Tulip Tulipa 'Affaire' (3)

Water

The Tulip 'Affaire' requires consistent moisture during its growing season. Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, about an inch below the surface. On average, this may mean watering once a week, but frequency should be adjusted depending on rainfall and temperature conditions. Provide about a gallon of water per square yard of soil, ensuring even distribution around the plants. During the dormant period after the foliage has died back, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot.

Light

The Tulip 'Affaire' thrives in full sunlight, so it's best to plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Partially shaded spots can also be suitable, but the flowers may not bloom as prolifically. Ensure that no tall plants or structures cast excessive shade on the tulips during the prime daylight hours.

Temperature

Tulip 'Affaire' prefers a temperate climate with a pronounced chilling period which is crucial for bulb development. They can survive winter temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and in the growing season can handle temperatures up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, during the growth and bloom stages, keep the tulips in an environment where average temperatures hover between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Tulip 'Affaire' primarily involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage bulb strength. After the blossoms fade, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This typically occurs only once a year, usually in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tulip 'Affaire' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil with added compost and a bit of sand for improved drainage is ideal. Ensure that the soil is not too wet as this can cause bulb rot.

Repotting

Repotting is not a common practice for Tulip 'Affaire' as it is typically grown as an annual from bulbs. Instead, plant new bulbs each autumn for blooming in spring. If grown in containers, they can be lifted and stored dry after foliage dies back and replanted in the fall.

Humidity & Misting

Tulip 'Affaire' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. These tulips are more concerned with proper soil moisture levels than atmospheric humidity. Outdoor humidity levels are generally adequate for their growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant bulbs in fall, place in a cool, sunny spot, water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant bulbs 4-6 in. deep in fall, full sun or part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Tulip 'Affaire' begins with the planting of the bulb in autumn, as the cold period is essential for the bulb to develop a strong root system. During the cold winter months, the bulb remains dormant underground. With the arrival of spring, warmer temperatures and increased daylight stimulate the bulb to produce a stem, leaves, and eventually a flower, typically in mid to late spring. After blooming, the flower wilts and the plant enters a period of energy absorption, where the leaves photosynthesize to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the foliage has died back in early summer, the bulb enters a dormant phase again, until the cycle restarts with the next growing season. During the dormant period, it's essential to avoid watering the bulb excessively to prevent rot.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagating Tulipa 'Affaire', commonly known as the tulip, is by separating and planting its bulbs. The ideal time for this process is in the fall, just as the temperature starts to cool but before the ground freezes. To propagate, carefully dig up the tulip bulbs after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant, usually late summer. Gently separate the smaller daughter bulbs from the parent bulb, taking care not to damage the roots or the basal plate from where new shoots emerge. Plant these bulbs about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, with the pointed end facing upward, and space them approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to establish their roots before the onset of winter. By the following spring, these bulbs should produce new tulip plants that will continue to mature and potentially produce their own offsets in subsequent years.