Imagine spending the equivalent of $10,000 on a single tulip bulb.  The craze over tulip bulbs in Holland in the 1600’s led speculators and collectors to purchase the commodity sight unseen because of its high demand and lack of availability.  Fortunes were made as the price of tulips climbed, but for many unfortunate investors, prices plummeted as there were more sellers than buyers.  Native to Turkey, tulips were celebrated as the prize of the garden for wealthy statesmen.  The usage of tulips in decorative motifs and tiles as early as 1550 demonstrates the tremendous popularity of this most welcomed spring flower.  The note of a botanist, as well as art history, traces the travels of this bulb from Turkey to Venice before its introduction to Europe.  It was the tempered climate of Holland, with its sandy loam soils reaching from the North Sea inland that created optimum growing conditions for these and many other forms of flowering bulbs.  Now considered the “Flower Basket of the World”, Holland exports the flowers from these bulbs prior to the actual cultivation that generally takes place in mid-July.  Bulbs are then sorted, packaged, and shipped throughout the world.

Phelan Gardens carries a wide variety of these tulip bulbs of the highest quality and assorted colors.  As these bulbs are best planted after the first frost (approximately October 10^th in the Colorado Springs region), begin the fall season by thinking ahead to next spring while waiting to plant. 

Planning the Spring Garden

Selecting the Site – Bulbs can be planted just about anywhere you have a little sunshine and semi-organic, well draining soil.  Prior to planting, a small sketch of the areas to be enjoyed may help with design and the number of bulbs needed to achieve your goal. 

Selecting Color —Tulips offer a tremendous range of colors and shades.  Feel confident in your artistic abilities and the colors available to express your personality!  

Selecting Height – Tulips are divided into various classes, i.e. Kaufmanniana 4-6” (early) Darwin Hybrid 22-24” (midseason), Parrot  20-26” (late).  Consider color, height, and bloom time to help you achieve the effect you want. 

Spacing Bulbs – Tremendous splashes of color can be accomplished by planting small bulbs close together.  Tulips and daffodils can be planted 5-6” apart.  Rather than plant tulips in a singular straight row, incorporate a cluster planting where 5 tulips are planted in a circular fashion. 

Accentuate – Plant a group of daffodils next to that prize-winning stump you hauled back from the banks of the Arkansas River.  Add uniqueness to the rock garden with galanthus and/or crocus.  

Naturalize – Successfully plant crocus in your grass or daffodils in an open natural field.  Be creative! 

Forcing – Containerize spring flowering bulbs in pots, store in cool temperature (40-50 degrees) for several weeks, and remove to a warmer location where you can enjoy them.  Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus are wonderful indoor bulbs that require warm temperatures to flower. 

Planting and Care – Bulbs can be successfully planted mid-October to mid-November (timing may vary at higher elevations).  Water bulbs in thoroughly after planting.  Light mulching with grass clippings or bark will help the bulbs retain moisture and coolness during periods of unusually warm weather over the course of the winter.   

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!