There's something a little strange about planting 600 flower bulbs in October, covering them with dirt, and then waiting nearly six months to see what happens! But that's exactly what I did here as I prepare for my first spring tulip season.
What’s not to love about tulips? After a long Ohio winter, there's just something wonderful about seeing those first colorful blooms appear. After quite a bit of research into varieties, colors, and bloom times, I settled on six different varieties of tulips in beautiful shades of pink, apricot, and white. My hope is that I’ll have a lovely selection of fresh tulips to offer throughout April.
Planting 600 Tulip Bulbs!
Rather than planting these out in the flower field, I decided to try growing them in my two raised wooden boxes right here in our backyard at the house.
In late October, I tucked all 600 bulbs into the boxes, covered them with about six inches of soil, and then added hardware cloth over the top to keep the critters from digging them up. I'm hoping the squirrels, chipmunks, and other curious visitors will leave them alone!
Growing tulips for cut flowers is quite different from planting a few bulbs around the house. They're planted much closer together, and unlike landscape tulips that return year after year, these will be harvested as a cut-flower crop.
This is my first attempt at growing tulips on this scale, so I'm sure there will be plenty to learn along the way. But that's been one of the most enjoyable parts of starting this flower farm—trying new things, learning as I go, and seeing what works!
Something New for Spring — Tulip Bouquet Subscriptions!
Along with growing tulips for the first time, we're also trying something else new for 2027: Spring Tulip Bouquet Subscriptions!
One of the things I learned during our first growing season is how much people enjoy having fresh, locally grown flowers in their homes. I've been thinking about ways to make that easier for my customers, while also helping me plan my harvests a little better.
A bouquet subscription seemed like a wonderful way to do both!
My plan is to offer fresh tulip bouquets during April, with customers reserving their flowers ahead of time. What a lovely way to welcome spring after a long winter!
Of course, I’m still at the mercy of the weather, and the tulips will bloom when they're good and ready. I’m planning for April, but the exact timing will depend on how our Ohio spring unfolds.
Because this is my first year growing tulips for bouquets, subscriptions will be limited.
Now We Wait for Spring!
For now, the 600 bulbs are tucked safely into their boxes, hopefully putting down strong roots before winter arrives.
I'll be watching closely for those first little green shoots next spring, and I can't wait to share the results with you!
If you'd like to enjoy some of my very first locally grown tulips, I’d love to have you join me for the Spring Tulip Bouquet Subscription.
Learn More About the Spring Tulip Bouquet Subscription
Thank you for following along as I continue to grow, one season—and one new adventure—at a time!