Tulip Question

smtaylor1

This is the first year I have ever had tulips.  I planted bulbs in the fall and they actually worked.  Now my questions is once the flowers all fall off and I am left with the less than attractive leaves and bare stem what do I do?  Do I cut them down?  Or leave them?  Sorry, very new to tulips!  Thanks!

FoxinFiji

Leave them until they turn brown then you can cut them.  The green leaves are creating the flowers for next year so if you cut them down you won't have flowers for next year. 

pugznploons

don't cut them.  I tie the leaves in a knot close to the base if possible, or use rubber bands. Then I plant annuals between them (zinnias and begonias).  Once the leaves turn brown I cut them off.  

emschott

pugznploons:

don't cut them.  I tie the leaves in a knot close to the base if possible, or use rubber bands. Then I plant annuals between them (zinnias and begonias).  Once the leaves turn brown I cut them off.  

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WhiteGarden

You may also want to think about planting a perennial ground cover with your tulips -- something that will really start to take off AFTER the tulips have bloomed, to help disguise those ugly leaves.

 I am dealing with the same thing, with hyacinth bulbs.