How to Grow Tulips in Trenches

T F FLORE ARM’S HOW TO GROW TULIPS IN TRENCHES

WWW.FLORETFLOWERS.COM © FLORET LLC ulips are an incredibly diverse family of plants. roughly three times as deep as they are tall. Tulips TSome have fringed petals, others have pointed can be planted quite close, less than an inch (2.5 cm) ones, and some are so ruffled and full that they are from each other, similar to eggs in a carton. Once your commonly mistaken for peonies. Some varieties even bulbs are securely in place, water deeply and then refill carry a soft, subtle scent. With so many wonderful the hole with the soil you removed earlier. Add a few qualities, it’s no wonder that tulips are one of the most inches (5-6 cm) of well-rotted compost on top to act popular cut flowers on the market. One of the easiest as a mulch. Be sure to insert some type of stake so you bulbs you can grow, tulips are a mainstay in the spring remember where you planted them. cutting garden. If your intention is to grow tulips solely for Here at Floret we plant tens of thousands of cutting, plant them in long rows or a wide trench. tulips each year. There are a few different methods for Because we live in the largest tulip-producing valley in growing these showy spring bloomers, depending on the U.S., we grow the majority of our bulbs in trenches whether you simply want to add color to your spring in the hoophouse to beat the local competition to landscape or harvest them in abundance as cut flowers. market, since they will flower nearly a month earlier No matter how you plant them, be sure to pick a spot indoors. This indoor planting is followed by a smaller that gets full sun and doesn’t have any standing water, outdoor field planting, extending our tulip harvest since really wet soils will encourage disease and rot. window to nearly two full months. In the garden, tulips make the most impact For the trench method, dig out a 3-foot-wide (1 m) when planted en masse. For a real show, I recommend trench 6 inches deep (15 cm), piling all the dirt to one ditching the bulb planter, instead planting clumps of at side. Sprinkle in a light dusting of organic bulb fertilizer least 10 bulbs. Simply dig out a generous circle of soil, and rake it in, smoothing the bottom at the same time. about 6 inches (15 cm) deep, mix in a little organic Working with a partner, with one person on each side of bulb fertilizer and compost, and then plant your bulbs the trench, set in the bulbs pointed side up, like eggs in

WWW.FLORETFLOWERS.COM © FLORET LLC a carton. Close, but not touching. Be sure to label each buds are just beginning to color, and before they have individual variety as you go. fully opened. If you’re planting your bulbs in a hoophouse, it’s Here at Floret, we treat our tulips as annuals, and important to water them deeply, letting the trench fill actually pull the entire plant up, bulb and all, during up at least half full, which encourages vigorous root harvest. This gives us maximum stem length, extended growth, in turn producing even larger flowers. Backfill storage, and a long vase life. With the bulb attached, the trench with the soil you removed earlier, and lay tulips can be stored dry for up to one month in the down irrigation lines, watering deeply a few times cooler, because they are still connected to their food throughout the winter. It’s really quite simple! source. When it’s time to use them, simply cut off the If you’re planting your bulbs outside, there’s no bulb and place stems into water with flower food. need to flood-irrigate or use drip irrigation because If you want to perennialize your tulips, it’s rain should provide adequate water. important to leave at least two sets of leaves on the stem Come spring, as the bulbs start to push up when harvesting to replenish the bulb and give it energy through the soil, it’s important to keep the beds to bloom the following season. Keep in mind that weeded. For the longest vase life, harvest when the blooms may be of lesser quality in subsequent years.

WWW.FLORETFLOWERS.COM © FLORET LLC ulips have a naturally long vase Tlife, and many varieties can last up to a week and a half if picked at the proper stage. Once fully hydrated, fresh- picked tulip stems continue to elongate for a few days, so if you’re making a bouquet or arrangement, be sure to tuck the flowers deeper than seems necessary with this in mind.

WWW.FLORETFLOWERS.COM © FLORET LLC FAVORITE TULIP VARIETIES

TULIP 'BELICIA' TULIP 'BLACK HERO' TULIP 'BLUE DIAMOND' With multiple flower heads on a stem, One of our favorite tulips, ‘Black Hero’ is This large violet treasure is the best purple ‘Belicia’ has a profusion of striking petals. a dramatic addition to the garden. Velvety tulip we’re grown on the farm, and its Beginning as pale yellow with red tips, double flowers with a maroon luster sit beauty only intensifies as it ages. Individual the blossoms become white, and the edges atop long, strong stems. These long- flowers open and hold well, showing mature to burgundy. Strong stems make lasting beauties are not too large and are detailed veining on the edges. Planted en this vivid beauty a must-grow for the great for design. masse, it will take your breath away. garden or vase.

TULIP 'BLUE PARROT' TULIP 'BOA VISTA' TULIP 'CHARMING BEAUTY' Tall stems show off huge flowers on this Certainly the most unusual tulip we’ve This egg-yolk and glowing peach beauty ruffled beauty. Petals are an intense bright grown, ‘Boa Vista’ boasts large, densely opens to a ruffled double bloom that violet tinged with hints of blue, and as packed flower heads. Petals are a rich resembles a garden rose or peony. Even if flowers open they reveal purple interiors. green hue with muddy plum veins and you’re not keen on yellow, this tawny gem Like a bird fluttering its wings, this showy tips. Not only are the medium-height will surely make you reconsider. A stellar flower is a spectacular addition to the blooms an incredible addition to the cut flower; every cutting garden deserves a cutting garden. cutting garden, they offer an unrivaled little patch of ‘Charming Beauty’. palette for flower arrangers.

