How to grow tulips in water

It is possible to grow tulips in water thanks to its bulb

Generally, when we want to grow a plant, we usually plant it directly in the ground in a pot or seedbed with soil. However, with bulbous plants we have another very simple and effective option: Water. Yes, we can place the bulb directly in water so that it ends up taking root and developing the plant. As you well know, tulips are beautiful flowers that also have a bulb, so we can try it. To make your task easier, we will explain in this article how to grow tulips in water

Apart from explaining the procedure, we will also talk a little about what are bulbous plants and what are the care required by tulips in water. So do not hesitate to take a look at this article if you like tulips and want to grow them in your home.

What are bulbous plants?

Tulips are the most popular bulbous plants

Bulbous plants are an increasingly popular type of vegetable. This is not surprising, as they are very resistant and easier to grow than many other plants. But what exactly are they? As well, These are all those vegetables that can be grown from tuberous roots, rhizomes, bulbs or corms.

These elements are plant organs found underground and in which plants accumulate nutritional reserves made by their leaves. That is why they are able to survive during the colder months: In winter, these plants lose their leaves, but retain their nutritional reserves. Thanks to the organs that we have mentioned before, a new plant will be able to sprout in spring.

Bulbous plants
Related article:
What are bulbous plants

Although it is true that tulips are the most famous bulbous plants, there are many other well-known ones. Let's give some examples:

  • Bulbs: Lily, Clivia, Fritillaria, Hemerocalis, Hippeastrum, Iris, Hyacinth, Muscari, Narcissus, Nardo, Nerine, Tigridia, etc.
  • Corms: Gladiolus, Freesia, Ixia, Crocus, etc.
  • Tuberous roots: Agapanthus, Anemone, Begonia, Cyclamen, Dahlia, Ranunculus, etc.
  • Rhizomes: Cala, Caña de las Indias, Convallaria majalis, Lily, etc.

How to germinate bulbs in water?

Growing tulips in water is simple and effective

As we have already mentioned, growing tulips in water is perfectly viable. Not only is it a simple and effective method, but it is also highly decorative. This method is also called hydroponic cultivation. This process is very easy to carry out. For this we will need, apart from the bulb, a container full of water. This should not be too deep so that the bulb does not completely submerge.

If we want it to sprout well, it is important that less than half of the bulb remains under water. Furthermore, it is essential change the water every ten days approximately so that fungi do not appear and end up rotting the vegetable. Between the first forty and fifty days, it is necessary that we keep the containers in the dark and at a temperature of between fifteen and eighteen degrees. A little trick is to cover the entire container with a black plastic bag or cover only the top of the bulb.

Over time we will observe how roots and stems begin to sprout from that mass we call a bulb. It is a curious process to see and will result in spectacular water tulips. However, if you prefer to be more traditional with the cultivation of bulbous plants, here we explain how to plant bulbs.

Grow tulips in water

Specifying a little more on the subject of tulips in water, it is important to comment on the best time and the best climate to carry out this task. As you may have already deduced, the bulbs of these flowers already contain enough nutrients, so They do not require excessive care.

Tulip bulbs keep well in boxes
Related article:
How to preserve tulip bulbs?

In general, if we live in regions where the winters are very cold, it is best to plant the tulips in late autumn and they will bloom around mid-spring. On the other hand, if we live in warmer regions, the best option is to plant the bulbs when spring begins. In this case they will begin to bloom at the beginning of summer. tulips in water sThey usually measure between thirty and sixty centimeters and the flowers end up drying after about three weeks.

But where do we get tulip bulbs? These organs are usually sold in nurseries, florists and garden stores. Keep in mind that the larger the size of the bulb, the larger the tulip will be. Once we have acquired them, it is important to incubate them for about twelve weeks in the refrigerator, They are native to colder climates. It is highly advisable to respect this rest period in general for all bulbs, regardless of the type of crop and whether it is to be done on land or in water.

How do you take care of tulips in water?

Tulips in water are very decorative

Traditionally, tulips are spring flowers. However, with the water bulb method, they can be grown all year round in a glass container. The roots sprout downwards, staying in the water, while the precious flower of this vegetable will emerge at the top. Without a doubt, it will stand out in our home and help us to beautify the environment.

It is true that it is very easy to grow tulips in water, but still They require certain care that we must take into account. The water must be changed regularly to prevent fungus from appearing and the plant from rotting. In addition, we must prevent tulips from being exposed to drafts and not place them near the heater. The most advisable thing is to place these flowers near a window. This way they will receive sunlight without it being too direct.

In the event that they have given us loose tulips or in a bouquet, the best thing we can do is cut the stems at a 45 degree angle and put them in water. Thus each flower will have a greater absorption surface. Of course, we should carry out this task with large and sharp scissors so as not to end up crushing the stems inadvertently.

As you can see, growing tulips in water using their bulb is not complicated at all. Now you only need a bulb to try it! You can tell us about your experiences in the comments.


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.