Tulip
The most-produced cut flower in the world (Netherlands ships 2+ billion stems annually). Tulips are actively alive in the vase — they grow, bend toward light, and open with the day. This movement is a feature, not a defect: modern floristry embraces the natural curve. Double-flowered varieties (peony tulips) can substitute peonies out of season.
| Family | Liliaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Central Asia; commercial production dominated by Netherlands |
| Peak season | February, March, April, May |
| Availability | November, December, January, February, March, April, May |
| Stem length | 30–60 cm |
| Vase life | 5–7 days |
| Colors | white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, black, bicolor |
| Price tier | mid |
Wrap the top third of stems in newspaper and place in cool water for an hour before arranging — this straightens curved stems. Recut on a diagonal.
- •Tulips grow in the vase — plan for stems to lengthen 2–5 cm after arranging
- •Bend toward light — rotate the vase every 12 hours for even growth
- •Cool water and cool air; heat makes them collapse
- •French tulips (60 cm+ stems) are a separate premium category
22 named tulip cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tulip in season?
Tulip peaks in February, March, April, May, and florists can usually source it November, December, January, February, March, April, May. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Tulip last in a vase?
Expect 5–7 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Tulip?
Good substitutes for Tulip include Ranunculus, Anemone. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Tulip symbolise?
Tulip is associated with perfect love, spring, rebirth.
How do you care for cut Tulip?
Tulips grow in the vase — plan for stems to lengthen 2–5 cm after arranging
