Once the flower of the tulip plant has died, how soon do you remove (or do you remove them at all) the remaining leaves of the plant? I was told by a neighbor that if you remove the leaves too soon, the tulips will not flower next year. Also, does this apply to the hyacinth plant? |
Your neighbor is correct. Spring flowering bulbs including daffodils, tulips and hyacinths should be deadheaded (remove faded blooms) promptly and then the foliage must be left in place to grow. Leave the foliage alone until it has turned brown and dried up, then remove it. This process rejuvenates the bulb so it can grow and bloom again the following year. Removing the foliage too soon will weaken the bulb. |