbs

Depending on the group, tulips flower from March to mid-May and suit borders, pots and vases. The bulbs are planted in autumn, in Switzerland ideally from October to November once the soil has cooled.

Buy tulip bulbs: groups, shapes and colours

Tulips are divided into groups that differ in flowering time and shape. Triumph tulips are the largest group: mid-season, sturdy and available in almost every colour, from white tulips to yellow and red tulips. Darwin tulips have particularly large flowers and often return for several years, for example 'Salmon van Eijk' in salmon pink or 'Apricot Pride' in apricot. Fosteriana tulips flower early, 'Exotic Emperor' for instance with double, white and green flowers. Double tulips resemble peonies, fringed tulips have finely fringed petal edges, and lily-flowered tulips have pointed petals. The slender French tulips are also among the late varieties. Species tulips such as Tulipa acuminata, with narrow, twisted petals, suit natural-style gardens. 'Mystery Valley' shows unusual colour combinations.

Planting time and location in Switzerland

Plant tulips later than other spring-flowering bulbs: on the Swiss Plateau ideally from mid-October to the end of November, at higher altitudes from the end of September. Cool soil helps prevent fungal diseases such as tulip fire. Tulips like a sunny spot and free-draining soil; in waterlogged ground the bulbs rot. They are hardy in Switzerland and need the winter cold to flower in spring.

Planting and care

Plant the bulbs pointed end up about 10 to 15 centimetres deep, roughly two to three times the height of the bulb. Space them 8 to 12 centimetres apart; in pots they can sit closer together. After flowering, cut off the seed heads and let the foliage turn yellow. If you want tulips that come back year after year, choose Darwin and species tulips and plant them on the deep side. Keep pots of tulips in a sheltered place in winter so the compost neither freezes solid nor becomes too wet.

Combinations and uses

By combining early, mid-season and late varieties you can have tulips in flower for eight weeks. In borders they go well with forget-me-nots, grape hyacinths and daffodils. Triumph, double and fringed tulips are the best choice for the vase. Tulip bulbs and sap can irritate sensitive skin and are toxic to pets. Compact varieties with strong stems are particularly good for pots on balconies and patios. Layering tulips with crocuses and grape hyacinths gives a long succession of flowers in a single container.