It belongs in the land of fables that onion flowers survive without any nutrient supply. This may still work in the first year. From the second year onwards, knowledgeable hobby gardeners prefer to give their tulips a hand so that their energy reserves do not run out. You can find out here how to fertilize tulips according to all the rules of gardening.
How should you properly fertilize tulips?
To fertilize tulips effectively and in an environmentally friendly way, use organic fertilizers such as mature compost, horn shavings or special garden fertilizers. Fertilize in the autumn before planting, every 2 weeks from March onwards and interrupt the nutrient supply at the end of the flowering period until the next autumn.
These fertilizers are good for tulips and the environment
Organic fertilizers guarantee a constant delivery of valuable nutrients to your tulip bulbs. The natural ingredients are first processed by busy soil organisms so that they are available to the roots. Since this process takes place continuously, an overdose can hardly occur. In contrast, mineral preparations with a concentrated load stimulate growth, are quickly used up and have to be administered again.
Mature compost is therefore the first choice for fertilizing tulips in harmony with nature. You can aim in the same direction with horn shavings or horn meal, which are broken down a little more quickly to suit the plants. For hobby gardeners without their own compost heap, specialist retailers have adequate products available. These include Oscorna Animalin garden fertilizer (€40.00 at Amazon), Naturen organic garden fertilizer or Naturen organic horse manure pellets.
The best dates
It is beneficial if you plant tulip bulbs in soil enriched with compost and horn shavings. This way you can prevent supply gaps right from the start. In addition, we recommend taking the following fertilization dates into account in the care program:
- In autumn, cover the planting site with compost
- From March onwards, lightly work an organic fertilizer into the soil with a rake every 2 weeks
- Wate with normal water after each fertilization
- At the end of the flowering period, interrupt the nutrient supply until autumn
If you cultivate tulips in pots, we recommend using an organic liquid fertilizer. Please ensure that you do not apply the product to a dried substrate surface. If in doubt, first water with a little clear water before adding the liquid fertilizer.
Tip
Organically fertilized tulip bulbs are more robust and protect nature. By choosing to use natural fertilizers, you are sending a clear message against the practices of commercial tulip cultivation. Every year, almost 60 kilograms of chemical poisons are used per hectare of cultivated land there - and the trend is rising.