Evening star., 1940-05-18

wanted.
There are only a few things that
can be done to promote growth of
tulip bulbs. First, protect the
foliage which is essential to plant
growth and keep the plants grow
ing as long as possible. Second,
provide adequate moisture as tulips
need more than most flowers. II
the soil is abundantly supplied with
humus to hold the moisture the
spring rains ordinarily provide suf-
f1cient water for good growth. Re-
move spent flower heads to prevent
the formation of seed pods. Dig
ging and storing the bulbs after
the foliage has matured may or
may not be help. If the soil is
inclined to be wet, digging will re-
duce losses from rot. But when the
soil is not wet, digging may cause
loss, particularly if the bulbs are
not carefully stored in q cool, dry
place.
Information Is
Uncertain.
Information as to the care and
culture of the tulip is very con-
flicting and uncertain. Tulips grow
under a wide range of soil condi-
tions. The best or optimum con-
ditions are unknown. An article
In the National Horticultural Mag
azine, stated that numerous tests
showed very little fertility in the
soils of the Holland bulb farms,
but that the soils were we'll supplied
with humus and were sweet (not
acid.
If we were to follow these find
ings we would add compost, peat
moss, or leafmold to our soils and
quantities of lime. However, that
would only insure good soil con-
ditions, for the cool weather OF
Holland can hardly be duplicated
in this area.
Deep planting of tulip bulbs
seems to check splitting and
thus produces larger sized bulbs.
This suggests that many OF us
should dig our bulbs this spring
SO that we may rework our beds,
incorporating generous quantities Of
humus and lime. Bone meal is
the only fertilizer recommended if
we are to follow the above theory.
Replanting following the prepara-
tion of the beds depends upon. in
dividual conditions. The smaller
bulbs should be planted in the
garden where they may grow and
increase in size. Most of them will
bloom, and the small flowers they
will give the first year are excellent
for table decoration.
If the planting scheme for the
garden does not permit leaving the
tulips in the border until the foliage
dies down, they may be lifted and
moved to another place where they
may continue growth until maturity.
If the moving is done with care
and as much soil taken as possible
this operation should not materially
check their growth.
Difficulties
Ahead.
Ordinarily mention would have
been made of the newer varieties
noted in the recent tulip shows.
With the probability of all tulip inn
ports being cut off and local garden
ers having to depend upon do
mestic bulbs, there is little point in
such comments. We shall no doubt
be glad to get tulips of any variety
If we are to keep our bulb beds up
to their usual standard.
However, under the changed or
der it may be desirable to turn our
attention to some of the more
permanent forms of tulips, such as
the lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana), a
dainty flower Of medium height
with the outer petals cherry-rose
and the inner petals white. Tulip
sylvestris Florentina odorata) +,
sometimes called the wild English
tulip, is q somewhat taller growing
flower with rich yellow flowers that
are very attractive. They last well
IN the garden and, like the lady
tulip. may be naturalized In q sunny
border. They are a little too strong
growing for the smaller rock gar
dens but are very useful for the
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