4 CARL PURDY, URIAH, CALIFORNIA 
TULIPS 
All Ihe Tulips are very showy 
and it is worth much trouble to 
have them at their best. In pots 
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 good results; but, by 
studying the peculiarities of our 
climate, very line flowers can 
be grown with but little trouble. 
Culture of Tulips in 
California 
Situation of the Bed. If the 
bed is exposed to the sun, the 
bulbs will be forced into a pre- 
mature bloom with very short 
stems. To guard against this, 
choose a situation which is 
shaded at least one-third of the 
day, — half the day is better. 
The northeastern or northwest- 
ern corner of a building is best, 
but trees will give the same 
shelter. The bed must not be 
where sharp winds 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 
Keizerkroon Tulip conductor, and 'the surface 
should be raised 6 inches. 
Manure should be used. Well-rotted cow-manure is best. It may be spread on the 
surface an inch thick and dug in; or, better yet, applied as in mulching. Where soil is 
heavy a light coat of air-slaked lime is most excellent. It can be put on a half-inch 
deep and spaded in, and it will both sweeten and mellow the soil. 
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 lit only for open spaces, and in California 
it is foolish to attempt them. A bed 3 to 4 feet wide, in the best situation, is much 
belter. Plant in wide variety so as to prolong the season, and aim to have line flowers 
(or cutting rather than a mass effect. 
Shade. The best shade is one that is continually shifting so that the beds are in 
the sun awhile and the shade for a time. This is obtained best in the shadows of trees 
which are not closely planted, or often still better in the outer shade of deciduous trees 
which are not too dense, and where the light plays and changes. 
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 be spread neatly over the bed. 
Plant Early. Mid-October is the best time, November about as good; but furl her 
delay will be at the expense of the flowers. By no means plant later than January 1, 
or earlier than October. 
Method of Planting. The best method is that used in the great fields in Holland. 
First, thoroughly spade and pulverize the soil and give drainage if it is needed. Then 
throw nut the soil from a section of the bed lo the depth of 7 inches. Put in a layer 
