
Producing large, showy flowers, Darwin hybrids are one of the most popular tulip groups. Coming in an array of rich colours, the blooms stand up well in poor weather conditions - and they look woonderful in border displays or vases.
How to care for Large flowered tulips - Darwin tulip collection:
Using fresh, good-quality compost, plant bulbs in pots from September to November. For borders, we advise waiting until after the first frosts (typically mid-October to early December depending on your location) to reduce the risk of potential disease such as Tulip Fire. 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 plants 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. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
In spring, when the plants 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. The bulbs can then be lifted and discarded, or cleaned, dried and stored (as before) for replanting the following autumn.
What's included:
In each collection you will receive the following:
- 7 × Tulipa 'Olympic Flame': A single Darwin hybrid with deep yellow cups that are heavily streaked with blood red flames. The flowers are quite small but nevertheless they pack a real punch when planted in bold drifts, or where their bright flowers can add early colour to a hot border. Grows to 50cm.
- 7 × Tulipa 'Golden Apeldoorn': Glorious, golden yellow, cup-shaped flowers with a contrasting black centre and base in April and strap-like, grey-green leaves. These Darwin hybrid tulips look fantastic planted en masse in a sunny, well-drained border. As well as providing a stunning mid-season display they make excellent and long-lasting cut flowers. Grows to 55cm.
- 7 × Tulipa 'Apeldoorn': A well-established, popular and reliable tulip, which produces the most dazzling red flowers in mid-spring. It makes a superb addition to the bedding scheme, particularly when planted with oranges, yellows and purples. The flowers last well after being cut and the tall stems are robust enough to hold up in poor weather conditions. Grows to 50cm.
- 7 × Tulipa 'Pink Impression': An easy to mix pink, that will add height and colour to the spring bedding display. The flowers are well-shaped and are also very good for cutting and adding to a vase. They have an unusual hint of bronze in the petals, which becomes less noticeable as the flowers age. Sublime. Grows to 55cm.
- 7 × Tulipa 'Red Impression': At the base of each bright red petal is a golden halo surrounding a near-black blotch. This becomes more noticeable as the petals open and the flowers change from a classic tulip shape to open bowls. This colourful tulip is a must for hot-themed planting schemes. Grows to 55cm.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans: Harmful if eaten; skin allergen; Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
Product options

2 + 1 FREE collections | 105 bulbs
£70.90
£0.68 each
available to order from autumn

1 × collection | 35 bulbs
£35.45
£1.01 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
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Bulb planting auger - long
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set of 3, save £6 | £29.97 |
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large | £15.99 |
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medium | £11.99 |
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small | £7.99 |
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Bulb planting auger - short
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medium | £11.99 |
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large | £14.99 |
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small | £6.99 |
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set of 3, save £5 | £28.97 |
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View details