Professional Florist Guide to Tulip Varieties
Tulips are among the most versatile and beloved flowers in the floral industry. With over 3,000 registered varieties across 15 official divisions, understanding tulip varieties is essential for professional florists. This guide focuses on commercially available varieties that perform well in floral arrangements and have reliable supply chains.
Classification System
The Royal General Bulbgrowers' Association (KAVB) classifies tulips into 15 divisions based on flower characteristics, bloom time, and plant height:
Early Season (March-April)
Division 1: Single Early
Division 2: Double Early
Mid Season (April-May)
Division 3: Triumph
Division 4: Darwin Hybrid
Late Season (May)
Division 5: Single Late
Division 6: Lily-flowered
Division 7: Fringed
Division 8: Viridiflora
Division 9: Rembrandt
Division 10: Parrot
Division 11: Double Late (Peony)
Species and Botanical
Division 12: Kaufmanniana
Division 13: Fosteriana
Division 14: Greigii
Division 15: Miscellaneous Species
Major Tulip Groups
Single Early Tulips (Division 1)
Characteristics: Compact, sturdy stems (10-16 inches), cup-shaped flowers, early bloom Commercial Value: Excellent for forced blooms, reliable performers Popular Varieties:
Apricot Beauty: Salmon-pink with apricot tones, very reliable
Christmas Marvel: Deep cherry-pink, excellent for early forcing
Couleur Cardinal: Deep crimson with darker exterior
White Hawk: Pure white, strong stems
Double Early Tulips (Division 2)
Characteristics: Full, peony-like blooms, shorter stems (10-12 inches) Commercial Value: Long-lasting cut flowers, dramatic impact Popular Varieties:
Monte Carlo: Golden yellow, very full blooms
Murillo: White with pink edges, classic double
Orange Nassau: Orange-red with yellow edges
Peach Blossom: Deep rose-pink, fragrant
Triumph Tulips (Division 3)
Characteristics: Most popular commercial group, strong stems (14-20 inches), classic tulip shape Commercial Value: Excellent vase life, wide color range, reliable supply Popular Varieties:
Negrita: Deep purple, nearly black
White Dream: Pure white, strong performer
Red Impression: Bright red, large flowers
Purple Prince: Rich purple, reliable bloomer
Yellow Crown: Golden yellow with red edges
Barcelona: Fuchsia-pink, vibrant color
Darwin Hybrid Tulips (Division 4)
Characteristics: Largest flowers, tallest stems (20-24 inches), robust growth Commercial Value: Premium pricing, impressive displays Popular Varieties:
Ad Rem: Orange-red with yellow base
Apeldoorn: Cherry-red, classic variety
Golden Apeldoorn: Bright yellow
Oxford: Bright red, very reliable
Pink Impression: Soft pink, large blooms
Single Late Tulips (Division 5)
Characteristics: Elegant cup shape, tall stems (18-30 inches), late season Commercial Value: Season extension, sophisticated appearance Popular Varieties:
Queen of Night: Deep maroon, nearly black
Pink Diamond: Soft pink, excellent cut flower
White Triumphator: Pure white, lily-shaped
Cafe Noir: Deep brown-purple
Lily-flowered Tulips (Division 6)
Characteristics: Pointed petals, graceful form, medium height (16-24 inches) Commercial Value: Elegant arrangements, unique shape Popular Varieties:
White Triumphator: Pure white, very popular
Marilyn: White with red flames
China Pink: Soft pink, reliable
Red Shine: Bright red, pointed petals
Fringed Tulips (Division 7)
Characteristics: Fringed petal edges, unique texture, medium height (14-20 inches) Commercial Value: Specialty market, premium pricing Popular Varieties:
Fancy Frills: White with rose-pink fringe
Cummins: Purple with white fringe
Fabio: Yellow with red fringe
Queensland: Rose-pink with lighter fringe
Viridiflora Tulips (Division 8)
Characteristics: Green markings on petals, unusual appearance, medium height Commercial Value: Specialty arrangements, modern designs Popular Varieties:
Spring Green: Cream with green markings
Artist: Salmon-pink with green stripes
Groenland: Rose-pink with green edges
Parrot Tulips (Division 10)
Characteristics: Ruffled, twisted petals, large flowers, medium height Commercial Value: High-end arrangements, dramatic effect Popular Varieties:
Weber's Parrot: White with green and pink markings
Rococo: Red with yellow edges, very ruffled
Super Parrot: White with green markings
Apricot Parrot: Salmon-orange, reliable
