How much soil do tulips require below?

Astro

I'm putting tulips in pots with the intention of sinking some into the border. It's well documented that they need approx 6-8 inches of soil above them, but how much soil do they need below?

K67

1 or 2 inches is enough. 

Fairygirl

Yes - they don't need much @Astro. I have them in pots with about a foot of depth, so they don't have a lot under them.
You can 'cram' them a bit more in pots anyway, but be careful that they aren't touching 

Lyn

There’s a good bit of info here although I only use 6” of soil over them, any less and they will tip over when in flower. 1 - 2 inches apart is good. 
https://m.wikihow.com/Grow-Tulips-in-Pots

Astro

Thanks that's a great help. I'm pleased because it means it won't requires loads of compost in the pots, and won't have to dig too deep to bury pots.  I know about the potential of rotting if they are too close @Fairygirl but it's a good reminder  .

Fairygirl

If they have a good, free draining medium, and reasonable depth, they should perform well. 
I found this site  a while ago when looking for something else. It might be useful 
https://www.vanengelen.com/htulips.html

Astro

That's great @Fairygirl , there is a lot of useful indepth information in the link you provided. I'm more realising  the world of tulips is bigger than I'd thought. 

Fairygirl

I don't know if you've tried the little species tulips @Astro. They're beautiful, and much easier than the big fancy ones. Generally smaller, and more limited with colours, but they naturalise, and come back each year. I have quite a lot of them, and more people seem to be growing them now too 
Nyssens stock them,and several others, although it might be a bit late for buying some types now.

Astro

I haven't grown species tulips @Fairygirl , to the best of my knowledge anyway . I've only been aware of them for a short time, they look very nice, more delicate and different to the norm, maybe next year  This year I got doll's minuet, exotic emporer, Tom pouce, flaming  purissima for the front and Yokohama, sweetheart, Miranda double red, Darwin hybrid red and scarlet baby for the back.

Fairygirl

I love tulips but I'd have to buy them every year really - the species ones are better value for me. If I get a couple of years from the others, that's quite good.
I did get tempted by some called V.van Gogh though 

Astro

Hi @Fairygirl, I checked on my tulip pots today and noticed some roots are coming out of the bottom of pots. Any thoughts on to whether I should take action?