Tulipa sprengeri

Germination

Sow Oct-Feb. in a cold frame. Sow indoors Mar-Sep. In a cold frame, sow 3mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 10°C. Allow autumn warmth followed by winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Germination takes 2-3 months approx. Indoors, sow seed then cold stratify at 4°C for 2-3 weeks then remove to warmth for germination. Allow seedlings to grow on undisturbed for 18 months so that bulbs may form. Transplant seedlings into a cold frame. Flowering will take 4-7 years from seed.

Growing

Plant bulb 10-15cm deep in a fertile humus-rich, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. Prefers a sheltered position away from strong winds. Protect from excessive winter wet by offering a dry winter mulch.

Cultivation

Deadhead after flowering. Propagate by lifting bulbs and separating offsets.