Tulip 'Reputation' Tulipa 'Reputation' (PBR) (3)

Water

Tulips, including the Tulipa 'Reputation', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and then not watered again until the leaves appear if the weather provides sufficient moisture. Once growth starts, provide an inch of water every week if there hasn't been sufficient rainfall. During the growing season, especially if the weather is dry, water tulips deeply to encourage root growth, offering about a gallon for every square foot every seven to ten days. After blooming ends and the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering to allow the bulbs to dry out and enter dormancy.

Light

Tulips, like the Tulipa 'Reputation', flourish best in full sunlight to light shade. Ideally, they should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can also grow under light shade, but robust sunlight helps ensure strong stems and vibrant blooms.

Temperature

Tulips such as the Tulipa 'Reputation' thrive in areas with a significant difference between night and day temperatures, with ideal growing conditions ranging between 60°F and 70°F during the day and cooler night temperatures of around 50°F. They can survive winter chills and are hardy down to about -40°F; heat above 70°F can stunt their growth or reduce the vitality of the blooms.

Pruning

Pruning Tulips such as the Tulipa 'Reputation' involves deadheading the spent blooms shortly after they wilt to prevent the plant from using energy to produce seed. Cutting back the stem is not necessary as it will naturally wither and contribute nutrients back to the bulb. It is important, however, to leave the foliage untouched until it has yellowed and died down naturally, which usually happens by late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for growing tulips is well-draining, sandy loam with relatively neutral pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0. An incorporation of organic matter such as compost will improve drainage and nutrient content. Remember to provide a good amount of potash to support sturdy stem growth.

Repotting

Tulips, including the 'Reputation' variety, are typically grown from bulbs and do not need to be repotted in the traditional sense. Instead, bulbs should be planted annually in the autumn for spring blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Tulips prefer moderate humidity levels, avoiding excessively damp conditions, as high humidity can promote fungal diseases. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for indoor tulips.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, place in a bright location, ensure cool nighttime temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Tulipa 'Reputation' (PBR), commonly known as the tulip 'Reputation', begins its life as a bulb, which is planted in the autumn before the onset of frost. The bulb lies dormant through the winter, with the cold period aiding in the development of a strong root system. In early spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, and the tulip starts to grow a stem and leaves, capitalizing on the early spring sunlight. The plant then blossoms in late spring, producing striking flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the tulip 'Reputation' plant directs its energy to the bulb, storing nutrients as the leaves and stem wither away in preparation for the next dormant period. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb generating new shoots each spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Tulip 'Reputation' is through the division of its bulbs. Tulips, in general, are best propagated by separating the bulb offsets from the mother bulbs during their dormancy period, typically in late summer to autumn. Here is how it is usually done: As the foliage of the tulips begins to yellow and die back after flowering, carefully dig out the bulbs. Brush off any soil and remove the small bulbs (offsets) that are attached to the base of the larger, mother bulb. These offsets are the future tulip plants and should have developed a protective tunic. Allow them to dry for 24 to 48 hours in a well-ventilated area to prevent fungal diseases. Once dried, the offsets can be planted immediately if conditions allow or stored in a cool, dark place until the optimal planting season which is usually in the fall when soil temperatures reach around 55°F (13°C).