By Chasecraft
Surrey,
United Kingdom 
I grew some white tulips this year and they gave a lovely show. I have lifted them and have them stored to replant in autumn. However, in the past I have found that tulips don't do very well in the second year with many of the bulbs not producing flowers. Have other's had the same experience? What should I do to ensure that they flower well or should I replace them completely?
3 Aug, 2010
Answers
Tulips that are planted too shallow also tend to break up into smaller offsets that are less likely to bloom. I would make sure that they are at least 15 cm down when you plant them.
3 Aug, 2010
Previous question
« I am a beginner gardening, and i am removing an old rotten fence. In it's place...
Next question
I never lift tulip bulbs personally, but it may be that you're lifting yours too early - you should wait till the foliage has died back before lifting them - while the foliage is present is when the bulb is storing food for next year, so immediately after flowering while the foliage is fresh is a good time to feed them. Also, the ones you lift will have smaller offsets - its only the large bulbs which will flower again the following year, the offsets or small bulbs won't, but can be left to grow on in the ground or in a pot instead.
3 Aug, 2010