One of the most beautiful plants that can be called a real decoration of the garden are terry tulips. Today, these flowers have won the hearts of many professional gardeners and hobbyists.
Double tulips
This is a new group of flowers that successfully combines the features of two classes - the fringing of one and the terry petals of the other. The stem is quite strong, strong, 35–40 cm high. This type of tulip has a developed leaf system and is distinguished by special decorative characteristics of the buds.
The flowers are large, up to 10-15 cm in diameter, with wide rounded petals. An unusual impression is made by the magnificent appearance of a densely double flower, similar to a peony. In addition, terry tulips attract with their bright colors and early flowering period. They are very diverse and differ not only in color, but also in the shape of the petals, the structure of the flower and the height of the stem.
Early varieties
These flowers begin to bloom at the end of April. The height of tulips of early varieties does not exceed 30 cm. Therefore, they are planted mainly in the foreground or used as a pot culture. Open flowers canhave a diameter of up to 8 cm, they retain their beauty for a long time. You should only protect them from heavy rains, which can bend the buds to the ground.
Murillo stands out among the popular varieties. This is an early terry tulip, which since the beginning of May has been pleasing with its dazzling white flowers with a pink tint. The presence of a large number of petals in the bud gives them a special charm.
Monte Carlo is a disease and weather resistant variety. Large, up to 10 cm in diameter, flowers on a strong low stem have a very beautiful yellow color.
Abba tulips stand out from others with their rich red color. Very common in Russia due to resistance to low temperatures.
Verona is one of the first varieties to start flowering. The stem is quite high (up to 45 cm). Flowers with soft creamy buds will be a good addition to any arrangement.
Mondial - white terry tulips, characterized by long flowering. Petals with a pointed tip have a small green stripe on the outside. The snow-white variety Cardinal Mingenti, fringed white Swan Wings and Honey Moon are amazingly beautiful.
Late varieties
These terry tulips differ from early varieties in their taller peduncle, which can be up to 75 cm long, and large buds. Therefore, plants can break down during heavy rain. To avoid this, it is recommended to tie up the flowers.
One of the most popular varieties representing terry late tulips,is Nice. A small bud on a strong, stable stem is bright yellow with red stripes and spots.
Mount Tecoma tulips with their crystal whiteness can add lightness and freshness to any bouquet. Blooms usually in late spring. Brooklyn is just as white.
The variety called Symphony looks very impressive in a flower bed with a purple overflow.
Particularly stand out among all the flowers are terry fringed tulips.
The picturesque needle fringe that adorns the edges of the petals gives them an unusual look. There are varieties that have a simply amazing color. For example, the Louvre is a lilac tulip with a light fringe, Fabio is a bright red petal of this flower framed by a yellow stripe, and the Skipper variety of purple color has a bronze border.
Growing conditions and care
The place for growing tulips should be selected sunny, protected from the cold wind. Soils rich in composition, neutral or slightly alkaline are preferred. Top dressing is carried out several times during the season. The first time the soil is fertilized when the first shoots appear. Then before the formation of buds, during their active growth and at the beginning of flowering. Urea is used as top dressing (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 m 3 2), superphosphate and special fertilizers for flowers.
Regular watering is required for tulips in the spring, especially during the flowering period. Continue it untiluntil the above-ground part of the plants turns yellow. This happens 2-3 weeks after the end of flowering. Dried flowers are recommended to be removed in time. Like most garden plants, terry tulips need weeding and loosening the soil.
Reproduction
Tulips can be propagated by both seeds and bulbs. But in the seed progeny it is almost impossible to preserve the traits of the variety, so this method is used in rare cases.
New bulbs of terry tulips are formed in the axils of the mother and ripen around mid-July. At this time, they are separated, thoroughly dried in a shaded place, after which the remains of the earth and roots are removed from them and placed in storage. In the room where the bulbs will be before planting, it is necessary to maintain a humidity of about 80%. The air temperature is maintained at 20 ⁰С for the first three weeks, after which it gradually drops to 9–12 ⁰С.
Landing
It should be borne in mind that terry tulips are especially demanding on the soil. Therefore, it is important to carefully prepare the site before landing. If the soil is clayey, it is worth adding river sand to it. Bulbs are planted in autumn, in central Russia this is usually done in late September or early October, so that they can take root before frost. Planting time also depends on the variety. Early flowering tulips are usually planted a couple of weeks earlier than late flowering tulips.
Bulbs with clean skin are selected for planting, without anyspots, hard to the touch. In order to prevent them, it is recommended to treat them with foundationazole for an hour. Depending on the size of the bulbs, choose the planting depth and the distance between the rows. Larger specimens require a larger area. On average, a distance of 10-15 cm is observed between the bulbs, and the spacing between rows is at least 30 cm.
When the first frost occurs, the place where the bulbs are planted is covered with humus, foliage or straw. If the planting dates are observed, the rudiments of leaves and a flower-bearing shoot are formed at the flower before the onset of winter. In the spring, when the soil begins to thaw, sprouts come to the surface and begin to fully develop.
Diseases and pests
Like all other varieties of tulips, terry tulips are susceptible to some diseases. The most common are penicillosis, bulbous sclerotinia, fusarium, gray mold, bacterial rot, etc. Variegation is often observed on tulips. This is a disease transmitted by sucking insects and knives during cutting. If flowers with signs of variegation are found, they must be removed immediately. This will keep the infection from spreading and save other flowers.
Of the insects, the bulb mite is the most dangerous. You can fight it by treating the plant with special means designed for this purpose.
