Tulip ‘Double Sugar’ is a sought-after variety, captivating gardeners with its distinctive charm and abundant blooms. Its compelling visual appeal makes it a popular addition to spring gardens and floral arrangements.
Distinctive Features of Tulip Double Sugar
Tulip ‘Double Sugar’ is distinguished by its lush, double petal formation, giving its flowers a full, peony-like appearance. These striking blooms can measure up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) in diameter. The petals display a gradient of colors, ranging from soft blush and pale pink to richer rose tones, often with delicate flushes of pale green, cream, or pale yellow.
This tulip typically grows to a height of 14 to 20 inches (35-50 cm) on sturdy stems, suitable for both garden beds and cut flower arrangements. Beyond its visual attributes, ‘Double Sugar’ is noted for its pleasant fragrance, a characteristic not common to all tulip varieties. Blooming in late spring, it extends the vibrant display of the tulip season.
Planting and Growing Tulip Double Sugar
Plant Tulip ‘Double Sugar’ in the fall, ideally six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. This timing allows bulbs to establish a robust root system before winter dormancy. For optimal growth, choose a location that receives full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily), though partial shade can be tolerated in hotter climates.
The soil should be well-drained, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter, such as compost, can improve drainage and aeration.
Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) deep (approximately two to three times the bulb’s height), and space them 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the bulbs. During the growing season, maintain moderately moist soil, but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot. Due to their large, full blooms, ‘Double Sugar’ tulips benefit from a sheltered planting site, as strong winds and heavy rain can damage the flowers.
After Bloom Care and Tips
After ‘Double Sugar’ tulips finish blooming, a few steps ensure bulb health for future seasons. Deadheading, removing spent flower heads, is important. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, redirecting it back into the bulb to strengthen it for the following year’s bloom.
After deadheading, allow the foliage to remain on the plant until it naturally yellows and dies back. The green leaves are crucial for photosynthesis, which creates the energy and nutrients stored in the bulb. Cutting the foliage prematurely can weaken the bulb and result in smaller or fewer blooms in subsequent years. ‘Double Sugar’ tulips are hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, allowing bulbs to remain in the ground in many regions. In areas with very wet summers or very cold winters, or if overcrowding occurs, bulbs can be carefully lifted, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until replanting in the fall.