If your tulips looked smaller than usual last spring and there were fewer blooms, it may be time to renovate your spring bulb beds. Early summer is a good time to dig up not only tulips, but daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths that need some attention, according to Ross Penhallegon, horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses and other bulbed spring-bloomers make new bulbs every year, explained Penhallegon.
Crowded plants compete for nutrients and water, resulting in fewer and smaller blooms.
Spring bulbs will produce bigger flowers if separated and fertilized. Dig up your bulbs carefully. Spade right at the edge of the dried-up foliage, lifting whole clumps of soil. Break the clumps apart by hand and pick out the bulbs. Throw away any soft, diseased or insect-damaged bulbs.