Nothing says "spring" like a garden full of vibrant tulips and daffodils. Whether you dream of bold, bright colours or soft, pastel shades, these cheerful blooms are the perfect addition to any garden or pot. Easy to grow, versatile, and charming, tulips and daffodils bring that much-needed burst of colour after the long winter months. Let's dig into the details so you can plant the perfect patch of spring beauty!
Flower Types
Tulips and daffodils come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so there's something for every garden style:
Tulips
Single Early: Classic, single blooms on shorter stems—perfect for that first pop of colour.
Double (Paeony) Tulips: Big, bold, peony-like flowers—if you want a full, showy bloom.
Parrot Tulips: These are for the bold gardeners! Frilled, feathered petals steal the spotlight.
Fringed Tulips: With delicate, fringed petals, these bring a touch of elegance to any space.
Daffodils:
Trumpet Daffodils: The iconic daffodils—big, bright, and cheery.
Double Daffodils: These beauties boast multiple layers of petals, making them fuller and bolder.
Miniature Narcissi: are smaller daffodils with shorter stems and smaller flowers, usually under 30cm tall.
Polyanthus (Bunch-Flowered) Daffodils: produce multiple blooms per stem in clusters, creating a "bunch" effect.
Split Corona Daffodils: the corona (cup) is split into segments, often ruffled or frilled. The unique shape gives them an exotic, butterfly-like appearance
Growing in Gardens
Soil: Use well-drained soil with added Tui Bulb Food.
Planting: Follow planting depth instructions and space bulbs accordingly. Typically, for tulips and daffodils, this is 15cm deep.
After Flowering: Let the foliage die down naturally for energy storage. Remove dead leaves once fully flopped.
Storage: Leave bulbs in the ground or lift and store them in a dry, dark place for the off-season.
Growing in Pots
Pot Size: Use a container at least 15cm deep for root growth. Shallow, wide bowls or layered arrangements in larger pots work well.
Soil: Opt for Tui Bulb Mix, designed to support bulb health and flowering.
Fertilising: Apply Tui Liquid Fish and Seaweed once flowers appear, then every two weeks.
Planting: Space bulbs twice as close as in the garden for a fuller display. Keep pots cool until the leaves emerge, then move to a sunny location.
Storage: Place pots under a shady spot after flowering and water occasionally until next season.
Chilling Time: The Secret to Stunning Blooms
For the best blooms, tulips and daffodils need a chill to bloom beautifully come spring. These bulbs are naturally programmed to rest in the cold, so it's worth giving them extra help in warmer climates.
- If you're in a region with mild winters, pre-chill your bulbs by storing them in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting. This simulates winter and helps them bloom more reliably.
- For those planting in colder areas, skip this step; nature’s chill will do the job for you.
