Martha Stewart shared her trusted technique for growing “luscious” tulips on Instagram, which many gardening experts have endorsed.
The keen gardener showed off her green thumb in a recent Instagram post of some pink tulips that she grew herself using a simple trick.
Stewart’s social media post shows a bouquet of cut pink parrot tulips elegantly displayed in a clear glass vase on her large wooden table.
Underneath, a caption reads: “This year I planted only a few types of tulips and only in rows for cutting. First blooms this spring. These luscious pink parrots!”
Many in the comment section agreed that Martha’s method of planting in rows for cutting – where plants are planted in rows and are bordered with an open space to move around freely.
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According to Spruce, the method works best when the tulips are planted in sunlight or beneath trees, as long as the area doesn’t become too shady.
The bulb should be buried between four to eight inches deep in the ground, ideally in the autumn months, with each bulb positioned two to five inches apart in a row.
The Royal Horticultural Service (RHS) recommends planting dry bulbs in autumn for the best results, as this is when the plant is dormant.
“If you’re not able to plant bulbs straight away, store them in a cool dry place,” explains the body. “Plants bought in containers in spring from garden retailers should be planted straight away and will bloom in a matter of weeks.”
Not only does planting in rows for cutting make it easier to harvest, but it means minimal bending is required when a gardener cuts the plants.
Plant pro Marie Lanotti, notes: “Ensure they have well-draining soil that will not be waterlogged or get too much moisture or humidity. Only water when dry and only give supplemental water if it hasn’t rained in one to two weeks.”
Another tip for optimal growth is adding well-rotted manure or garden compost to the soil before planting the bulbs, as getting the soil acidity right is important for tulips.
In Spring, however, simply applying a general-purpose fertiliser to the soil should suffice to support healthy growth, bearing in mind that many tulips thrive even if they’re not planted on a nutrient-rich site or well-drained soil.
