Storage after arrival:

Bulbs should be unpacked immediately upon arrival, ventilate if not immediately planted. Store at 58-65°F - do not store with fresh fruit, vegetables or other ethylene producing products.

Planting Medium/Planting Procedure

Planting medium can be any commercial soil or soil mix as long as it has good drainage and allows for undisturbed root growth. pH level should be 6-7 and soil should have a low soluble salt level. The following soil mixes have shown the best results: Fafard #2, Fafard #3-B, Fafard #4, Metro 350, Metro 360, Metro 500, Fison Sunshine #4. Plant bulbs with the flat side outside of the container and the top of the bulb should be level with the container rim. Use either clay or plastic pot but make sure good drainage is available. There should be at least 2" of growing medium under the base of the bulb to allow for a good root structure. They also prefer a rather deep, loamy soil with good drainage. The leaves are broad or linear. Tulips can be used in pots, borders, perennial gardens or beds. Use a well-drained, composted site. Plant bulbs outdoors to that the soil is 6" above the bulb nose. Use 40-60 bulbs per square yard, space bulbs 5" apart (approx 4-7 per sq. ft.) Bulb size determines exact spacing and planting depth. Plant forcing bulbs at soil level.

Cooling

Cooling is the most important step in successfully growing flower bulbs. The main rule for almost all tulips is 14-16 weeks of cool temperature at or below 48°F.

Watering

Water every other day. Always make sure that watering is done directly into the pot and not over the crop.

Fertilizer

Fertilize in the greenhouse only, not in the cooler. Use calcium nitrate at a rate of 2 lbs. per 100 gallons of water.

Height Control for Pots

The product A'Rest (ancymidol) has worked very effectively in controlling the length of the tulips in pots. However, varieties react differently at different times of the year to the same application. It is important that the forcers guide is consulted before using this product.