Six tips for planting tulips

Tulips enjoy light, well-drained soils in full sun, but there are ways you can get them to flower in heavier soils too – find out how to grow tulips in problem places.

Check out these handy tips on planting tulips.

Re-plant each year

Plant new tulips every year for the best displays – as a rule performance declines the older the tulips become. You could also have a go at lifting and storing tulips, to plant again next year.

Plant at the right depth

Bury tulips in a hole three times the height of the bulb. Plant tulips together to create a colourful display. To make them look natural, try scattering the bulbs in the area you want to plant them, then bury them where they fall.

Plant at the right time

Wait until we've had a couple of frosts before planting (although don't plant into frozen ground). This will help to avoid the fungal disease tulip fire.

Pick the best bulbs

Choose large, firm bulbs avoiding any that are showing signs of rot. Some people will experience skin irritation when handling tulips, so avoid this by wearing gloves.

Avoid squirrel damage

Protect newly-planted bulbs from squirrels by covering the ground or containers with chicken wire, then hiding with a thin layer of compost.

Watch out for slugs and snails

Be vigilant for slugs and snails as tulip foliage begins to emerge in spring. Take a look at these ways to stop slugs eating young plants.

Tulip planting combinations to try

• 'Apricot Beauty' with blue perennial cornflowers
• Cerise 'Dolls Minuet' with the zingy foliage of tellima
• Scarlet 'Apeldoorn' with the equally bright red geums
• Deep purple 'Queen of Night' with the strappy foliage of sisyrinchium
• Pure white 'Alabaster' makes the perfect partner for lime euphorbia foliage
• Pink 'Christmas Pearl' and 'China Pink' with silver foliage – try artemisia