The tulip is a bulbous plant from the Liliaceae family, famous for its colorful and varied flowers. Originally from Central Asia, it is widely cultivated in gardens for its ornamental value. Its leaves can have different shapes, such as oblong, oval or lanceolate, similar to a spear.

The flower grows isolated in the center of the foliage, supported by an erect stem. It can be simple, with six petals, or folded, presenting a wide variety of colors, shapes and edges.

The species name was inspired by the Ottoman Turkish word “cheesecloth“ which was later Frenchified to “tulip“, recalling a type of hat or adornment that Middle Eastern men wear on their heads to this day, in the shape of an inverted flower.

How to grow tulips in Brazil

Regardless of speciestulips are cold climate flowers and, to grow them in Brazil, it is necessary to simulate the period of intense cold (hibernation) that the bulbs need. It is recommended that planting be done in autumn (March to June), using imported bulbs that have previously been cooled in the refrigerator for a few weeks (pre-conditioning).

Cold climates

In regions with harsh winters, tulip bulbs need a cold period to bloom properly. Planting in the fall ensures that the bulbs go through the necessary vernalization period (exposure to cold).

Hot climates

In regions with mild winters, it may be necessary to refrigerate the bulbs before planting. To do this, place the bulbs in a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator for about 6 to 8 weeks before planting them in the ground.

Essential care when growing tulips

According to agricultural engineer Nilton Yoshio Fukushima, professor at Faculdade Unopar, caring for tulips requires attention to some specific details, but with adequate care it is possible to see the flores blossom year after year.

Below, the expert highlights 8 essential precautions when growing tulips. Check it out!

1. Purchase good quality bulbs

Purchase good quality bulbs and usually in autumn, in advance. Furthermore, prefer those that have a well-closed and erect bud.

2. Follow the steps for cooling

Place the bulbs in paper or newspaper bags and store in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks at around 5°C. Do not store near fruit (such as apples) as ethylene can harm the bulbs. After the forced dormancy period, remove from the refrigerator and plant immediately. This process simulates the European winter, essential for the tulip to flourish in our climate.

3. Preparing the bed or pot for planting

For planting in flower bedschoose a location with morning sun or partial shade. In addition, a light textured, fertile and well-drained soil is ideal. To do this, add topsoil mixed with sand and organic compost.

For planting in pots, choose one with a minimum depth of 25 centimeters, placing a layer of number 5 gravel or expanded clay at the bottom to help with drainage. Use a light, sandy substrate, mixing topsoil, earthworm humus or organic compost and sand for effective drainage.

4. How to carry out planting

Plant with the tip facing up. The depth should be 3 times the size of the bulb (about 10 to 15 cm). Maintain 10 to 15 cm of distance between the bulbs.

5. How to water

Right after the plantingirrigation must be moderate to keep the soil moist, but without waterlogging. The tulip does not support waterlogged soil. Water moderately during growth.

6. Placement of the vessel

Tulips need good light, but they cannot stand strong, direct sun. Place the pot in a location with indirect light, protecting the plant from excessive heat.

7. Tulip flowering

Tulips bloom between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, around 90 to 120 days after planting. Flowering duration is about 7 to 15 days. In warmer regions, this time may be reduced.

8. Post-flowering

After flowering, the leaves remain green for a few weeks for the bulb to recover nutrients. After that, the entire aerial part dries up and the bulb goes dormant again.

After the leaves have completely dried, remove the bulbs from the ground, clean and dry. Pack in a paper bag and store them for at least 3 to 4 months in a dry, cool place. Carry out the cooling in the refrigerator again before the next planting.

By Deiwerson Damasceno