Tulip Cultivation Information Guide

Tulip Cultivation Guide:

Tulip Cultivation.
Tulip Cultivation.

Introduction of Tulip Cultivation: Tulips are very famous ornamental bulbous flowers grown due to their attractiveness. There are many improved varieties (cultivars) developed in this bulb growing industry. Tulip cultivation is limited in India. However, Himachal Pradesh and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir are perfect for Tulip cultivation. Most tulips thrive in colder winters because of the long chilling requirement for bulbs. Tulips can be grown in pots, containers, prepared beds, borders, basins of other orchards like apples, cherry, etc..Tulips can be grown in greenhouse, polyhouse and shade net as well. Tulip plant belongs to the family of “Liliaceae” and genus of “Tulipa L.”.

Actually, Tulips are spring-blooming perennials that grow from bulbs. Depending on the species (variety), tulip plants can be between 10 cm and 70 cm high. When it comes to flower, it is usually shaped like a cup or egg with 6 petals. The tulip flower petals are available from single colour to multi-colours with different patterns depending on the variety or species. The Tulip flowers come in many colours like orange, pink, cherry, magenta, salmon, crimson, purple, apricot, lilac, mauve, blue, yellow, apricot, violet, terracotta, red, scarlet, chocolate, brown along with many shades. Tulip is the most popular garden flower due to its appearance and  is used in decoration of various parties.

Varieties of Tulips:- There are many improved cultivars (varieties) grown throughout the world. However, there are three classes of tulips; early flowering Tulips, mid season Tulips, late flowering Tulips. In India, The main varieties of early flowering Tulips are; Single Early, Double Early, Duc van Tol and mid season Tulips are; Triumph, Mendal. The late season Tulip varieties are Breeders, Lily flowered, Rembrandt, Bijbloemen, Double Late, Parrots, Darwin, and Darwin hybrids. Tulipa stellata and T. aitchisonii are grown in Himalaya regions.

Different Colour Tulip Bulbs.
Different Colour Tulip Bulbs.

Climate Required for Tulip Cultivation:- Tulips can be grown in full sun or partial shade. However, Tulip grown in hills requires a day temperature of 20-26°C and night temperature of 5-12°C during growth period. Direct sun during morning and evening is beneficial for improving its flower quality, whereas partial shade is required during mid-day (12 to 4 PM). Tulips are very sensitive to frost. The best natural suitable areas in India are Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Solan, Sirmour, and Mandi. It’s little tricky to grow Tulips in hot climates. However, one can go for protected controlled environment like greenhouse and polyhouse for growing Tulip flowers.

Soil Requirement for Tulip Cultivation:- Generally, Tulip bulbs are grown on slopes where drainage is naturally good. Therefore, Tulips require well-drained light sandy loam soils for better growth and yield. If you are not sure about soil drainage, planting these tulip bulbs on raised beds are recommended. In case of heavy soils, adding well-decomposed compost or peat moss or other organic matter helps in crop growth. If Tulips are grown on commercial scale, make sure to test the soil for fertility. The soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for Tulip cultivation. Avoid heavy clay soils and poor soils.

Planting Tulip Bulbs in Pot
Planting Tulip Bulbs in Pot

Land Preparation for Tulip Cultivation:- Land should be prepared  by getting the soil to fine tilth stage and removing any weeds from previous crops. Soil should be supplemented with appropriate garden compost or organic manure. In case of poor drainage, it is better to prepare raised beds.

Propagation, Planting and Spacing in Tulip Cultivation:- Tulips are propagated by bulblets and bulbs. They can also be propagated by seeds. However, it produces different shades of flowers. October to December is ideal time for planting in mid-hills at 1,100 to 1,800 meter mean sea level (m.s.l) and  November to December and February months are ideal for high hill regions which are above 1,800 meter mean sea level (m.s.l). The staggered planting at 2 weeks intervals ensures regular cut flower supply. The depth of the planting will depend upon the size of the bulb. Usually, you should make the planting pit 2 to 3 times the height of the bulb. In general, Tulip bulbs should be planted  5 to 8 cm deep at spacing of 15 cm x 10 cm. Plant 3 to 5 bulbs in 15 cm pot, if they are intended to grow in pots. Partial shading during mid day (12 am to 4 pm) is beneficial for flower longevity. To get a good crop of flower, bulbs of 10-12 cm size or more should be selected as planting material.

