Lesson 1

Tulip groups

Tulips break into 15 official groups. For most growers, four matter most: Single Early (March), Triumph (April, all colours, great cut), Single Late (May, tall and elegant), and Parrot (May, ruffled, dramatic). Add Lily-Flowered and Viridiflora for elegance, and Species for naturalising.

Reliable picks: 'Queen of Night' (almost black late), 'Spring Green' (white with green flame, Viridiflora), 'Princess Irene' (orange/purple flame), 'Ballerina' (orange, lily-flowered, scented), 'Black Parrot' (ruffled near-black), 'Apricot Beauty' (early peach).

Buy bulbs from named specialists (Bloms, Peter Nyssen, J. Parker's). Garden-centre bulbs are often dehydrated. Choose firm, papery bulbs with no soft spots or blue mould.

Six tulip groups worth knowing

Single Early — March, short, weather-tough.
Triumph — April, every colour, the classic cut tulip.
Single Late — May, tall and stately.
Lily-flowered — May, elegant pointed petals.
Parrot — May, ruffled and dramatic.
Species (Botanical) — small, naturalising, perennial.