Limp tulip leaves

[gotmopar]

What causes tulip leaves to be limp? Our tulips are out of the ground and blooming on year #2, but like last year the leaves are curled over and down to the ground. I see tulips in stores and nurseries where the leaves are all standing tall, what is wrong with ours?

[Jess]

Hi gotmopor

Two questions; Do you water them? Don't not even in the summer.

Are they in direct sunlight? Should be in bright sunlight not direct sunlight.

[opabinia51]

That's interesting Jess,

I would say still water them but, only water the tulips when the soil needs water. If the soil were to become dessicated, then the tulips would just die.

What is your rationale behind not watering in the summer?

[gotmopar]

Hi gotmopor

Two questions; Do you water them? Don't not even in the summer.

Are they in direct sunlight? Should be in bright sunlight not direct sunlight.

Well the flower bed was watered regularly last summer during dry periods, otherwise no watering this year. We are near Seattle and we have had our more than fair share of water since November.

Some of the bulbs are planted in the open, others are under the front porch eaves which are on the South side of the house. Those flower stems DO reach out and curve up to the South even though they are exposed to angled sunlight.

Thanks

[Jess]

That's interesting Jess,

I would say still water them but, only water the tulips when the soil needs water. If the soil were to become dessicated, then the tulips would just die.

What is your rationale behind not watering in the summer?

Hi Opabinia. In answer to your question tulip bulbs need a summer baking. They have finished photosynthesing and are dormant in the ground. That is why some people lift and store dry but this is not necessary if they are left dry in the ground. Many people lose them because they water. Unless you live in the desert or global warming stops rain completely nature should kick in and water them in the autumn ready for them to begin growth again.

[Jess]

Hi gotmopor

Two questions; Do you water them? Don't not even in the summer.

Are they in direct sunlight? Should be in bright sunlight not direct sunlight.

Well the flower bed was watered regularly last summer during dry periods, otherwise no watering this year. We are near Seattle and we have had our more than fair share of water since November.

Some of the bulbs are planted in the open, others are under the front porch eaves which are on the South side of the house. Those flower stems DO reach out and curve up to the South even though they are exposed to angled sunlight.

Thanks

They need water while they are actively growing; October through to May(ish) depending on when the leaves start to die down , lose their green colour which means they are no longer photosynthesising. Which means they are no longer taking up water either. They also need a fair amount of sunlight. This means full sun up until midday then some shade until 3pm and then full sun again. They need a minimum of 4 hours decent sunlight but not the hottest part of the day. This causes the leaves to wilt and if this is the problem you should notice them perk up again in the evening. They may also look limp if they do not get enough sunlight. I worked at a nursery wher we grew tulips on in pots to sell. They were exposed to the sun but were strategically placed on a bench behind a conifer that cast shadow from midday. You should try to mimic this. A shrub at 1. 0'clock say.