For a variety of reasons, it can make sense to transplant tulip bulbs to another location in the garden. In order for the heralds of spring to understand the strenuous relocation without harm, it is important to proceed professionally. Read here how to do it correctly.
When and how should you transplant tulip bulbs?
Tulip bulbs should be carefully dug up in early summer after the leaves have fully grown. After removing leaves and rotten roots, store the bulbs in a cool, dark place until fall. In October, replant them in humus-rich, sandy-loamy soil in a sunny location.
Transplant tulip bulbs at the right time
For whatever reason you want to plant tulip bulbs in the garden, early summer is the ideal time for this measure. At the end of the flowering period, the flower bulbs can still be easily identified by looking at the leaves in the ground. In addition, by choosing this date, you reduce the strain on the flower to a minimum. Here's how to do it professionally:
- Don't lift the tulip bulbs out of the ground until the leaves are completely drawn in
- Use a hand shovel (€4.00 on Amazon) to reach 30-35 cm deep under the onion so as not to damage the roots if possible
- Shake off the soil, cut off the leaves and rotten roots
If you hold the clean tulip bulbs in your hands, the first phase is done. Since summer is not the ideal time to plant tulips, store the bulbs in a cool, dark cellar until fall. To do this, place the tubers in a box with dry sand or peat without letting the shells touch each other. The better the air can circulate during the summer, the lower the risk of rot.
Plant new in autumn
The time window for the second phase opens in mid-October. After a dry, dark summer, the project 'Relocating tulips in the garden' comes to a happy end when you plant the bulbs in the new, sunny location like this:
- Dig planting holes in humus, sandy-loamy soil at a distance of 15-20 cm
- Insert one tulip bulb into each at a depth equal to three times its height
- Enrich the excavation with compost to fill the holes
Finally, press the soil and water. If you notice small breeding bulbs on the tulip bulbs before moving, separate the offspring first to plant them in their own planting hole.
Tip
You will rarely come across wild tulips (Tulipa sylvestris) in the wild. The spring flower has become so rare as a result of extensive use of herbicides that it is a protected species. If you are lucky enough to spot the yellow flower cups, please just admire or take photos. Picking or even digging up is strictly forbidden and is punished with high fines.
