Classic spring bulbs with a surprising range of forms
| Type | Perennial bulb |
|---|---|
| Zones | 3–8 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Height | 12–24 inches |
| Bloom Season | Spring |
| Vase Life | 5–7 days |
| Start | Plant bulbs in fall |
Tulips are the quintessential spring cut flower. They come in virtually every color, from classic red to near-black, and in forms ranging from simple cups to fringed, parrot, and peony-flowered types. For cutting purposes, treat tulips as annuals—plant fresh bulbs each fall for the strongest stems and biggest blooms.
Single late, Darwin hybrid, and French (parrot/fringed) types produce the longest, sturdiest stems. 'Apricot Beauty', 'Purple Prince', 'Rococo' (parrot), and 'La Belle Epoque' are excellent cutting varieties. Double tulips like 'Angelique' look gorgeous but have heavy heads that can droop.
Plant bulbs in fall, 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes. Set bulbs 6 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart. In mild climates (zones 8+), pre-chill bulbs in the refrigerator for 10–12 weeks before planting. Use well-drained soil—tulips rot in soggy ground. See fall planting guide.
Tulips need minimal care. Water if autumn is dry. A light top-dressing of fertilizer in early spring as shoots emerge is sufficient. Most tulips decline after the first year (species tulips are the exception), so plan to replant annually for reliable cut flower production.
Cut when the bud is colored but still closed in an egg shape. The bloom will open fully in the vase and last 5–7 days. Pull the bulb and all if you are treating them as annuals—this gives maximum stem length. Otherwise cut at the base of the stem. Tulips continue to grow in the vase, sometimes 2–3 inches. See harvest timing.
Tulips prefer cool, shallow water. Condition by wrapping stems in paper or placing in a tall, narrow container to keep them upright for the first few hours. They are gravitropic and will bend toward light, which can be charming or frustrating depending on your perspective.
Tulips are lovely in single-variety arrangements—a mass of one color in a simple vase is timeless. They also work in mixed spring bouquets with daffodils (but condition separately first—daffodils exude a sap that harms other flowers), ranunculus, and ferns.