Tulips and daffodils are in full bloom in the neighborhood right now! In zone 6, tulips can withstand quite a lot. A few years ago, when the management company decided to slash garden budgets, they sodded over a flower garden. They forgot to remove the bulbs and the tulips have since reappeared.
Despite the hardiness of those flowers, I do believe bulbs deserve better. Although many of the spring bulbs in my garden started off in pots in supermarkets or were purchased at great prices at the end of season, I still provide the care possible so that they can be enjoyed again.
Here’s my process:
- Cut off flower heads above first leaves after blooming.
- Leave the green stalks in ground for about 8 weeks after so that the bulbs can absorb energy needed for next season. When leaves are yellow twist off gently or cut off at the ground.
- Fertilize in spring and compost in fall.
What more Information? I recommend Potted Bulbs Finished Blooming…Now What? by Bridget on Bulb Blog and the following 3 minute video with Devin Wallien.
Wishing you many years of enjoyment from your spring bulbs!
The Trials and Tribulations of an Urban Farmer 
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