The Bulls Eye Tulip offers a striking and unique appearance, making it a favored choice for gardeners. Its vibrant colors and intriguing petal pattern add drama to spring landscapes, enhancing garden beds and containers.
Understanding the Bulls Eye Tulip
The Bulls Eye Tulip, botanically known as Tulipa ‘Bull’s Eye’, is a double early tulip variety with peony-shaped flowers. Its color transforms as it blooms: initially, buds appear as a fresh green ball of petals. As the flower opens, a striking bright red, ruffled center emerges, creating a dramatic “eye” effect against the green outer petals. This red center expands as the bloom matures, intensifying the visual contrast.
These tulips typically grow 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) tall, suitable for borders and containers. The flowers can reach 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter. Bulls Eye Tulips generally bloom in mid to late spring and are a strong, compact variety, maintaining an upright habit.
Planting Bulls Eye Tulips
Planting Bulls Eye Tulips in the fall is ideal, typically six to eight weeks before the ground freezes. This timing allows the bulbs to establish a robust root system before winter dormancy, which is crucial for vigorous spring blooms. For cooler northern climates, planting in September or October is suitable, while warmer regions can plant as late as December. The soil temperature should ideally be below 13°C (55°F) when planting.
Select a planting site that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, although partial shade can be tolerated, particularly in warmer climates. Good drainage is paramount, as tulips are highly susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. To improve drainage and nutrient content, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, loosening it to a depth of 30 to 38 centimeters (12 to 15 inches).
When planting, place the bulbs with the pointy end facing upwards. A general guideline is to plant them about three times as deep as the bulb’s height, which usually translates to 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) deep. For larger bulbs, or if you desire multi-year blooms, planting as deep as 30 centimeters (12 inches) can be beneficial. Space the bulbs approximately 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil and initiate root growth.
Caring for Bulls Eye Tulips
During their growth period, particularly in dry spells, Bulls Eye Tulips require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to prevent rot. If your region receives about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) of rain per week, supplemental watering may not be necessary.
Bulls Eye Tulips thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and bloom development. In regions with intense afternoon sun, some partial shade can help protect the blooms and extend their life. The ideal temperature range for tulips during their blooming period is typically between 13°C and 21°C (55°F to 70°F).
While tulips do not strictly require heavy fertilization, an application of a balanced, low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer can enhance their vigor. This can be done when the first shoots emerge in spring and again after blooming to replenish bulb energy. Avoid excessive fertilization and ensure the fertilizer is formulated for bulbs.
Post-Bloom and Winter Care
After Bulls Eye Tulips have finished blooming, deadhead spent flowers by snipping off the flower heads, preventing the plant from expending energy on seed production. This redirects energy to the bulb. It is important to allow the foliage to remain intact until it naturally yellows and withers, which typically takes four to six weeks after blooming. The green leaves are vital for photosynthesis, a process that replenishes the bulb’s energy reserves for the following year’s growth. Resist the urge to braid, tie, or cut back the green foliage prematurely, as this can hinder the bulb’s ability to store necessary nutrients.
For winter protection in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-8), applying a layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, over the planting area after the ground freezes can help insulate the bulbs. This mulch layer regulates soil temperature and helps prevent frost heave, which can dislodge bulbs. In areas with very wet winters or warmer climates (USDA Zones 9-10) where bulbs may not receive sufficient chilling, it might be beneficial to dig up the bulbs after the foliage dies back, allow them to dry, and store them in a cool, dry place until replanting in the fall.