Tulipa 'Tequila Sunrise'

Tulip bulbs should be planted from October to mid-December for flowering in the spring. Plant them in a sunny or partially shaded location, preferably in a sheltered area. Tulips thrive in rich, well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions in the summer. If your soil is very clayey, incorporate some sand into the soil before planting or place a few gravel stones at the bottom of the planting hole.

Prepare the soil thoroughly, removing any unwanted weeds or rocks. Dig a hole with a bulb planter and bury the bulbs, with the pointy end facing upwards, at a depth of two to three times their height. Space the bulbs about 10cm (4in) apart. Bulbs can be planted individually or in groups of 5 to 10 for a beautiful colour effect. You can either place them one by one on the ground or scatter them for a more natural look in flower beds. Lightly water after planting.

For pot planting, ensure there is proper drainage at the bottom of the pot (clay pebbles or gravel) and then place the bulbs in a mix of potting soil, garden soil, and a bit of sand. Add a small amount of compost when flowering.

Tulips require minimal maintenance. Water if necessary in the spring. Remove faded flowers to avoid exhausting the bulb. After flowering, allow the foliage to naturally wither and only cut it back when it turns yellow, to promote the accumulation of new reserves in the bulb.

Unlike botanical tulips, large-flowered tulips will degenerate after 2 to 3 years if left in the ground. You can choose to leave them in place and regularly renew them. If you want to prolong the flowering period, dig up the bulbs when the foliage is dry. Remove the soil around the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Then plant them again in the following autumn.