The humble tulip is a clear sign that spring has sprung. But did you know that the tulip is not actually from the Netherlands? You might associate the tulip with the land of clogs, and of course, they are perhaps the most well-known grower. Anyone who has ever visited in the spring surely visits the Keukenhof (famous tulip gardens). This spring favorite flower is actually from Turkey. First cultivated in the Ottoman Empire in the 10th century, they didn’t actually make their way to Europe until the 16th century. The word tulip is derived from the Persian word for turban and is thought to resemble those who discovered it.
These beautiful, bright flowers come in a range of bold colors, spanning around 75 species. Tulips became all the rage in the Netherlands during the 1600’s, and a “Tulip Mania” erupted where tulip bulbs were once considered a form of currency. And on the flip side, during WW2, food became scarce, and the Dutch were reduced to eating their tulip bulbs!
Where to pick tulips in MA + Beyond
New England has a similar latitude to the Netherlands and Europe, making it a great spot to grow tulips! Here are a few great places to go if you want to “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” and pick your own.
Tip Top Tulips at Felix Family Farm
If this isn’t the cutest farm name! This tulip farm is located in Ipswich, MA, connected to Felix Family Farm. Tickets start at $6. They are open late April-May, and tickets are available now.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
With two locations in New England, one in North Kingstown, RI, and the other in Preston, CT, there is surely one you are willing to make the drive to. Early ticket release starts on April 1st. Grab a ticket for your 5-year-olds for $5.50, and adult tickets are $24.95 for weekdays and $29.95 on the weekends. Price includes 10 tulips of your choice, and you can purchase additional tulips for $1.50 per stem.
Golden Hour Tulips
This flower farm in Berkley, MA hosts their tulip season in April, and the tickets are available a few days before opening, so check their website for updates! Tickets for 18+ anytime presale are $26.90 and include 10 tulip stems; additional flowers are $1.50 each.
Ferjulian’s Farm
This flower field is open for the season from April 22 to May 6, and admission starts at $5 for children, and Tulips are sold separately per stem. The field location has changed, and now takes a tractor ride to get there, which is super fun! This family farm in Hudson, MA has been open since 1941!
Cross Street Flower Farm
Their pick-your-own tulip season starts in mid-April and tends to last 2-3 weeks. Tickets go on sale shortly before the event begins. Tickets are currently advertised at $30. This farm is located in Norwell, MA
Tips and tricks for your tulips
- Tulip stems keep growing, even after they are cut, so keep that in mind for your vases, as they grow long and then flop due to their heavy flower head and thin stem.
- After the season is over, dig up your bulbs and keep them cold! When stored in the refrigerator for 12-14 weeks, they trigger a dormant period and help them to flower in the spring.
- Plant your bulbs before the first frost for the best chances of success.
Symbolizing perfect, deep love and rebirth, these flowers are the perfect adornment for your spring decor.
Know of any other U-Pick tulip fields? Drop the location below!
