Fosteriana Tulip mix - 20 pieces

Fosteriana tulips, also known as emperor tulips, carry particularly large, elegant flowers that open wide in the sun. This mix brings different colours together to create a cheerful, colourful picture. As the varieties do not all open at the same time, the flowering period is extended.

At about 45–55 cm tall the mix suits beds, borders and pots in full sun. Because it flowers early, it harmonises with daffodils, grape hyacinths and squills. In a bulb lasagne in a large container, the Fosteriana tulips go at the top with crocuses below for even earlier colour. Scatter the bulbs loosely so the colours mix naturally. In a front garden, too, they provide an early, cheerful welcome.

As cut flowers they bring the first breath of spring indoors. They are of little importance to bees. Fosteriana tulips are among the long-lived groups: in a sunny, free-draining spot they stay for many years and sometimes even naturalise. Let the foliage die back completely after flowering.

Plant the bulbs from October to December, ideally in October and November once the soil has cooled. Set them 10–15 cm deep with the tip pointing up, 10–12 cm apart. Groups of 10 or more look best. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil and no waterlogging; loosen heavy soil with sand or grit in the planting hole. In pots the bulbs can sit closer together.

Water in spring if it stays dry for a while. Pinch off faded flowers so the plant does not put its energy into seed, and leave the foliage until it turns yellow. The bulbs can stay in the ground; for a full display every year, add a few new bulbs in autumn or lift them once the leaves have died back and store them dry. A planting basket protects against voles. In winter, keep pots somewhere sheltered from constant wet.