Deadheading tulips

Tulips burn a colourful hole into May and I love them. Some varieties, such as ‘Ballerina’, ‘Negrita’ and ‘Aladdin’, will reappear and flower year on year, but many varieties are much less eager to perform again after the initial first-year display. However, the size of next year’s bulb – and therefore the chance of a good flower – is greatly improved by deadheading, because much of the plant’s energy will go into producing seed rather than a new bulb if you leave them on the plant.

The flowers snap off satisfyingly easily with a pinch and twist of thumb and forefinger. Leave the stem uncut – and all of the foliage – as this will also photosynthesise and add much-needed food for the embryonic bulb that is being formed below ground.

Monty grows tulips in grand profusion, including elegant ‘Spring Green’

Snap off the old flowers, leaving the stems and foliage to fade naturally