Tulipa Akita Tulip Bulbs

Plant Akita bulbs, a lily flowered tulip, in late fall before the first frost, and in mid-spring it blooms in bold bicolored flowers with a single row of pointed petals having a red base that feathers out into a white tip. Borne singly on long, strong stems, the fragrant flowers make excellent cuts for spring bouquets or floral arrangements. Left in the garden, they attract pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.

A Tulipa fosteriana cultivar, Akita has an upright habit and reaches a mature height of 16 to 18 inches tall. In ideal conditions, Akita may naturalize, with its sprawling clumps of narrow, linear foliage and showy blooms appearing year after year. Tulips look their best when planted in groups in beds and borders, in masses under deciduous trees in the landscape, or in large sweeping drifts in open woodlands. Tulips mix well with other spring-blooming bulbs and planting several different varieties of tulips will extend the flowering time. Tulips make great ground cover, which can be especially useful for controlling erosion during spring rains. They also grow well in patio pots and can be forced for indoor blooms in winter.

Tulip Akita is a cold hardy—to Zone 3—bulbous perennial, often grown as an annual. Tulips are easy to grow and maintain. They grow best in sunny to partially shady locations. Some light shade will help keep them cool and extend their bloom time, especially in warmer climates. They prefer average to fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Allow adequate space when planting and be sure to plant the bulb at the proper depth—4 to 8 inches apart and 4 to 8 inches deep. Feed bulbs with a well-balanced fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Bulb-tone® Bulb and Flower Food in fall, early spring, and again in late spring for robust flowering, during the current as well as the following spring season. Remove spent flowers immediately but allow the leaves to turn yellow and wither before removing.

Visit our Bulb Supplies page to find all the tools and materials you need to plant and maintain your bulb plants successfully.