Tulip 'Fusilier' Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier' (15)

Water

Water the botanical Tulip, commonly known as Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier', with about 1 inch of water once a week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. During the dormant period after the flowers have died back, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot. During active growth, in spring, when rainfall is not sufficient, supplement with additional water. Overwatering can be detrimental; so allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Always avoid getting water on the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Tulips, including the Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier', prefer full sunlight to thrive. Choose a spot in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Tulips like Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier' can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall for optimal growth. They require a cold period, with temperatures between 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, to develop properly and bloom in the spring. During their active growth in spring, they thrive in temperatures that do not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning of Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier', commonly known as botanical Tulip, is not necessary for the health of the plant, but you may remove spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance. Do not remove the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, as this is the period when the bulbs are gathering energy for the next season. Typically, this occurs by late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Tulip 'Fusilier' prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, sand, and compost is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adding bone meal to the soil mix can provide the necessary phosphorus for bulb development.

Repotting

Tulip 'Fusilier' bulbs should be lifted and divided every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor. They are typically replanted in the fall before the ground freezes.

Humidity & Misting

Tulip 'Fusilier' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels to thrive, as it is usually grown in outdoor conditions where the natural atmosphere provides adequate humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade in autumn.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier,' commonly known as the Fusilier Tulip, begins its life as a dormant bulb which is typically planted in the autumn. With the onset of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, producing attractive lance-shaped leaves and a sturdy stem. The next stage is the flowering period when the Fusilier Tulip displays its vibrant red blooms, usually around mid-spring. After flowering, the plant's petals drop off and it enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, replenishing the bulb for the next season. During the summer months, the foliage yellows and dies back as the plant enters dormancy, with the bulb lying inactive underground. When the temperature cools again in the fall, the cycle prepares to restart, with the bulb resting and gaining strength for the upcoming spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The primary method of propagating Tulipa praestans 'Fusilier', commonly known as the Fusilier tulip, is by dividing its bulbs. The best time to do this is after the foliage has died back, typically in late summer or early fall. Gardeners should carefully dig up the tulip bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs from the main bulb. These offsets, which are clones of the parent plant, can then be replanted immediately. Each separated bulb should be placed in well-draining soil at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb. This is roughly 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) for standard tulip bulbs, ensuring they are spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart, allowing enough room for root growth. This process is relatively simple and helps to maintain the health of the bulbs, as well as to proliferate the Fusilier tulip plant population in your garden.