
Description
🌷 Striking Deep Purple-Black Blooms for a Bold Mid-Spring Display! 🌷
The Triumph Tulip ‘Continental’ (Tulipa hybrida) is an eye-catching mid-season variety, featuring slender, velvety deep purple to almost black flowers. Its strong 40cm stems and classic Triumph tulip shape make it ideal for gardens, borders, pots, and elegant floral arrangements. Supplied as dry bulbs, ‘Continental’ thrives in cool to temperate climates and can be grown as an annual in warmer regions with proper refrigeration.
🌱 Growing & Care Guide
- Aspect: Full sun to semi-shade
-
Growing Zones & Suitable States:
- Zone 1 (Cool-Temperate & Alpine Regions): Direct planting, no pre-chilling required. (TAS, VIC highlands, ACT, parts of NSW & SA)
- Zone 2 (Temperate Climates): Cold enough for direct planting, but warmer areas may benefit from 6 weeks of pre-chilling. (VIC, Southern NSW, Adelaide Hills, parts of SA)
- Zone 3 (Mediterranean Climate): Mild winters may require 6-8 weeks of pre-chilling before planting. (Perth, coastal SA, Sydney)
- Zone 4 (Warm-Temperate & Coastal Areas): Requires 8 weeks of refrigeration before planting in May. (Brisbane, coastal NSW, WA regions with warm winters)
- Flowering: September - October (Mid-Spring)
- Height: 40cm, with sturdy, upright stems
- Planting Depth & Spacing: 10-15cm deep, 10cm apart
- Frost Hardy: Yes
🌼 Planting & Maintenance
- Planting Time: March - May (March for Zones 1-3, May for Zone 4)
- Soil: Well-drained, enriched with compost for best growth
-
Watering:
- Water well as shoots emerge
- Apply a high-nitrogen topdressing when the first shoots appear
- Water thoroughly after flowers die off to encourage strong bulb growth for the next season
-
After Flowering:
- Remove faded flowers but allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish bulbs
- Lift bulbs once foliage yellows and store in a ventilated, cool area in a net bag
🌡️ Refrigerating Tulips for Warmer Climates
Triumph tulips require a cold winter to bloom properly. If you live in an area without frost, pre-chill bulbs in a fridge for 6-8 weeks before planting.
- Store in a ventilated bag, away from ripening fruits & vegetables
- Do not freeze bulbs
- Refrigerated bulbs grow taller and flower earlier
🌿 Growing as Annuals in Warm Climates
- Plant in large pots after 8 weeks of refrigeration (Late May)
- Keep pots in a cool, shaded spot until shoots reach 5cm
- Move to a sunny location for optimal growth and flowering
💐 Why Choose Triumph Tulip ‘Continental’ (Tulipa hybrida)?
✔ Deep purple to black blooms for a striking contrast
✔ Classic Triumph tulip form with strong, mid-season flowering
✔ Hardy and perfect for cool climates, adaptable as an annual in warmer regions
✔ Ideal for gardens, borders, pots, and floral arrangements
🌿 FAQs
❔ Do I need to pre-chill bulbs?
- Cool climates (TAS, VIC highlands, ACT, SA hills, Southern NSW): No, plant directly.
- Warmer climates (Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, coastal NSW & SA): Yes, chill bulbs for 6-8 weeks before planting in May.
❔ Can I grow them in pots?
Yes! Triumph tulips thrive in large, deep pots with good drainage.
Ideal for Cool to Temperate zones (1-4) and states like TAS, VIC, SA, ACT, NSW, and WA, Triumph Tulip ‘Continental’ (Tulipa hybrida) brings a bold, dramatic touch to mid-spring gardens! 🌷