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Tulipa 'Tinka'

miscellaneous group tulip bulbs ( syn. Tulip clusiana 'Tinka' )

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A compact clusiana-species tulip with vivid contrast, this hardy bulb produces narrow, pointed petals that are primrose yellow inside with deep red outer colouring. The striking bicolour display becomes more visible in sunshine, as the flowers open wide on bright days and stay closed when overcast.

Tulipa 'Tinka' reaches around 20–25cm (8-10in) in height and naturalises well in free-draining soil, making it ideal for rockeries, gravel gardens, borders, and container planting. This reliable perennial tulip returns year after year and performs best in full sun.

How to care for Tulipa Tinka:

These species tulips are adaptable for pot and border culture, as well as naturalising in meadows and wildflower schemes. Using fresh, good-quality compost, plant bulbs in pots from September to November. For borders, these tulips have some resistance to Tulip Fire and can be planted earlier in the autumn than other species, though a later planting after the first frosts (October) will reduce any risk.

Plant bulbs 15-20cm (6-8in) deep and 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq or 60-75 bulbs per m². If you’re unable to plant your bulbs immediately, they can be stored in a cool environment with good air circulation. Remove all the packaging and place them in a loose-weave jute sack before labelling and hanging up in a dry, unheated garden shed or well-ventilated greenhouse.

In spring, when the potted or border tulips are in active growth, apply a high-potash fertiliser (like Tomorite) each week until the leaves start to die back. Pinch off the spent flower heads as the petals fall, and let the stem and foliage die back naturally. Unlike border/bedding tulips, species tulips tulips can be left in the ground to flower in situ year after year.

If planting in a meadow in order to naturalise, make sure the grass is not cut until the foliage has completely died back.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
  • InformationHumans: Harmful if eaten; skin allergen; Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten

Product options

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BU30004382
21 × bulbs
£21.00 £1.00 each
available to order from autumn
Product options image
BU30004117
7 × bulbs
£7.99 £1.14 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Bulbs (only)£4.99
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