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Daffodils and Tulips - what to do as they fade?

LeeSW1LeeSW1 Posts: 5
in Problem solving

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485414_10151469967818505_1344573400_n.jpg

 

Hello there, as an amateur gardener living in a basement flat with a patio/courtyard I am limited for choice with planting. I planted some bulbs in February and they have flowered beautifully mostly getting sun on top of my shed!

 

Now they are at the end of their life, or near I do not know what to do with the foilage. I think I should cut the flowers and have flowers indoors for a few days but do I let the foilage die back. I was planning on putting some bedding plants in the pots so they don't remain empty and hoped they would grow through as the foilage grows back, any advice appreciated from seasoned bulb growers image many thanks.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151469967818505&set=a.10150932024543505.421453.544763504&type=1&theater

 

Posts

  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619

    Yup, you've got it spot on. Deadhead the bulbs/ cut off any flowers for indoors. This prevents them setting seed, so the energy is diverted back to the bulb for next year. The leaves should, as you say, be left to die down naturally, as that feeds the bulb. Over planting with annuals is a great idea for your space. The pic looks great!

  • LeeSW1LeeSW1 Posts: 5

    Thanks very much figrat, it's wonderful getting such a display for so little effort. Does it take long for the leaves to die back? I believe I can leave these bulbs insitu and they won't rot? I'm hoping to put some Begonias in to fill the empty spaces. Thanks again.

    Here's another photo image 

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/913181_10151469952418505_1846868033_n.jpg?oh=4a26abaef6bcf34ee93e8022f2364bf3&oe=518C830A&__gda__=1368200949_4e59c09ed48b388c1d3b9b88456f5be9

     

  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619

    The leaves take about 6 weeks to die back, and the bulbs should be fine.

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114

    The tulips may not flower next year. Species tulips are more reliable for flowering year after year.  The daffs will flower next year especially if you feed them and allow them to die down naturally.

  • LeeSW1LeeSW1 Posts: 5

    Thanks for the advice, seems a shame to cut them now, I might give it another few days. From such a display to nothing is kind of galling I have to admit.

  • LeeSW1LeeSW1 Posts: 5

    Hi Welshonion, I'm not even sure what type of tulips they are, they have a pinker rim than is displayed. And a few yellow ones. I will look into it though.

     

    I'm wondering if there are any further bulbs I could try to flower at the end of summer? Or is it best to wait until Autumn and plant bulbs like crocus and more daffs?

  • Woodgreen wonderboyWoodgreen wonderboy Posts: 2,322

    Bst to feed them as they are growing as this builds up a nice strong plant which as it dies back after flowering will put back more into the bulb for next year. If you haven't done this then start feeding with tomorite or silmilar straight away. It might help.

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114

    Gladioli will certainly flower this summer for you.

  • figratfigrat Posts: 1,619

    Might be a bit late for this year, but lilies do well in pots and smell divine. Regale's a good one to look out for.

  • LeeSW1LeeSW1 Posts: 5

    Thanks Woodgreen wonderboy, I have been feeding with some pellets for bulbs. 

    I might give the Gladioli a try, welshonion. But I'm not a big fan of them!

    I have a cat figrat so have to be careful. I'm still digging up new growing peace lillies 4 yrs after removing the big plants that were here when I moved in.

    Thanks all for the advice image

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