There are very few things in the garden as satisfying as tulips at full tilt. There's a wonderful few weeks of colour and structure, then the flowers are gone almost as quickly as they arrived. What's left is a clump of yellowing leaves and the question of what to do next.
That part matters more than you might think. What you do in the six weeks after flowering dictates whether you get a good display next spring – or nothing much at all.
Deadhead tulips as soon as petals drop
As soon as petals fall, snip off the flower head just above the leaves. The reason? Once a seedhead starts forming, the plant shifts its energy into making this, rather than building the bulb back up.
As Monty Don puts it: "Deadhead them once they are past their best. This will halt the development of seed so that all the energy goes into forming new bulbs for next year's flowers."
Don't cut the leaves back early
This is the bit many of us get wrong. The foliage might look untidy - and it's tempting to clear it away - but cutting it back too soon shows up next spring.
Those yellowing leaves are doing a job, transporting energy back into the bulb while there’s still some green left. As David Trinklein, horticulture specialist, explains: "The plants are collecting the groceries for next year's flower."
What to read next
The RHS advises waiting until the leaves have completely died back - usually around six weeks after flowering. Remember - if there's still green in them, leave them alone.
Lift and store bulbs if you want reliable re-flowering
The RHS recommends lifting and storing bulbs if possible - this recreates the dry summer rest tulips need and improves your chances of getting flowers again.
Wait until the foliage has fully died back, then lift the bulbs and brush off soil. Put them somewhere dry until the skins turn papery, then store in a cool, ventilated space until autumn arrives.
Not all tulips need to come up - Darwin hybrids and Kaufmanniana are usually happy left where they are, particularly if your soil drains well. It's heavy, waterlogged ground that causes problems, as that's what rots the bulbs over summer.
Feed tulips while leaves are still green
While leaves are still active, it's a good idea to give them a weekly liquid feed. Tomato feed works particularly well because it's high in potassium.
Keep going until the leaves yellow, then stop. If your tulips have been disappointing in the past, this is often the missing step. According to the RHS, feeding at this stage boosts the nutrients returned to the bulb, helping to form flowers for the following year.
