Should tulip bulbs be fertilized at planting?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The fertilizer for tulips has to be applied at the right time. Do not fertilize when you plant the bulbs, because the bulbs contain nutrients. The fertilizer should be a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer, which should be applied in the spring when the shoots come up. This comes from my own experiences of trial and error, which ultimately led to the best results.
Planting Phase
- No fertilizer needed at bulb planting
- Excess nutrients cause root burn
- High nitrogen attracts fungal diseases
Spring Application
- Apply when shoots are 2-4 inches tall
- Use 1 tablespoon per square foot
- Water immediately after application
Learn why fertilizers destroy tulip bulbs. Bulbs contain the exact nutrients needed for their first development. Fertilizer taken from outside sources destroys this natural condition. The food harms their tender roots and induces a growth of mold around the bulbs. I lost some bulbs from fertilizer burn before I learned proper timing.
Fertilize in spring. Scatter granules around emerging shoots, being careful not to get too close to the shoots. Water well to dissolve fertilizing materials into the root zone where they can be absorbed. I use a handheld spreader to distribute the fertilizer evenly over the ground bed area. This serves the plants without waste.
Compost is an excellent food supplement after bloom. Spread a little on the ground when the petals drop and the foliage begins to yellow. It is a slow release of food to the bulbs for the next season. I make my own compost from people's garden waste for that purpose, which enriches the soil naturally.
Read the full article: How to Plant Tulips Step by Step
