Tulip Tulipa 'Queen of Bartigons' (5)

Water

The tulip, commonly known as 'Queen of Bartigons', requires consistent moisture during its active growth in the spring. It should be watered generously once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid water-logging, as standing water can cause bulb rot. During dormant periods in the late summer and fall, reduce watering as the plant needs a drier environment to rest. Always adjust watering based on rainfall, watering less after heavy rains and more during dry spells.

Light

Tulips, including the variety 'Queen of Bartigons', thrive in full sunlight. They need at least six hours of direct sunshine daily to develop strong stems and vibrant blooms. An ideal spot for these tulips would be an area of the garden that receives unfiltered morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade to protect the blooms from the intense heat of late day sun.

Temperature

Tulips, like the 'Queen of Bartigons', prefer cooler climates and can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20°F. They flourish in spring temperatures that range from 50°F to 70°F. Tulips require a period of cold dormancy; therefore, they can survive temperatures below freezing, but extended periods of heat above 75°F after blooming can shorten their lifespan. Ideally, they need to experience a chill during winter, between 35°F and 55°F, for at least 12-14 weeks to bloom in the spring.

Pruning

Pruning of tulips, like 'Queen of Bartigons', is limited to deadheading the spent flowers after they fade. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production. Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually six weeks after blooming, to allow the bulbs to store energy for the following year. The best time to prune is immediately after the blooms wither.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Tulips, commonly known as 'Queen of Night', is well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and proper drainage.

Repotting

Tulips, or 'Queen of Night', generally do not need frequent repotting as they grow from bulbs. Bulbs should be planted in the fall and can be left undisturbed for several years until the flowering decreases, indicating it’s time to lift and divide the bulbs.

Humidity & Misting

Tulips like 'Queen of Night' prefer moderate humidity levels. They are not particularly humidity-dependent, thus ordinary outdoor humidity levels are sufficient, as they are adapted to spring weather conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; cool room temperature.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Tulipa 'Queen of Night' is a bulbous plant that starts its life cycle when the bulb is planted in the autumn before the winter freeze. The bulb remains dormant underground during the winter, with the cold period acting as a vernalization phase necessary for spring growth. As temperatures rise in the spring, the bulb sends up shoots, which develop into stems and leaves, and eventually the distinctive dark maroon, almost black flowers bloom, typically in late spring. After flowering, the blooms will wither, and the plant will direct its energy back into the bulb, replenishing its energy reserves for the next season. The foliage will die back by early summer, and the bulb will enter another period of dormancy during the hot summer months. In the following autumn, the cycle begins anew with either the existing bulb or offsets produced by the parent bulb being planted for subsequent growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The 'Queen of Bartigons' tulip is typically propagated by bulb division. The best time to propagate tulips by dividing the bulbs is in the fall, when the plant is dormant and after the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully lift the mature bulbs from the soil using a trowel or garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Brush off excess soil and separate the smaller offset bulbs that have formed around the base of the parent bulb. These offsets, also known as bulbils or daughter bulbs, can be replanted immediately at a depth about three times the height of the bulb in well-draining soil that receives full to partial sunlight. The newly planted bulbs will usually flower in the following spring, continuing the cycle.