T FA R M ’ S

F LO R E
H OW TO G ROW T U L I P S
IN TRENCHES

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T ulips are an incredibly diverse family of plants.
Some have fringed petals, others have pointed
ones, and some are so ruffled and full that they are
commonly mistaken for peonies. Some varieties even
carry a soft, subtle scent. With so many wonderful
qualities, it’s no wonder that tulips are one of the most
popular cut flowers on the market. One of the easiest
bulbs you can grow, tulips are a mainstay in the spring
cutting garden.
Here at Floret we plant tens of thousands of
tulips each year. There are a few different methods for
growing these showy spring bloomers, depending on
whether you simply want to add color to your spring
landscape or harvest them in abundance as cut flowers.
No matter how you plant them, be sure to pick a spot
that gets full sun and doesn’t have any standing water,
since really wet soils will encourage disease and rot.
In the garden, tulips make the most impact
when planted en masse. For a real show, I recommend
ditching the bulb planter, instead planting clumps of at
least 10 bulbs. Simply dig out a generous circle of soil,
about 6 inches (15 cm) deep, mix in a little organic
bulb fertilizer and compost, and then plant your bulbs
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roughly three times as deep as they are tall. Tulips
can be planted quite close, less than an inch (2.5 cm)
from each other, similar to eggs in a carton. Once your
bulbs are securely in place, water deeply and then refill
the hole with the soil you removed earlier. Add a few
inches (5-6 cm) of well rotted compost on top to act
as a mulch. Be sure to insert some type of stake so you
remember where you planted them.
If your intention is to grow tulips solely for
cutting, plant them in long rows or a wide trench.
Because we live in the largest tulip producing valley
in the United States, we grow the majority of our
bulbs in trenches in the hoophouse to beat the local
competition to market, since they will flower nearly a
month earlier indoors. This indoor planting is followed
by a smaller outdoor field planting, extending our
tulip harvest window to nearly two full months.
For the trench method, dig out a 3 foot (1 m) wide
trench to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm), piling all the dirt
to one side. Sprinkle in a light dusting of organic bulb
fertilizer and rake it in, smoothing the bottom at the
same time. Working with a partner, with one person on
each side of the trench, set in the bulbs pointy side up,
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like eggs in a carton. Close, but not touching. Be sure to
label each individual variety as you go.
If you’re planting your bulbs in a hoophouse, it’s
important to water them deeply, letting the trench fill
up at least half way full with water, which encourages
vigorous root growth, in turn producing even larger
flowers. Backfill the trench with the soil you removed
earlier and lay down irrigation lines, watering deeply a
few times throughout the winter. It’s really quite simple!
If you’re planting your bulbs outside, there’s no
need to flood irrigate or use drip irrigation because
rain should provide adequate water.
Come spring, as the bulbs start to push up
through the soil, it’s important to keep the beds
weeded. For the longest vase life, harvest when the
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buds are just beginning to color, and before they have
fully opened.
Here at Floret, we treat our tulips as annuals, and
actually pull the entire plant up, bulb and all, during
harvest. This gives us maximum stem length, extended
storage, and a long vase life. With the bulb attached,
tulips can be stored dry for up to one month in the
cooler, because they are still connected to their food
source. When it’s time to use them, simply cut off the
bulb and place stems into water with flower food.
If you want to perennialize your tulips, it’s
important to leave at least two sets of leaves on the stem
when harvesting to replenish the bulb and give it energy
to bloom the following season. Keep in mind that
blooms may be of lesser quality in subsequent years.
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 T ulips have a naturally long vase
life, 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.

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 F AV O R I T E T U L I P
VA R I E T I E S
T U L IP ‘BELICIA’
With multiple flower heads on a stem,
‘Belicia’ has a profusion of striking petals.
Beginning as pale yellow with red tips,
the blossoms become white and the edges
mature to burgundy. Strong stems make
this vivid beauty a must grow for the
garden or vase.
