Tulips are the most popular simple flowers, of the genus Liliaceae, of which there are a huge number of species and varieties. They are one of the first to please bloom in spring, so they are often used in landscape design, on flowerbeds, alpine slides, mixborders, discounts, planted in decorative boxes, etc. But in order to grow high-quality, healthy flowers and tubers, you need to attach a little effort, special attention must be paid during planting. How to properly prepare the bulbs before the autumn planting and how to cultivate the soil can be found in the article below.
Why it is useful to process tulip bulbs before planting
Many gardeners recommend sorting, sorting and processing tulips before planting.
After all, this action has several advantages and will help protect the tubers from troubles, such as:
- protection against insects and rodents;
- prevention and treatment of diseases;
- treated bulbs increase growth energy;
- next year the flowers grow more beautiful and strong, and the stems and leaves are elastic, this helps to keep the shape of the flowers during long-term transportation;
- Young tubers are well developed.
Ways to handle tulips before planting
Most bulb plants are planted in the autumn, because it is considered the most successful for planting. During the winter, they adapt to the climatic conditions of the region and subsequently yield a good harvest.
Did you know? The history of tulip cultivation began in the XI century in the Middle East, in the Ottoman Empire they were considered a symbol of peace, tranquility, natural renewal and mystical spiritual experience. Their image was painted on frescoes, ceramic tiles, reproduced in reliefs.
As for tulips, the first shoots appear immediately after the snow has thawed and the spring sun began to warm, and the leaf growth itself is very rapid. )
Planting material is best bought in specialized stores and only from trusted sellers who, at your request, can provide a certificate of quality and a photo of an adult plant.
In order to preserve and grow beautiful, healthy flowers in their garden plot, experienced gardeners advise to treat the tubers before planting (many fungal diseases and pests can be on the husk or under it) in the following ways and preparations:
- Fundazole - fungicide and protectant of a wide spectrum of antifungal systemic action. For the solution, you need 10 g of powder, dilute it with 2 liters of water, stir and dip the bulbs in it for 1 hour.
- Vitaros - a highly effective tool, it inhibits the development of pathogens that are located both on the surface and inside the tubers. To combat diseases, take 2 ml of the suspension, dissolve in 1 liter of liquid, lower the tulips so that they are completely covered with the solution for 30 minutes.
- Epin - literally add one drop of the drug to 2 liters of water, mix and soak the root crops for 1 day.
After the specified soaking time has passed, the bulbs are removed, dried and planted in the ground. Rinse them from the drug is not necessary. In addition, all work is recommended to be carried out with rubber gloves.
How to process tulip bulbs with potassium permanganate
Another of the most popular and easiest ways to process tulip bulbs is a solution of potassium permanganate.
Did you know? It is believed that tulip petals are edible and can easily replace onions in many dishes.
To get a good tuber disinfection result, you must adhere to such a scheme and rules:
- To remove the husk from pre-sorted tulips, on its surface and under it there may be fungal pores of diseases and pests, in addition, this will help better absorption of nutrients. The layers must be removed carefully so as not to damage the surface of the bulb itself.
- If there is slight damage on the surface of the tuber, they can be cut with a sharp knife. In this case, remove damaged parts with a very thin layer so as not to damage the bulb in depth.
- Pour water into the container, pour a small amount of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate), the solution should be light pink in color, dip all the prepared material into it and leave to infuse for about 1 hour.
- After the liquid is drained, pour the contents out of the container, level it with an even layer and allow to dry.
How to prepare the land for planting tulips
An important factor is the preparation of the soil for planting tulips, because it can contain various fungal diseases and insects that have remained from other plant crops.
Important! Tulips do not like sandy soils, because sand does not retain moisture and is very dry. In addition, fresh manure cannot be used to fertilize the soil.
In order to "secure" the landing site, it is necessary to carry out a number of activities, such as:
- Choose a plot for a flower garden you need a well-lit, protected from drafts and strong winds, with moderate soil moisture, without closely lying groundwater. Indeed, high humidity is detrimental to the root system, the roots can rot, and this can significantly affect the viability and development of plants. Also, large dampness contributes to the development of various pathogenic organisms.
- Bulbous prefer loose soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction.
- Dig the ground on a bayonet shovel, be sure to remove all weeds and grass along with the roots, in addition, you can add organic fertilizers (rotted compost, humus, peat), let it stand for several days (1-2) so that it settles. If you plant tulips immediately on the day of digging, the soil, settling, will pull the bulbs deeper behind it, this will increase the plant's germination time for which it will spend a lot of energy.
- You can treat the landing site with a solution Maxim preparation, for its preparation it is necessary to dilute 20 ml of fungicide per 10 liters of water (this amount is enough to treat 5 m² of area), mix, spill thoroughly, cover with a black film for 3-4 days to increase the effect on pathogenic microflora. After the film, remove and fertilize the treated area with Baikal, Fitosporin or Trichodermin preparations. And only then you can start planting planting material.
Timely preventive work done on the processing of tulip tubers and soil before the autumn planting will significantly help to grow healthy and high-quality flowers, which in the spring will please not only with their beauty, but if you sell them, they will help you to get good financial profit.
