SELECT BULBS FOR FALL PLANTING 
TULIPS 
Of all bulbous plants, the Tulips arc most showy, and it is worth much trouble to 
have them at their best. In pols they can be had by midwinter, while in beds they are 
at their best from March to May. The methods of culture used in the East and Europe 
are not adapted to California, and will seldom produce Rood results; but, by studying 
the peculiarities of our climate, very fine flowers can be grown with little trouble. 
Culture of Tulips in California 
Situation of the Bed. Throughout California quite warm spells are to be expected 
in February or early March, and if the bed is exposed to the sun the bulbs will be forced 
into a premature bloom with very short stems. To guard against this, choose a situation 
which is shaded at least one third of the day, but half the day is better. The northeast- 
ern or northwestern corner of a building is best, but trees will give the same shelter. 
The bed must not be where sharp winds may reach it. 
Soil. Tulips prefer a light, well-drained soil, but can be grown well in any soil 
that is not mucky. If the soil is heavy, it should be underdrained with tiles, gravel or 
any other porous conductor, and had better be raised 6 inches. 
Manure should be used, well-rotted cow-manure being the best. It may be spread 
on the surface an inch thick and dug in, or, better yet, applied as indicated below. 
Distance Apart and Depth to Plant. Tulips will do well when planted 3 inches apart 
each way, or sixteen to the square foot. The standard distance is 4 inches apart each way, 
or nine to the square foot. It is a waste of space to give them more. 
Fancy Beds are to be avoided. They are only fit for open spaces and in California 
it is foolish to attempt them. A bed 3 to 4 feet wide, where the best situation can be 
given, is much better, and it is also better to plant in wide variety so as to prolong the 
season, and to aim to have fine flowers for cutting rather than to produce a mass effect. 
Shade. The best shade is one that is continually shifting so that the beds are in 
the sun a while and in the shade for a time. This is best obtained by watching the shadows 
of trees which are not closely planted, or often still better by giving the outer shade of 
deciduous trees which are not too dense and through whose branches the lights play 
and change. 
Mulching. A mulch of rotted manure put on in the spring before the 
Tulips are through the ground is 
a most excellent thing. It keeps 
the ground from being packed and 
holds moisture to the top. It should 
not be of new or wet manure but of 
manure that is fairly well rotted 
and which can be spread neatly 
over the bed with a rake. 
Plant Early. By this I do not 
mean August or September, as I 
have found no advantage whatever 
in having the bulbs in before the 
period of rains and cooler weather. 
Mid-October is the best time, 
November about as good, but fur- 
ther delay will be at the expense of 
the flowers. By no means plant 
later than January 1. 
Method of Planting. The best 
method is that used in the great 
fields in Holland, where they arc 
grown by millions. First, thor- 
oughly spade and pulverize the soil 
and give drainage if it is needed. 
Then throw out the soil from a sec- 
tion of the bed to the depth of 7 
inches. Put in a layer of manure an 
inch deej) and cover with an inch 
and a half of soil. Set your bulbs Picotee Tulip (see page 6) 
