How to grow
Tulips are very easy to grow but the popular varieties often sell out very quickly, so place your order by mid-summer if you can. Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth double their height with sharp sand for drainage. After flowering, do not cut back the foliage until autumn to allow the bulb to regenerate.
Traditionally, tulip bulbs are lifted after flowering, dried and stored for replanting in the autumn, but I have never bothered, and in my experience the bulbs flower pretty well year on year, so long as they are planted deep enough. In a pot, however, I would treat the bulbs as disposable bedding plants and replace them annually.
Suppliers: For cheaper prices and unusual varieties, try Peter Nyssen (0161-747 4000, Gee Tee Bulb Company (01205 260412), Avon Bulbs (01460 242177) or Walkers (01406 426216
