tulips: do you have to nip off the tops?

[ginnyinWI]

After blooming, I mean--I'd heard that if you take them off, rather than letting energy go into forming a seed, it will stay in the bulb underground for the next season. True? And do I need to cut them off, or is bending them over enough?

[formercia]

1. It's a good idea.

Unless you have some reason to save seed, dead-heading is always a good idea, allowing the plant to put all of its energy into next year's growth. There may be some exception, but I can't think of any at the moment. Allow the foliage to yellow, allowing the food contained within to be drawn down and stored.

[ginnyinWI]

2. ok I'll do that. Want to keep my new tulips going a long time. nt

[formercia]

3. Give them some food after they bloom.

I mulch mine with leaves that I used last Winter for insulation around the house. You can purchase low Nitrogen, high phosphorus bulb food, but I found that leaves are even better. Mine are Ash, Maple and Elm for the most part and they break down quickly. The leaves help keep the weeds in check as a bonus.
The only problem I have is Deer who relish the young leaves in the Spring. A dab of 50/50 Cayenne Pepper and Vegetable Shortening in the curl of the tip does the trick. One taste usually cures them.