WWW.FLORETFLOWERS.COM © FLORET LLC FAVORITE TULIP VARIETIES

TULIP 'COPPER IMAGE' TULIP 'DRUMLINE' TULIP 'EXOTIC EMPEROR' One of the most beautifully colored Unique in coloring, this tulip reminds us Large creamy-white petals like huge swan tulips we’ve ever seen; there is so of Christmastime and peppermint candies. feathers open on this unique, frilly tulip. much dimension found in this petite Petals are deep red at the base, fading from Outer petals are brushed with green heartbreaker. Blooms look like ‘Coral rosy to ivory white at the tips. A showy embellishments, and as blossoms open, Charm’ peonies with hints of raspberry choice, ideal for cut flower arranging with yellow lemondrop centers are revealed. and subtle streaking through the petals. A a long vase life and tall, strong stems. Early to flower, ‘Exotic Emperor’ holds its floral designer’s dream and a must-grow! blossoms well after opening.

TULIP 'FOXY FOXTROT' TULIP 'GUDOSHNIK DOUBLE' TULIP 'GREEN STAR' We learned that the name of this tulip A sunny harmony of warm hues make Hands down, this marvelous novelty is comes from a popular 1970s Dutch song up the variety of colors of ‘Gudoshnik the best green variety we’ve ever grown. about a graceful dancer, Foxy Foxtrot. Tri- Double’. Peony-like flowers resemble Two layers of alternating petals are the toned petals of coral, orange and gold with perfectly blushed Rainier cherries in shades green shade of Granny Smith Apples, and just a hint of green at the tips will make of buttery yellow, orange, salmon, coral, white outer edges point and bend like a this versatile beauty a floral designer’s and red. Beautiful in the landscape, these court jester’s hat. This gem would get lost favorite dance partner. gems have heavy flower heads that require in the landscape, so grow as a cut flower extra precautions when harvesting and for a hosta-like touch at the base of an handling. arrangement.

TULIP 'GREEN WAVE' TULIP 'LA BELLE EPOQUE' TULIP 'MENTON' Perhaps the tallest parrot we’ve grown, this One of the most uniquely colored tulips we’ve For a huge visual impact, these large variety has an antique quality and looks ever grown, this caramel-muddy rose-colored French tulips are an old-time, tried-and- like a feathered bird. Ultra-ruffled petals treasure is a flower arranger’s dream. The true treasure. Long, strong stems can easily are a soft rose-pink at the tips with apple- stunning variable colored petals change color reach 3 feet when grown in the greenhouse, green veins and ivory highlights. Such from a rosy-plum to a smoky-peach over and blooms look like giant Easter eggs. versatile appleblossom coloring makes time. This beauty only grows to 12-16 inches, Flowers are a glowing, soft raspberry-pink, these blooms a must-grow—perfect for but what it lacks in size it makes up for in and once unfurled, petals reveal a white dramatic arrangements and event work. color. Incredible in bouquets and wedding vein against coral shading. These hip-high work, this novelty has a loyal fan club. beauties are as pink as flamingos.

TULIP 'PROFESSOR RONTGEN' TULIP 'QUEEN OF THE CONGO' TULIP 'RENOWN UNIQUE' One of the largest parrot types we’ve A breathtaking variety, ‘Queen of the ‘Renown Unique’ is one of the last tulips ever grown, this variety has thick, tall Congo’ is the best wine-colored tulip we’ve to flower and definitely worth the wait. stems topped with show-stopping, encountered. Intensely ruffled, rich claret- Full, peony-shaped, watermelon pink palm-sized orange blooms. The green- hued blooms are held on strong stems. flowers have yellow anthers rather than streaked, tangerine petals surround a This peony-flowered variety adds a touch the usual black. Outer tips of the petals cheerful yellow throat, making a bold, of romance and dark drama to the garden. are brushed with green. Super-long stems unforgettable statement. make this a great choice for design work.

TULIP 'SALMON PARROT' TULIP 'SANTANDER' TULIP 'SENSUAL TOUCH' There aren’t many flowers that rival the Like a vibrant pink teacup from Alice in Discovered during a recent variety trial, beauty or majesty of parrot-flowered Wonderland, this feminine tulip starts in the this incredible tangerine-hued beauty has tulips, and it’s no wonder why this bud stage as peach-blush. As the fringe- quickly climbed to the top of the Floret salmon-pink gem is a four-time award edged petals open and turn cotton-candy Favorites list. The huge flower heads are winner. The glowing watermelon blooms pink, they reveal a blue throat and black loaded with a mass of ruffled, fringed petals are surrounded by a layer of creamy outer anthers. Long, strong stems and large flower and look more like a garden rose than a petals streaked with green. A must-grow heads, along with a uniform growth habit, tulip. Everyone who encounters ‘Sensual for flower arranging and a showy display make this a winner for design work. Touch’ falls madly in love. A must-grow! in the spring garden.

TULIP 'VAYA CON DIOS' TULIP 'VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK' TULIP 'VICTORIA’S SECRET PURPLE' No two flowers are the same on this tall, These ruffled blooms are sultry and dusky, These ruffled, mulberry-stained blooms blonde sister to ‘Sensual Touch’. Like showing a plum patina at the base of the have dark blue throats, and petals open feathers of an exotic toucan, blooms are petals and a blue center. Combined with like twirling skirts. Stunning en masse a mix of yellow with brush strokes of other tulips from the ‘Victoria’s Secret’ and combined with other tulips from the apricot, and apricot brushed with yellow. series, they look stunning en masse. Long, ‘Victoria’s Secret’ series, flowers are carried Outer petals have veins of spring-green, strong stem make this late-flowering on long, strong stems for a dramatic visual and some stems carry multiple flowers. addition to the garden a spectacular choice. choice. The best of both worlds, this double, fringed beauty is a must-grow.