Now is the perfect time to deadhead and feed your bulbs
The interests of Next year's bloom
Advice from Andrea
When Narcissus (Daffodils), Tulipa (Tulips) and other spring bulbs come to the end of their flush, now is the perfect time to deadhead and feed the bulbs, as the foliage dies back.
Don’t be tempted to tidy up or tie up the foliage as it will inhibit photosynthesis and weaken the bulb. Remove dead flowers with your finger and thumb, or cut off the whole flower stem.
Continue adding an all-purpose fertiliser (containing a balance of the three core nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) once a week for up to five weeks as you see the foliage dying back.
If you have planted your tulips in a prime position such as the main bed, for the sake of tidiness and creating space for summer planting, lift out the foliage and bulbs, place in a container, allow them to dry out completely, then store for late autumn planting. An alternative would be to re-pot them and position in a convenient part of the garden, to allow continued photosynthesis – this process will ensure maximum bulb vitality.
Happy gardening!
Andrea