Tulips from Our Garden
A Springtime Favorite in Full Bloom
Pictured: double tulips from 2024 season.
There’s nothing quite like the first flush of tulips to signal that spring has officially arrived. On our flower farm in Kawkawlin, MI, tulips are among the very first blooms to burst through the soil after a long, cold winter. Their vibrant colors, elegant shapes, and timeless charm make them a beloved favorite among flower lovers.
Let’s take a walk through tulip season here at Kate and June Blooms and share what makes these spring beauties so special.
Our Favorite Varieties
Tulips are elegant, expressive flowers that come in nearly every color imaginable—except true blue. With thousands of varieties to choose from, the options can feel endless. When I first started growing tulips, I had no idea such diversity existed. I used to think tulips were somewhat basic—until I discovered peony tulips (also called double tulips) and never looked back. These lush, layered blooms resemble peonies once they open, and they quickly became my favorite.
Last year, I was accidentally sent a few hundred fringe tulips—a variety I had never chosen to grow. I’d always thought they looked a little odd in pictures. But to my surprise, they turned out to be incredibly beautiful and unique. The fringed edges of the petals looked like delicate ice crystals, and our customers couldn’t get enough of them. That happy accident earned fringe tulips a forever spot in our garden.
Of course, we also grow the classic single tulips—the kind most people picture when they hear the word “tulip.” But let me tell you: there’s nothing like a garden-grown tulip compared to one from the grocery store. The size, color, and quality are unmatched. They’re lovely mixed in with fringe and double tulips in bouquets but also shine on their own in simple bunches.
Growing Tulips: A Flower Farmer’s Perspective
Tulip growing starts long before spring. In the fall, we tuck thousands of bulbs into the soil—pointy side up, spaced just right so they have room to breathe and grow. Tulips require a cold period to bloom properly, so our chilly Michigan winters give them exactly what they need.
Come spring, the shoots begin to emerge, slowly pushing up through the soil when the weather and timing align. When I spot those first green tips, I can’t help but exhale a breath of relief and feel a rush of joy.
Once the tulips have buds, it becomes a game of watching and waiting. On warm, sunny days, they can open quickly—great if you’re growing them for fun, but for a flower farmer, it’s a race against the clock. A fully open tulip in the garden can no longer be sold. We must harvest them at just the right stage to give our customers the longest vase life and the freshest blooms.
I’ve learned to clear my schedule during our short tulip harvest window here in Mid-Michigan. It’s intense, fast-paced, and so worth it.
A Season of Planning for a Moment of Joy
After the last tulip is harvested and delivered to happy homes, it’s time to start planning for next season. During the frenzy of tulip time, I try to take notes on each variety—stem length, bloom timing, customer favorites, and which ones I wished I had more (or less) of. Then I browse my bulb supplier’s offerings and place my order.
By fall, the new bulbs arrive, and the cycle begins all over again.
Following Nature’s Rhythm
There’s something magical about the rhythm of tulip season. These flowers bloom just once a year—right when we need them the most. After a long, cold, and grey Michigan winter, tulips remind us that spring always returns. No matter how hard the winter was, the tulips will bloom again.
And in that simple, beautiful truth, there’s a quiet kind of hope.
Ready to enjoy our tulips for yourself? Check out our Tulip Subscriptions for the best in bloom.
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