Tulip bulbs are expensive, and you are not guaranteed to profit from them, especially if you’re in your first year of flower farming. Farmer florists are also often dismayed to learn that tulips aren’t perennials when grown as cut flowers. That said, tulips are desirable for those wanting early-season sales!
Because tulips are super finicky flowers, knowing what you’re doing is essential if you want to get the most bang for your buck. In this blog post, I share my tips for growing tulips as a flower farmer, so you have the best chance of success!
Planting tulips for landscapes vs. Planting tulips for cut flowers
When landscaping with tulips, plant them relatively spaced apart in clumps so they grow in a more natural, visually appealing way. However, if you’re growing tulips for cut flowers, plant the bulbs as close as possible in rows without them touching. Some cut flower growers call this “egg carton” spacing.
For flower farmers, tulips act like annuals because we harvest them completely — bulbs and all. This ensures better stem length for arranging. If you don’t cut your tulips, however, they are regarded as perennials. This works well for those landscaping with tulips, as they will return year after year.
Whether planting tulips as a flower farmer or for a landscape, you’ll need to plant your bulbs in the fall to ensure spring blooms!
Related: The Worst Flower to Grow (Especially if You’re a Flower Farmer!)
Steps for Planting Tulips for Cut Flowers
- Order bulbs up to a year in advance from a wholesaler
- Plant anywhere from mid-September to early November (as long as the ground hasn’t frozen yet)
- Plant pointy side up with egg carton spacing–as close as possible without touching
- Cover with soil
- Start watering in the spring once the snow has melted and the ground is dry (unless you live somewhere that is rainy)
Optional: Line the bottom of the bed with metal mesh or chicken wire to keep rodents out.
Related: 10 Best One-and-Done Cut Flowers
FAQs About Flower Farming Tulips
1. Can you plant tulips in raised beds?
In warmer climates, yes, and it’s actually standard practice. However, it doesn’t work well in Zone 3. You will kill all your bulbs, even if you cover them with leaves for insulation!
2. How can you get good stem length?
Flower farmers pull out the bulb when they harvest to ensure good stem length, but there is another factor. I’ve personally had the most success getting long stems by planting my tulips in an area that gets shade for some of the day. You’ll also need to stay on top of watering. The best practice is to water every 2-3 days if it’s not raining and the soil is dry.
If you liked this blog post, find me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to follow more of my farmer-florist journey and join the cut flower conversation! I also make weekly videos over on my YouTube channel. You can also sign up for bouquet-making events and buy my flowers at my sister site, Shifting Blooms. I hope to see you there!
Ready to grow your own cut flower garden without the hassle?
I’ve taken all the guesswork out of creating a cut flower garden with my e-book, Cut Flowers Made Simple. It’s the perfect way for beginner and intermediate gardeners to start their own cut flower garden with or without seed starting.
Finally, you can create a stunning cut flower garden with everything you need to make beautiful bouquets all summer long.
Alex