Monty Don's expert advice to help tulips last longer and make 'difference' (2024)

Monty Don shared his tulip watering tip (Image: Getty)

As the season unfolds, gardeners across the region are now witnessing the early stages of growth in the tulips they diligently planted during the months of October, November, and December.

These iconic flowers are a sign of spring, often being among the first bulbs to adorn gardens with their vibrant hues.

While it's commonly believed that tulips thrive with minimal watering, horticultural expert Monty Don advises providing them with additional moisture, particularly during rainy spells, to ensure their prolonged vitality.

On his monthly gardening blog, the gardening guru said: “Because they have been so passive for months and because April is traditionally so showery, it is easy to overlook the fact that tulips need water once they are growing strongly, so I water those growing pots weekly.

READ MOREApril is the perfect time to plant these colourful flowers for summer blooms

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“This will not affect flowering this year, although it might make the blooms last long, but it will help the foliage which in turn makes a big difference to near year’s bulbs.”

These flowers are well-suited for various garden types and bedding arrangements. Providing them with proper care in the coming month will promote robust growth as they begin to emerge from the soil.

The Royal Horticultural Society added: “In mid to late spring, cup-shaped flowers rise on single stems above wide strap-like green or green-grey leaves.

“Flower stalks emerge from cream-white bulbs covered by a paper brown skin.”

Monty Don advises providing tulips with additional moisture in the Spring months (Image: Getty)

“Tulips grow well in soil rich in organic matter. They like cool moist conditions in spring, with a dry warm summer conditions for their summer ‘rest’ (dormancy).

“Most grow in an open position in full sun, although some tolerate part shade.”

This comes after experts at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, recommended keeping things simple after placing your tulips in vases to keep flowers looking perfect.

“Avoid adding gin, vodka or pennies to the tulip water, brushing the blooms with egg whites or piercing the stems just under the bloom,” said the experts. “None of these ‘home remedies’ has ever proved to have any real benefits. Cold fresh water works best.”

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