You tulip flowers or narcissus flowers have finished blooming—what should you do next?
In this blog, you’ll learn what to do with tulips, narcissus and dahlias once they have finished blooming. Discover our practical tips and tricks.
Tulips
Tulips can best be removed from the garden and composted after blooming. They often loose their beauty in the second year. If you would like to keep the bulbs, remove the flower head once it has finished blooming. This allows the plant to focus its energy on the bulb, which will grow and produce new bulblets. In July, you can dig up the bulbs, separate the large and small ones, and store them in a dry place over the summer. Replant them in the garden in October. The new small bulbs will grow bigger in the next season but won't give flowers yet.
Narcissus
Narcissus can remain in the garden and naturalise over time, although not in pots. After flowering, leave the leaves on the plant for as long as possible. Do not cut them off, but allow the leaves and stems to turn yellow and die back. This feeds the bulb so it can return the following year. Add some dried cow manure or compost in autumn, and the flowers will reappear each spring for about five or six years. Narcissus are very easy and behave like perennial flowers!
Dahlias
In a mild winter, dahlia tubers may survive in the ground. However, in colder winters, they likely won’t make it. Dahlias are not frost-resistant. If you want to keep them, dig them up after the first frost. Cut back the plants to about fifteen centimetres, lift the tubers carefully with a garden fork, and shake off the soil. Let them dry for a few days and don’t forget to label them with their name, colour or height. Store them in a dark, cool and draft-free place. You can replant them in spring after the last frost.
Read our blog about how to store your dahlias in the winter here!
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