Journey North International Tulip Study CAUTION: If you live in a warm region (Zone 8-11) Click Here for special planting instructions! Welcome to the Journey North Tulip Project The instructions below must be followed carefully so that all Journey North gardens are planted in the same way. Remember, when your tulips bloom you will proclaim the arrival of spring in your community. Therefore, your garden must be planted in a place that best represents the general climate of your region. What Kind of Tulips to Plant All Journey North gardens must be planted with the same variety of tulips, the Red Emperor variety. This is because different tulip varieties bloom at different times in the spring. They are categorized as "early", "mid-season" and "late" blooming varieties. Since Journey North classrooms will announce the first tulips to bloom in the spring, an "early" blooming variety was needed. Red Emperor tulips are an "early" blooming variety. They were selected because they are easy to find in most areas and are easy to grow. (Click Here for Ordering Information for Red Emperor bulbs.) When to Plant Your Tulips Planting must take place before deep frost hardens the ground. As a rule of thumb, tulips should be planted several weeks before the first hard frost. Where To Plant Your Garden Exposure: For consistency, Journey North tulip gardens must NOT be planted near the foundation of a building, in heavy shade, or on steeply sloped ground. This is because areas near buildings or on south-facing slopes warm up more quickly than do the surrounding areas. This would cause your bulbs to bloom earlier than they should in your region. Similarly, north-facing or heavily shaded areas would cause a delay in booming. Tulip bulbs can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but should not be planted in heavily-shaded areas. Drainage: Bulbs need good drainage because they will rot if they sit in moisture. Therefore, plant them in well-drained soil and/or on slightly sloped ground. As a rule of thumb, avoid planting bulbs where water stands after a rain. A good loam soil is best. If the soil is heavy clay, add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to loosen it. How to Plant Your Bulbs Predator Control: Squirrels are the most common tulip bulb predators in urban and suburban areas. They are attracted to the smell of fresh bulbs and are most likely to destroy gardens within the first weeks after planting. For inexpensive and effective protection, cover your newly planted bulbs immediately with chicken wire. Secure the edges with wire hangers that have been cut, formed into a U shape, and driven into the ground. Alternatively, bulbs can be covered with a board or with the saucer of a flower pot. Spring and Summer Care May We Use This Year's Bulbs Again Next Year?
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