Tulips in Barnhill
Tulipa spp.
Tulips are hardy spring bulbs for a sunny, free-draining spot in the UK. Plant them late in autumn to reduce tulip fire, then enjoy the flowers in spring and leave the foliage to die back naturally.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Tulip
Planting Calendar
Plant Bulbs
11 Oct – 20 NovPlant bulbs around 11th October - 20th November, with the pointy end up and at a depth of roughly three times the bulb height. Space them apart in free-draining soil, then water in thoroughly straight away.
Keep Soil Free-Draining
21 Oct – 18 FebFrom 21st October, keep the bed or pot just moist if the weather is dry, but never wet. In heavy soil, add grit or grow them in containers from the start so the bulbs do not sit in waterlogged compost.
Enjoy the Flowers
13 Apr – 28 MayWatch for flowering around 13th April - 28th May. Tulips make good cut flowers, so you can pick stems as the buds begin to colour and bring them indoors. Cut cleanly and keep the display tidy as blooms open.
Deadhead Spent Blooms
13 Apr – 3 MayFrom 13th April - 3rd May, remove faded flowers so the bulb puts its energy into next year’s growth rather than seed. Leave the stem and foliage in place, and do not tie them up or cut them back early.
Leave Foliage to Die Back
27 Apr – 22 JunFrom 27th April - 22nd June, leave the leaves for at least six weeks after flowering so the bulb can recharge fully. Clear them only once they have yellowed and faded naturally.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tulip.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Tulip to consider
Apeldoorn
A classic Darwin Hybrid tulip with strong stems and large red flowers. Good for borders and cutting.
Strong Gold
A reliable yellow Darwin Hybrid tulip with good weather resistance and sturdy stems.
Queen of Night
A deep maroon Single Late tulip with a tall, elegant flower on a strong stem.
Ballerina
A lily-flowered tulip with orange, scented flowers and good shape for cutting.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Tulip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.