Tulip

Plant bulbs 15-20 cm deep in late November or December to reduce the risk of tulip fire disease. Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil; waterlogged ground causes bulbs to rot. Add grit to the planting hole on heavy clay soils. Space bulbs 10-15 cm apart for a natural display. Feed with a high-potash fertiliser when shoots emerge in spring. Deadhead spent flowers promptly but leave the foliage to die back naturally over six weeks, allowing the bulb to store energy for the following year. In borders, plant through low ground cover such as forget-me-nots to disguise the fading leaves. Lift and store bulbs after foliage dies if your soil is heavy, or treat as annuals and replant fresh each autumn for the strongest display.

No pruning required. Remove spent flower heads to prevent seed formation, but leave the stem and foliage intact until it has yellowed completely. This allows the bulb to build reserves for the next season.