What Kind of Tulips Grow in Canada?
Tulips, like many other spring bulbs, appreciate cold weather and a long winter–which makes them perfect for Canadian gardening. While some hot-weather tulips don't prefer the cold that comes with Zones 2 and 3, many others thrive here. Here are some of our favorite tulips that grow well in Canada:No matter which variety you choose, Breck's Canada is here to help. We will ship your bulbs at just the right time for planting, and are always available to answer any questions that may arise. Get more information and helpful advice by visiting our page on how to grow Tulips.
How to Plant Tulip Bulbs
One of the best things about tulips, and about all spring bulbs–ease of planting. Planting tulip bulbs in fall is an easy task, and having tulip bulbs in the ground gives us something to look forward to over the long, cold winter. Planting tulips is a simple process:1. Choose an appropriate site for your tulip bulbs. The planting site should have plenty of sun, and drain well. Don't select a location where water tends to pool, as bulbs will rot if exposed to constant moisture. Make sure to think about the mature size of your tulips when choosing your location, and site them near complimentary plants. Dwarf tulips fit well in the front of a bed or border. Tall varieties are pleasing when planted en masse or behind other varieties.
2. Prepare your soil. Use a shovel or trowel to thoroughly aerate the area, and add in composted manure, loam, or another organic material to improve drainage. Soil prep is also the right time to add fertilizer, which can improve rooting and flowering. Choose a bulb-friendly variety, and be sure not to apply fertilizer directly to fresh bulbs, as it can cause burning. Keep in mind that too much nitrogen can stunt the growth of your tulips, so you may want to use manure or fertilizer, but not both.
3. Dig your holes. Each tulip bulb should go into the ground at about three times the depth of the bulb's height. So, a bulb that measures about 2 centimeters tall should be planted at six centimeters deep.
4. Set the bulbs-pointy end up! Then, backfill and tamp down the soil Water in well.
Ta-dah! Your tulips are planted. A dressing of mulch can help protect the bulbs over the cold winter. In spring, wait until the plants sprout to begin watering.