Tulip Tulipa 'Helmar' (3)

Water

Tulips generally require watering during their growing season if the weather is very dry. For the Tulipa 'Helmar', also known simply as tulips, you should water them thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, which may be once a week depending on weather conditions. Apply about an inch of water to ensure that it reaches the roots, which roughly translates to 0.6 gallons per square yard. Avoid watering too frequently to prevent bulb rot; tulips prefer to be on the drier side rather than too wet. Once the tulips have finished blooming and the foliage has died back, you can reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.

Light

Tulips, including the Tulipa 'Helmar', thrive in full sun to light shade. The best spot for these tulips would be an area where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate light shade, but the blooms may not be as robust, so aim for a space that gets plenty of sunshine.

Temperature

Tulips prefer a cooler climate and are hardy in a range of temperatures. The ideal temperature conditions for growing Tulipa 'Helmar' range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate some frost and survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to provide a chilling period at 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit before planting, which is necessary for the bulbs to set blooms.

Pruning

Tulips, such as the Tulipa 'Helmar', don't require traditional pruning but do benefit from the removal of spent flowers. Deadheading after blooms fade helps direct energy to the bulb rather than seed production. Leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, as this allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season. This cleanup typically takes place in late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Tulips thrive in a well-drained, sandy loam soil with moderate fertility. A good mix for 'Helmar' tulips is three parts garden soil, two parts compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for tulips should be between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure proper growth and flower development.

Repotting

Tulips, including the 'Helmar' variety, are typically grown from bulbs that need to be planted in the ground or outdoor containers in the fall. Repotting is not a common practice as they need to be replaced every few years as their flowering performance can diminish with age.

Humidity & Misting

Tulips such as 'Helmar' prefer outdoor conditions and are not highly dependent on atmospheric humidity. They are tolerant of a range of humidity levels as long as they have good soil drainage and proper care.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place 'Helmar' tulip bulbs in cool, well-lit, ventilated areas indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant 'Helmar' tulip bulbs in autumn, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Tulipa 'Helmar', commonly known as the 'Helmar' tulip, begins with a dormant bulb planted in autumn before the freeze. The bulb roots firmly in the soil, drawing nutrients and storing energy for growth. As temperatures warm in spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sprouting green shoots that develop into sturdy stems and leaves. Following the foliage growth, the tulip produces a striking yellow flower with red flames, usually blooming around mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of senescence as petals fall, leaves yellow, and the tulip redirects energy back into the bulb. The bulb then re-enters dormancy during the summer months, conserving energy for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Tulipa 'Helmar', commonly known as the Helmar tulip, is typically propagated through bulb division, a method that aligns with the natural reproductive cycle of the plant. The best time for dividing tulip bulbs is in the late summer or fall, once the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. When the tulip has finished blooming and the foliage has yellowed, the bulbs can be carefully unearthed with a spade, ensuring a gentle lift to avoid damaging them. After lifting the bulbs, any offset bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb can be gently separated. These offsets, or daughter bulbs, should be of a substantial size, roughly the size of a coin, to ensure successful growth when they are replanted. Once separated, the bulbs are then stored in a cool, dry place until the appropriate planting time in the fall. When replanting, it's essential to plant the bulbs at a depth three times their height to provide adequate insulation and support for the developing stem.