Apeldoorn
A classic Darwin Hybrid tulip with strong stems and large red flowers. Good for borders and cutting.
When to plant Tulips in Cambridge
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.
45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant Bulbs
19 Oct to 23 NovPlant bulbs around 19th October - 23rd November, after the first frost, pointy end up. Set them about three times the bulb height deep. Space them apart in free-draining soil. Water in. Discard any bulb that is soft or mouldy.
- Cover the bed with chicken wire if squirrels dig. Wear gloves if the bulbs irritate your skin.
- Do not let pots or heavy ground stay waterlogged in winter.
03
Enjoy the Flowers
2 Apr to 28 May 2027Flowers open from 2nd April 2027 through 28th May 2027. You can pick stems as the buds begin to colour.
04
Deadhead Spent Blooms
14 May to 18 Jun 2027From 14th May - 18th June 2027, take off faded flowers. Leave the stem and leaves in place. Do not tie them or cut them back early.
05
Leave Foliage to Die Back
28 May to 16 Jul 2027Leave the leaves for about six weeks after flowering, from 28th May - 16th July 2027. Clear them only once they have yellowed. Do not knot them.
- Many hybrid tulips are best replanted each year. That is not a second method.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tulip.
Good companions
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
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.
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
Tulip guides by town
See how Tulip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.