Tulip 'Calgary' Tulipa 'Calgary' (3)

Water

Tulips, including the 'Calgary' variety, benefit from a consistent watering schedule during their active growth after planting. Water them deeply to saturate the soil to a depth of about 6 inches, which typically requires about a half-gallon per square foot, once a week if there is no significant rainfall. As tulips are spring-blooming bulbs, they require less water after they have finished blooming and their leaves begin to yellow, which is when they are entering their dormant period. Over-watering at this stage can potentially lead to bulb rot. It's essential to reduce watering gradually after blooming and cease altogether once the foliage has died back.

Light

Tulips such as 'Calgary' tulips thrive in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best when planted in a spot that is exposed to the morning sun and provides some shelter from the intense heat of late afternoon sun, which may help prolong the blooms. However, these bulbs are still quite adaptable and can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but bloom duration and plant vigor may be somewhat reduced.

Temperature

'Calgary' tulips, like most tulip varieties, prefer cooler temperatures and are well-suited to climates with cold winters. They require a chilling period with temperatures between 35°F and 55°F for at least 12 to 16 weeks for proper bulb development and bloom. Tulips can survive winter temperatures down to -40°F, which is beneficial for their dormancy. The ideal spring blooming temperature is between 60°F and 70°F, which can often result in the best growth and flowering performance.

Pruning

Pruning 'Calgary' tulips involves deadheading spent flowers after blooming to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. However, leave the foliage in place until it yellow and dies back naturally, which typically happens in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Regular pruning is not necessary beyond removing spent flowers and eventually the dead foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tulips require well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to facilitate drainage.

Repotting

Calgary Tulips, being perennial bulbs, do not need repotting. They should be planted in the ground or containers and can be left to naturalize for several years before needing to be lifted or divided, typically every 3-5 years.

Humidity & Misting

Calgary Tulips prefer outdoor conditions and do not require specific humidity levels. They thrive in the natural outdoor climate, provided they are not in an excessively wet environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, bright spot, cool temperature.

• Outdoor

  Plant 6 inches deep in well-draining soil, full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Tulipa 'Calgary', commonly known as the Calgary tulip, begins with a bulb planted in the fall before the frost. During the winter, the bulb undergoes a vernalization period, which is essential for the development of the flower. Upon the arrival of spring, the bulb sends up shoots and leaves, harnessing the sunlight to grow and strengthen. Following this, the Calgary tulip blooms, typically in early to mid-spring, displaying its characteristic white flowers with a hint of cream or yellow at the base. After flowering, the plant's leaves continue to photosynthesize to store energy back into the bulb for the next season. Once the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy until the cycle begins anew in the fall.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Tulip 'Calgary', being a bulbous plant, is through bulb division. Following the natural lifecycle, the optimal time for propagation is after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer to early fall. At this stage, the bulb can be dug up carefully from the ground without disturbing the new bulbils that have formed around the parent bulb. These offsets can be gently detached, and they should have a portion of the base plate to ensure they can generate roots. The bulbils are then typically dried for a few days in a shaded, well-ventilated area before being planted again. They should be spaced adequately, around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart, to allow for ample growth and planted at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb to ensure proper development.