What are the planting methods for Siam tulip? How many years can it be grown?
Siam tulip is an ornamental flower variety that has only become popular in China in recent years, and its place of origin is the Chiang Mai region of Thailand. In fact, Siam tulip is not a lotus; it is called “Siam tulip” because it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and its flowers resemble lotus blooms. So what are the planting methods for Siam tulip? How long is the flowering period? How many years can it be grown?
I. Planting methods for Siam tulip
1. Ground planting of Siam tulip
(1) Plot selection
Generally speaking, loose and fertile sandy soil is quite suitable for planting Siam tulip. Be sure not to choose clay soil, as that can easily cause the roots of Siam tulip to lack air; in rainy weather it easily accumulates water and thus causes root rot and death.
(2) Selection of bulb varieties
At present, the Siam tulip varieties with relatively good reputations on the market include Chiang Mai Pink, Chiang Mai White, Chiang Mai Red, Blue Moon, Gem, Rainbow, and others. When choosing bulbs, you should select bulbs with large corms and more storage roots, as these will survive and bloom more easily, and the flowering quality will also be higher.
(3) Planting and management
January to June each year is the suitable time for planting Siam tulip. The bulbs of Siam tulip need to first be stored at about 28°C for about 15 days for sprouting promotion, and then the bulbs can be buried about 10 cm from the soil surface to complete planting. Here you need to pay attention to the planting density. It is recommended to make beds of about 80 cm, plant 4 rows per bed, and keep a plant spacing of 20 cm.
After planting, simply keep the soil moist and ensure the growing temperature is 20-35°C.
2. Potted Siam tulip
Most Siam tulip varieties are cut-flower types, and relatively few varieties are suitable as potted plants. If you want to use it as a potted flower, measures must be taken to shorten the flower stems; paclobutrazol and uniconazole can be used for watering treatment to achieve the dwarfing effect on the flower stems and plants.
(1) Prepare a flowerpot with a larger diameter
Siam tulip has a well-developed root system and sturdy plants. If you choose to grow Siam tulip in a pot, then when choosing the planting container it is best to choose a flowerpot with a larger diameter that does not crack easily.
(2) Soil preparation
The soil is the same as that used for soil planting; simply choose sandy soil.
(3) Keep a warm and moist environment
When caring for Siam tulip in a pot, pay attention to ensuring the growing environment is above 15°C, and often spray some water on the leaves to maintain humidity. Be careful that there is no water accumulation. Before flowering, place it in a spot with sufficient sunlight; after it has fully bloomed, it can be placed in a half-shade, half-sun location, as long as air circulation is maintained.
II. How long is the flowering period of Siam tulip? How many years can it be grown?
1. The flowering period of Siam tulip
The flowering period of Siam tulip is fairly long, generally lasting from June to around mid-October, and when it blooms it produces purple, red, or white spicate inflorescences.
Starting in late October, the leaves of Siam tulip begin to turn yellow and fall, and by the end of November the aboveground part of Siam tulip completely stops growing, and the bulbs enter a dormant state.
2. How many years can Siam tulip be grown?
Generally, Siam tulip is grown as an annual plant. Because Siam tulip is commonly propagated by dividing the bulbs, after Siam tulip finishes blooming, the bulbs need to be harvested in time for planting the following year.
The bulbs that need to be harvested are actually the newly grown daughter bulbs. Be especially careful when pulling them out so as not to damage the newly grown rhizomes. Then disinfect the harvested bulbs, cover the rhizomes with peat, and store them in a perforated plastic bag in a ventilated place at 20-25°C.