Tulips
tips and resources for growing my favorite blooms
I first wrote the first edition of this post back in November 2020, and today I am revisiting it with fresh tips and resources three years later. Here we are—albeit a tad behind schedule. For those in regions where the first frost has already come, the ideal tulip planting period may have slipped by last month. As for me, in zone 10b in Southern California, I prefer to plant tulip bulbs in December, following at least a month of pre-chilling in the fridge. If you can pop over to your local nursery this weekend to pick up the last of the tulip bulbs, I'm confident there's something in this updated post to aid your tulip cultivation. I've even included a segment on how to force them indoors, offering a way to enjoy stunning blooms without the need for garden gloves. So, without further delay, it’s tulip time!
Embracing Spring's Harbinger: The Tulip's Timeless Charm
As the herald of spring, tulips bloom with such grace that their presence alone can proclaim the end of winter. Admired for their simple elegance, tulips have captivated hearts for a long time, to the extent of inciting 'Tulip Mania' during the Dutch Golden Age — a fascinating episode of economic frenzy where tulip prices soared unprecedentedly. Today, their charm persists.
Tulips resonate with me deeply, their unassuming allure and varied silhouettes reflecting the awakening of spring. After six seasons of nurturing tulips, I remain enchanted. Unlike the traditional cut flower, I favor allowing them to flourish in the soil, and cutting them only for special occasions.
This year, I opted for a tulip mix to unfurl among my fruit trees. Could this area later host late summer dahlias? Time will tell…
Sourcing Tulips:
Local Nurseries: Visiting local nurseries not only supports small businesses but also allows for hands-on selection and access to expert advice tailored to your region's climate.
Eden Brothers: My personal experience with their online ordering system was straightforward, and their selection is promising.
White Flower Farm: Their reputation for quality with other flowers suggests keeping an eye on their stock updates.
Breck's: A large-scale distributor with a nod to the tulip's Dutch origins, offering a comprehensive catalog of bulbs.
DutchGrown: This supplier specializes in tulips and ships directly from Holland, providing a wide range of varieties.
American Meadows: Offers a wildflower approach with a mix of tulip varieties to create a natural and diverse garden aesthetic.
