Tulips in Fryars Bay

Tulipa spp.

Tulip
Tulip · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Fryars Bay · last frost ≈ 5 Apr

Plant out November to December. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Tulip

  1. 01

    Plant Bulbs

    14 Nov to 24 Dec

    Plant bulbs around 14th November - 24th December, 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.

  2. 02

    Keep Soil Free-Draining

    24 Nov to 24 Mar

    From 24th November, 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.

  3. 03

    Enjoy the Flowers

    5 Apr to 20 May

    Watch for flowering around 5th April - 20th 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.

  4. 04

    Deadhead Spent Blooms

    5 Apr to 25 Apr

    From 5th April - 25th April, 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.

  5. 05

    Leave Foliage to Die Back

    19 Apr to 14 Jun

    From 19th April - 14th 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.

Tulip guides by town

See how Tulip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.