T U L IP ‘ B LUE PARROT’
Tall stems show off huge flowers on this
ruffled beauty. Petals are an intense bright
violet tinged with hints of blue, and as
flowers open they reveal purple interiors.
Like a bird fluttering its wings, this showy
flower is a spectacular addition to the
cutting garden.
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TU LIP ‘ BLACK HERO’
One of our favorite tulips, ‘Black Hero’ is
a dramatic addition to the garden. Velvety
double flowers with a maroon luster
sit atop long, strong stems. These long
lasting beauties are not too large and are
great for design.
TU LIP ‘ BOA VISTA’
Certainly the most unusual tulip we’ve
grown, ‘Boa Vista’ boasts large, densely
packed flower heads. Petals are a rich
green hue with muddy plum veins and
tips. Not only are the medium height
blooms an incredible addition to the
cutting garden, they are an unrivaled
palette for flower arrangers.
TU LIP ‘ BLU E D IA M O ND ’
This large violet treasure is the best
purple tulip we’re grown on the farm,
and its beauty only intensifies as it ages.
Individual flowers open and hold well,
showing detailed veining on the edges.
Planted en masse, we’re sure it will take
your breath away.
TU LIP ‘ CHARMING B E AU T Y ’
This egg-yolk and glowing peach beauty
opens to a ruffled double bloom that
resembles a garden rose or peony. Even if
you’re not keen on yellow, this tawny gem
will surely make you reconsider. A stellar
cut flower, every cutting garden deserves a
little patch of ‘Charming Beauty.’
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 F AV O R I T E T U L I P
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T U L IP ‘ CO PPER IMAG E’
One of the most beautifully colored
tulips we’ve ever seen, there is so
much dimension found in this petite
heartbreaker. Blooms look like ‘Coral
Charm’ Peonies with hints of raspberry
and subtle streaking through the petals. A
floral designer’s dream and a must grow!
T U L IP ‘ F OXY F OXTROT’
We learned the name of this tulip comes
from a popular 1970’s Dutch song about
a graceful dancer, Foxy Foxtrot. Tri-toned
petals of coral, orange and gold with just
a hint of green at the tips will make this
versatile beauty a floral designer’s favorite
dance partner.
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TU LIP ‘ D RU MLINE’
Unique in coloring, this tulip reminds
us of Christmas time and peppermint
candies. Petals are deep red at the base,
fading from rosy to ivory white at the
tips. A showy choice, ideal for cut flower
arranging with a long vase life and tall,
strong stems.
TUL IP ‘ GU D OS HNIK D OU BLE’
A sunny harmony of warm hues make
up the variety of colors of ‘Gudoshnik
Double.’ Peony-like flowers resemble
perfectly blushed Rainier cherries in
shades of buttery yellow, orange, salmon,
coral and red. Beautiful in the landscape,
these gems have heavy flower heads which
require extra precautions when harvesting
and handling.
TU LIP ‘ EXOTIC EMPE R O R ’
Large creamy white petals like huge swan
feathers open on this unique, frilly tulip.
Outer petals are brushed with green
embellishments, and as blossoms open,
yellow lemondrop centers are revealed.
Early to flower, ‘Exotic Emperor’ holds its
blossoms well after opening.
TU LIP ‘ GREEN STA R ’
Hands down, this marvelous novelty is
the best green variety we’ve ever grown.
Two layers of alternating petals are the
green shade of Granny Smith Apples, and
white outer edges point and bend like a
court jester’s hat. This gem would get lost
in the landscape, so grow as a cut flower
for a hosta-like touch at the base of an
arrangement.
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 F AV O R I T E T U L I P
VA R I E T I E S
T U L IP ‘ G REEN WAVE’
Perhaps tallest parrot we’ve grown, this
variety has an antique quality and looks
like a feathered bird. Ultra ruffled petals
are a soft rose-pink at the tips with apple-
green veins and ivory highlights. Such
versatile apple blossom coloring makes
these blooms a must grow - perfect for
dramatic arrangements and event work.
