Tulips 101

Just when you think winter couldn't get any more windy, wet, and cold, you step outside and notice something new. Something emerging from the ground that reminds you that spring is on its way! And it's all thanks to you and your fall bulb planting back in October! When planting fall bulbs, Tulips are famous for making an early, long lasting, spring entrance which makes them one of the most popular fall bulb choices. In this article, we're going to teach you what there is to know about our friend the Tulip and how you can get started on your very own this fall.

About Tulips

From classic folklore tales of "true romance", the Tulip has been crowned the flower of perfect and deep love, making them ideal for gifting to your partner, children or family. Originally from Turkey, the Tulip comes in over 150 varieties. The most common varieties of Tulips being Double Peony, Fringed Tulips, Triumph Tulips, Parrot Tulips, Single Early, Double Early and more! All incredibly different, with many  different shapes and colors available in each variety.

Single Early Tulip

With their district cup shape and 6 petals, Single Early Tulips are on average 10-18 inches tall. Single Tulips are one of the earliest bloomers in cool weather and they also tend to last longer as well. Single Early Tulips pair well with Peonies and Clematis.

Fringed Tulip

Also known as "Crispa", Fringed Tulips are famous for their soft fringe. They come in a variety of colors including pink, violet, yellow, white and red and grow up to 14-20 inches tall. Fringed Tulips perform beautifully on their own, or paired with slim flowers.

Double Early

Also known as Peony Tulips. Double Early Tulips resemble Peonies with their layered pedal arrangements. Double Early Tulips grow 10-16 inches tall and come in a huge variety of colors. Double Early Tulips are sensitive to rain, and prefer to be sheltered. These Tulips are versatile and go great with most flowers! 

Parrot Tulips

Named after tropical parrots for their vibrant color and feather like pedals, the Parrot Tulip comes in a large variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, green and white. As a tall Tulip with long stems, the Parrot Tulip can get up to 3 feet tall, making them a delicate variety of Tulip. Add your Parrot Tulips to any flower arrangement for an eye catching exotic look.

How to Plant Tulips         

Tulips are an easy to grow perennial that require little maintenance once they blossom. When choosing your Tulip bulbs, be sure to check whether the ones you're choosing are fragrant are not, as not all Tulips are. This is especially important if you're going to use your Tulips for fresh cut flowers. Once you have your Tulips selected, you're ready to follow these quick and easy steps for growing them. 

1.) Plant your Tulips= bulbs in September or October, when the soil is 15C in well-draining soil with full sun or partial shade.

2.) Plant the Tulip bulbs 5-7" deep and 4-5" apart, with the pointed side of the bulb face up.

3.) Water your bulbs well and wait for spring!

Once your Tulips have bloomed, be sure to allow the foliage to die back without pruning. This allows the foliage to fall to the ground, nourishing the soil for future growth. Tulips require little maintenance, with little to no watering depending on Mother Nature. If your Tulips aren't getting enough rain, you can water them once a week.

Look at that, you're ready to plant your own Tulips! Now you can expect beautiful Tulip blossoms year after year. With every year, comes more unique colorful combinations and varieties of Tulips for you to enjoy every spring. Happy gardening!