If you are looking for a plant that is practical to grow in pots, tulips can be the right choice. Each tulip bulb only produces one stem, so the flowers won't grow too large beyond the size of the pot. If the pot is tall enough, you can even plant several different varieties of tulips for a dramatic flower composition. You simply start with the right variety or varieties and the right pot size. Leave the bulbs dormant for some time before planting.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparation for Planting
Step 1. Choose the type of tulip you like
Avoid giant varieties like the Dutch hybrid, unless you have a very large pot. For standard pots with a height of 30 cm, choose varieties that can grow to a height of 30-35 cm. If the pot is smaller, look for varieties that grow no more than 25 cm.
Step 2. Purchase tulip bulbs at least 3 months before the scheduled planting
Bulbs should be kept cool and dormant for several months so they can grow well. Keep in mind that in the country of the four seasons, tulips are planted when the weather is cold (around September-December). Because Indonesia does not know winter, it is necessary to cold treatment (cold treatment) on tubers that want to be planted by storing them in the refrigerator. Put the tubers in plastic clips and store at a temperature of 2-13 °C. Make sure there is no moisture or moisture in the plastic during storage to prevent mold from forming. Keep tubers away from fruits, especially apples.
Step 3. Choose a pot with good drainage holes
Tulips don't grow well if the bulbs are soaking wet. Tulip bulbs are also prone to rot. So, try to buy a pot that has drainage holes at the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
Part 2 of 3: Basic Instructions
Step 1. Fill the bottom of the pot with a few inches (2.5-5 cm) of pebbles or pebbles
These stones will help keep the tubers out of water.
Step 2. Put a layer of soil on top of the gravel
You'll need to fill it halfway up the pot, then tap the soil to make it slightly firm. We recommend using potting soil as a planting medium, do not take soil from the garden. Potted soil contains less bacteria and contains more nutrients (usually mixed with compost) to help flower growth. A potting soil made especially for tulips is the best choice.
Step 3. Add a thin layer of sand on top of the soil
Adding sand is optional, but sand will help improve drainage and prevent tubers from soaking in water. Plus, the sand will keep the bulbs cooler.
Step 4. Put the tulip bulbs in the pot
Make sure the pointed end is facing up. You don't have to worry about spacing the bulbs apart as each bulb only produces one stem, but for aesthetic reasons it's best to place the bulbs 5-15 cm apart from each other.
Step 5. Cover the tubers with soil
It's a good idea to leave about 2.5 cm of space between the soil surface and the lip of the pot.
Step 6. Make sure the cold treatment process is running well before planting
Do this process for about 3 months. Many tulip bulbs fail to grow due to unstable or suboptimal cold treatment processes, such as a power outage. Tulips will grow well in full sun. So, place the pot near a window or in a sunny location such as a terrace or balcony.
Step 7. Water the tulips with sufficient water
Soil conditions should be moist, but not soggy. Wet soil can cause tubers to rot.
Step 8. When the tulip petals begin to fall off, remove the flower heads
Also remove the leaves when they start to wilt, but allow the rest of the plant to die off on its own before removing it from the pot. This action allows the bulbs to collect and store energy for flowering the following year.
Part 3 of 3: Creating a Multi-Level Flower Composition
Step 1. Choose several varieties of tulips
The combination of tulips growing at different heights will create a very beautiful composition.
Step 2. Choose a pot with a minimum height of 25-35 cm
Pots less than that height will not be deep enough to create multiple tiers of flowers.
Step 3. Cover the bottom of the pot with gravel to a height of about 2.5-5 cm
Step 4. Fill the pot with soil until the soil level is about 20-23 cm from the lip of the pot
Use potted soil specially made for growing tulip bulbs for best results.
Step 5. Place the tubers that produce the tallest stems above the ground
Make sure the pointed end is facing up. Give the distance between the tubers planted at least the size of one bulb.
Step 6. Cover the first layer of tubers with soil
Cover the bulbs so that the tops are still visible to determine their location. Pat the soil so that it is slightly firm.
Step 7. Place the next layer of tubers between the bulbs in the first layer
Each bulb in the top layer should be in line with the neck of the bulb in the first layer.
Step 8. Cover the second layer of tubers with soil
Leave about 2.5 cm of space between the top soil layer and the lip of the pot.
