Veldkamp’s Garden Center
Gorgeous Spring Tulips
Veldkamp’s Flowers & Garden Center purchases our tulips from both domestic and international suppliers. The two primary areas of the world that produce tulips we purchase are California and Holland. For the flower shop we purchase tulip flowers. For the garden center, we purchase tulip bulbs and tulip plants. The Fall is the best time to purchase tulip bulbs at our garden center. Our floral design center gets in our shipment of tulip flowers from Holland each Spring. Tulip flowers from Holland and the Netherlands are seasonal. They are only available in the Spring. We can generally buy Tulips from California throughout much of the year.
Tulips are absolutely gorgeous. The come up in early Spring in all their dazzling colors. Tulips are any of a variety of plants that belong to the genus Tulipa. Originating from the lily family of flowers. The size and shape of the blooms depends primarily on the type of tulip variety. They are known to have beautiful cone shaped heads, with leaves that unfold as the flower ages. These stunning bell shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They are some of the most recognizable flowers anywhere in the world.
Worldwide, it is thought that there are likely more than 100 species of tulips. People everywhere love these beautiful flowers. In fact, tulips are among the top five most popular flowers in the world. Between Holland and the Netherlands, they cultivate millions of tulips each year. California is not far behind. Exporting from Holland is challenging, but worth the effort. Their tulips are truly some of the finest available. Most tulips only bear one flower per stem, but a few species bear multiple flowers on their scapes. As mentioned, tulip flowers come in a variety of colors, except pure blue. In warm climates the process known as “chilling” is required for these flowers in order to get the best results.
Growing and Care Recommendations
When you come into our garden center, we will generally have tulips bulbs available for purchase. Depending on the time of year you shop with us, we may also have tulip flowers and plants as well. The best time of year to plant tulips bulbs is in the Fall. You will need to cultivate the soil well that the bulbs will be placed in. We suggest loosening the soil down at least 4 to 6 inches deep. Make sure to add compost or some other type of soil conditioner. The bulb that you buy in the fall already will have an embryo flower inside the tulip. When choosing your bulbs, make sure that the bulb is firm and fat. Try to avoid bulbs that are moldy. Bulbs that are moldy will simply not be productive. After you purchase your bulbs, and before you plant them, keep the tulips in the refrigerator. Separate the bulbs from any fruits or vegetables. That will prevent the fruits and vegetables from interacting with the tulips. The gases produced from fruits and vegetable can actually damage your bulbs. When planting, make sure that the bulb is very dry. Be sure to but the bulb in soil with good drainage because too much water will cause the bulb to rot (keep in mind that tulips do love water). Also, be careful to protect them from pests and put them in a place that receives adequate sunlight.
