Tulips are a traditionally popular cut flower, especially in the Spring when they are most readily available as imports from Holland. Tulips are available in a rainbow of spring colors, however, their stems can be on the short side and their vase life is fleeting.
In response, Dillon Floral has developed a Tulip growing program that allows us to provide excellent stem length, large bud size and longer vase life. By growing tulips in our greenhouses in Bloomsburg PA, we can shorten the shipping time by several days and we can control the head size and stem length by carefully controlling the growing conditions.
Dillon Grown tulips are not like any cut tulips you've seen before. First and foremost, our tulips are harvested, graded and shipped with the bulbs intact. This greatly enhances cooler and vase life. Secondly, our cooler growing temperatures enable the tulip buds to be larger than market tulips with stem length ranging from 18 to 24 inches. Dillon Tulips are packaged in bunches of ten stems with the bulbs intact in clear bags tied above the bulb with a raffia string. This packaging is so attractive that many florists choose to present them to consumers without adding any labor.
In fact, it is a good idea to keep the package together until you are ready to use the blossoms. Leaving the bulbs on enhances cooler and vase life, and moisture in the bag and bulbs should keep the tulips hydrated. Dillon Grown Tulips can be arranged with the bulb on for longest life, or they can be cut from the bulb for normal design use. If removing the bulb from the stem, be sure to cut at a slant at least ˝ inch from the top of the bulb.
Tulips with bulbs should be placed in a vase with 1” of water. Cut tulips should be placed in a vase with water not covering the foliage. In either case, it is important to use a preservative solution. Our tests have shown that Bulb Nutrient makes a big difference in vase life. We highly recommend Bulb Nutrient from Chrysal or Aquaplus. Contact your Dillon Floral Hardgoods Account Manager for more information on these products.
Dillon Grown Tulips are available from mid January through Mother’s Day. Standing orders are reserved in groups of eight bunches packaged and shipped in a plastic container (no water) to keep the stems vertical and protected. Standing Orders receive top priority. Dillon Grown Tulips can also be purchased at market price by the bunch on a daily basis. However you choose to purchase your Dillon Grown Tulips, we know you’ll see the difference. Your Dillon Floral Fresh Flower Account Manager can give you all the details.
