I plan to plant Darwin Hybrid tulips, and I live in zone 6. I want to make sure that I plant them at the right time for my zone (Philadelphia area). Am I correct that I should not plant these bulbs before mid October and no later than early November? Please keep in mind that these are Darwin Hybrids; are Darwin Hybrids supposed to be planted earlier than other tulips? (The reason I ask is because the company from which I ordered says they are planning to ship my Darwin Hybrid tulip bulbs some time during September 19 to September 30). I have just finished researching about the correct time to plant tulips in general (NOT DARWINS but tulips in general), and everyone says to plant from mid October to early November. This confuses me. Could the planting time be earlier for Darwins. Of course I plan to ask the bulb company from which I ordered why they choose to ship when they said(maybe they have a special reason); however, I would like to have a fellow gardener's opinion to compare with. Just when AM I supposed to plant these Darwin Hybrid tulip bulbs? I also want to make sure how deep they should be planted for them to be extra perennial. I realize that Darwins are perennial by nature, but I want to make double sure!! I already dug the trench where they will be planted and lined it with chicken wire to keep out squirrels (a must on my property!) Therefore, it would be inconvenient for me to redo it and dig it any deeper. I have already dug down ten inches!. Is ten inches deep enough? (I am told that planting deeply is necessary for larger bulbs such as Darwins in addition to helping them to be even more perennial than they already are).

Also, I will be mixing in Bulb Buddy fertilizer with the soil (which is good for perennializing since it releases the nitrogen slowly). I plan to spread a paper thin layer of this soil/fertilizer mixture on the bottom of the trench, to fill in between the bulbs with this mixture, and to cover the tops of the bulbs with no more than a paper thin layer of this mixture. Is this correct? Is this enough or is it also necessary for me to mix in cow manure and/or sand; if so, how much and how should I apply? (Would you mix in the manure and/or sand or just do a one inch layer of manure or sand?-maybe with a one inch manure layer at the bottom of the trench and then a one inch layer of sand on top of this; then the bulbs would be planted on top of these two layers; of course, in this case,the bulbs would be planted at a depth of eight inches deep). If using sand, what type should I use (cement sand or the other kind?). (Please realize that I have already mixed in pebbles and small stones regularly throughout the soil which has been dug out of my trench for drainage). This soil is now sitting in a big pile until planting time, when I will mix my Bulb Buddy fertilizer into it, plant my Darwin tulips, and fill the trench up once again.

Although I like to plant tulip bulbs three inches apart, it is my understanding that Darwin Hybrid tulip bulbs should be planted no closer than six inches apart if you want to grow them as perennials, because these plants grow to be quite large, and roots will compete for space and nutrients. Is this correct?

As in the past when I have received wonderful advice from fellow gardeners, I am always grateful for such generous sharing of experiences. I do not know what I would do without advise from my fellow gardeners and hope

that my responses to questions from others has likewise helped!

Thank you,

Helb1