Tulip Bulbs Planting.
Tulip Bulbs Planting.

Irrigation in Tulip Cultivation:- Irrigation depends on soil type, climate. However, alternate day irrigation should be carried out in case of greenhouse and polyhouse cultivation. In case of open areas, irrigation should be given at weekly interval. Drip irrigation can be adopted in areas where water is major problem. In case of heavy water, make sure the water is drained from the field otherwise plant rot occurs. Enough soil moisture should be maintained throughout its growth period for better quality of flowers and yield.

Weed Management in Tulip Cultivation:- Keeping the field weed free is very important for healthy Tulip plantation. Manual weeding and any suitable weedicide can be used to control the weed growth. Mulch the tulip plants to protect from moisture loss and to control the weeds.

Growing Tulips in Greenhouse.
Growing Tulips in Greenhouse.

Manures and Fertilizers in Tulip Cultivation:- Dry cow manure and compost are excellent organic manures for Tulip cultivation. Well-rotten farmyard manure (FMY) @ 3-5 kg/m2 should be mixed thoroughly. Spraying of micronutrient rich solution Multiplex @ 50 ppm (once or twice) before colour-breaking is beneficial in Tulip Cultivation. The best inorganic fertilizer is a general purpose one such as NPK 5-10-5, with 5% nitrogen (N), 10% phosphorus (P) and 5% potassium (K).

Pests and Diseases in Tulip Cultivation:- Tulip flowers are attacked by thrips. Spraying of Rogor (0.05%) controls them effectively. Bulb rot is controlled by treating them with Bavistin (0.1%) or Dithane M-45 (0.2%). Tulip crop is also infested with aphids. Application of recommended doses of Endosulfan, Malathion, Aldicarbs is beneficial to control this pest. Fusarium infection causes a ‘sour’ smell from the bulbs and the appearance of a white mould on tunic. Removal of tunic reveals soft infected bulbs. The bulbs, badly damaged by the fungus, become hollow and light in weight. Soil drenching with 0.2% Benomyl is recommended to control this disease.

Note: Contact your local floriculture department for pests and disease found in Tulip cultivation. They are the best source for disease control solution. 

Harvest in Tulip Cultivation:- When it comes to cut flower harvesting, usually Tulips start flowering Feb-April in mid-hills and April-June in High-hill regions. The scapes along with two leaves should be cut when 25%-50% colour develops on flower petals.

When it comes to bulb harvesting, they should be harvested when Tulip plant leaves start leaving yellow or 45 days after flowering. Remove old bulb scales and roots. These bulbs should be air-dried in shade Tulip bulbs should be stored at 7-10°C for 7-8 weeks during Sept-Oct for proper development of flower primodia. Make sure that these flower bulbs are not stored in damp or moist conditions.

Tulip Farm.
Tulip Farm.

Yield in Tulip Cultivation:- Yield of Tulip cut flowers and bulbs depend on many factors like cultivar (variety), irrigation, soil, climate and other flower farming practices.

Marketing of Tulip Flowers and Bulbs:- Fresh cut flowers can be graded and transported to local markets. Harvested bulbs can be sold to local seed companies.

For Rose Farming Guide: Read here.

For Sheep and Goat Farming : Read here.

For Asia Agriculture : Read here.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Hi Mr Reddy
    We would like to approach the experts in Tulip flowers farming in India. As believe it was successful idea in Himallyan town of Munsiyari in India.
    The same we would like to do in the North Area of Saudi Arabia.

    Once you will reply on my e.mail will share with you the wattsapp to contuine our discussion.
    Thanks/ Zahir Ahmed

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