tulip bulbs

[roomom5]

when should tulip bulbs be dug up? Are the little sucker bulbs any good? How to store bulbs until fall?

[Clanad]

Unless you have an unusual reason to do so, it's not necessary to dig the bulbs. All the bulbs can produce flowering tulips, even the smaller ones. If you do dig them up, remove excess dirt by brushing them gently and place them in a mesh bag (not plastic) and store in a cool, dark and dry place.

[roomom5]

thanks! I was told the reason my tulips are getting smaller every year is because the bulbs probably have "sucker" or baby bulbs on them. Does that ring trure with anyone?

[Clanad]

If they've been in the ground for more than three years, I'd dig up a spade full and check them. The "sucker" bulbs you describe are just developing bulbs and if there are very many in the spadeful, then I'd recommend digging and separating. Keep only the viable ones... i.e., ones that are at least one inch in diameter. Discard the smaller ones. Brush and store as related above and plant in the fall... We plant ours here in the U.S. in October. They should be planted at least 5 to 7 inches deep and at least 8 inches apart. For something unique, try planting some tulip bulbs as described and then, over the top of these plant some crocus bulbs. The crocus will come up and bloom first then followed by the tulips... Good luck!