TU L IP ‘ P RO F ESSOR RONTG EN’
One of the largest parrot types we’ve
ever grown, this variety has thick, tall
stems topped with show-stopping,
palm-sized orange blooms. The green-
streaked, tangerine petals surround a
cheerful yellow throat making a bold,
unforgettable statement.
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TU LIP ‘ LA BELLE EPOQU E’
One of the most uniquely colored tulips
we’ve ever grown, this caramel-muddy rose
colored treasure is a flower arranger’s dream.
The stunning variable colored petals change
color from a rosy-plum to a smoky-peach
over time. This beauty only grows to 12-16”
but what it lacks in size it makes up for in
color. Incredible in bouquets and wedding
work, this novelty has a loyal fan club.
TULI P ‘ QU EEN OF THE CON GO’
A breathtaking variety, ‘Queen of the
Congo’ is the best wine-color tulip we’ve
encountered. Intensely ruffled, rich claret-
hued blooms are held on strong stems.
This peony-flowered variety adds a touch
of romance and dark drama to the garden.
TU LIP ‘ MEN TO N’
For a huge visual impact, these large
French tulips are an old-time, tried and
true treasure. Long, strong stems can easily
reach 3 feet when grown in the greenhouse,
and blooms look like giant Easter eggs.
Flowers are a glowing soft raspberry-pink,
and once unfurled, petals reveal a white
vein against coral shading. These hip-high
beauties are as pink as flamingos.
TU LIP ‘ RENOWN U NI QU E ’
‘Renown Unique’ is one of the last tulips
to flower and definitely worth the wait.
Full, peony-shaped, watermelon pink
flowers have yellow anthers rather than
the usual black. Outer tips of the petals
are brushed with green. Super long stems
make this a great choice for design work.
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 F AV O R I T E T U L I P
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T U L IP ‘ S A L MON PARROT’
There aren’t many flowers that rival the
beauty or majesty of parrot flowered tulips,
and it’s no wonder why this salmon-
pink gem is a four-time award winner.
The glowing watermelon blooms are
surrounded by a layer of creamy outer
petals streaked with green. A must grow
for both flower arranging and a showy
display in the spring garden.
T U L IP ‘ VAYA CON DIOS’
No two flowers are the same on this tall,
blonde sister to ‘Sensual Touch.’ Like
feathers of an exotic toucan, blooms are a
mix of yellow with brush strokes of apricot
and apricot brushed with yellow. Outer
petals have veins of spring-green, and some
stems carry multiple flowers. The best of
both worlds, this double, fringed beauty is
a must grow.
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TU LIP ‘ S ANTAN D ER’
Like a vibrant pink teacup from Alice in
Wonderland, this feminine tulip starts in
the bud stage as peach-blush. As the fringe
edged petals open and turn cotton candy
pink, they reveal a blue throat and black
anthers. Strong, long stems and large flower
heads along with a uniform growth habit
make this a winner for design work.
TULIP ‘VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK’
These ruffled blooms are sultry and dusky,
showing a plum patina at the base of the
petals and a blue center. Combined with
other tulips from the ‘Victoria’s Secret’
series, they look stunning en masse. Long,
strong stem make this late flowering
addition to the garden a spectacular choice.
TU LIP ‘ S EN S UAL TO U C H’
Discovered during a recent variety trial,
this incredible tangerine hued beauty has
quickly climbed to the top of the Floret
Favorites list. The huge flower heads are
loaded with a mass of ruffled, fringed petals
and look more like a garden rose than a
tulip. Everyone who encounters ‘Sensual
Touch’ falls madly in love. A must grow!
TULIP ‘VICTORIA’S SECRET PURPLE’
These ruffled, mulberry-stained blooms
have dark blue throats, and petals open
like twirling skirts. Stunning en masse
and combined with other tulips from the
‘Victoria’s Secret’ series, flowers are carried
on long, strong stems for a dramatic visual
choice.
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