Double Late/Peony Tulips (Division 11)
Characteristics: Very full, peony-like blooms, strong stems Commercial Value: Long-lasting, luxurious appearance Popular Varieties:
Angelique: Pink and white, very popular
Mount Tacoma: Pure white, full blooms
Uncle Tom: Deep red, nearly black
Blue Diamond: Purple-blue, unique color
Seasonal Availability
Forced Tulips (December-March)
Primarily Single Early, Double Early, and Triumph varieties
Greenhouse grown, shorter stems
Higher cost, premium market
Natural Season (March-May)
All varieties available
Field-grown, longer stems
Peak availability and best pricing
Extended Season (May-June)
Late varieties and species tulips
Limited availability
Specialty market pricing
Care and Handling
Purchasing Guidelines
Bud Stage: Buds should show color but not be open
Stem Quality: Firm, straight stems without soft spots
Leaf Condition: Fresh, green foliage without yellowing
Length: Standard lengths: 30cm, 40cm, 50cm+
Post-Harvest Care
Immediate Processing:
Cut stems underwater at sharp angle
Remove lower leaves that would sit in water
Use cold, clean water
Storage:
Store at 32-35°F (0-2°C)
High humidity (85-90%)
Dry storage for up to 2 weeks
Horizontal storage prevents stem curvature
Conditioning:
Recut stems before use
Use tulip food or flower preservative
Wrap in paper to straighten stems if needed
Common Issues and Solutions
Drooping: Usually from warm temperatures or dehydration
Short Vase Life: Often due to bacterial contamination
Uneven Opening: Inconsistent temperatures or light exposure
Stem Curvature: Natural geotropism; wrap to straighten
Design Applications
Bridal Work
Best Varieties: Single Early, Triumph, Darwin Hybrid
Colors: White, cream, soft pink, burgundy
Considerations: Sturdy stems, reliable opening, classic shapes
Event Design
Mass Arrangements: Triumph and Darwin Hybrid varieties
Specialty Work: Parrot, Fringed, Viridiflora for unique textures
Color Impact: Single variety designs for maximum effect
Retail Arrangements
Mixed Bouquets: Combine with daffodils, hyacinths, pussy willow
Single Variety: Showcase unique varieties like Parrot or Fringed
Seasonal Themes: Easter, Mother's Day, spring celebrations
Container Gardens
Potted Tulips: Shorter varieties work best
Mixed Plantings: Combine with spring bulbs and greenery
Gift Market: High-value items for special occasions
Popular Commercial Varieties by Color
White Varieties
White Hawk (Single Early) - Pure white, reliable
White Dream (Triumph) - Clean white, strong stems
White Triumphator (Lily-flowered) - Elegant, pointed petals
Mount Tacoma (Double Late) - Full, peony-like
Red Varieties
Red Impression (Triumph) - Bright red, large flowers
Oxford (Darwin Hybrid) - Classic red, very reliable
Red Shine (Lily-flowered) - Bright red, pointed petals
Rococo (Parrot) - Red with yellow edges, ruffled
Pink Varieties
Pink Diamond (Single Late) - Soft pink, excellent cut flower
Barcelona (Triumph) - Bright fuchsia-pink
Angelique (Double Late) - Pink and white, very popular
China Pink (Lily-flowered) - Soft pink, elegant
Yellow Varieties
Golden Apeldoorn (Darwin Hybrid) - Bright golden yellow
Monte Carlo (Double Early) - Rich golden yellow
Yellow Crown (Triumph) - Yellow with red edges
Strong Gold (Triumph) - Pure golden yellow
Purple/Dark Varieties
Negrita (Triumph) - Deep purple, nearly black
Queen of Night (Single Late) - Deep maroon, very dark
Purple Prince (Triumph) - Rich purple
Paul Scherer (Triumph) - Deep purple, almost black
Specialty Colors
Spring Green (Viridiflora) - Cream with green markings
Artist (Viridiflora) - Salmon-pink with green stripes
Fancy Frills (Fringed) - White with rose-pink fringe
Weber's Parrot (Parrot) - White with green and pink markings
Purchasing Guidelines
Working with Suppliers
Pre-orders: Place orders 6-8 weeks in advance for best selection
Seasonal Contracts: Secure consistent supply during peak season
Quality Standards: Establish clear specifications for stem length and quality
Backup Varieties: Have substitute varieties identified for supply issues
Pricing Considerations
Forced tulips: 2-3x higher cost than natural season
Specialty varieties: Premium pricing for Parrot, Fringed, Viridiflora
Standard varieties: Most economical, reliable pricing
Volume discounts: Better pricing for larger quantities
Market Timing
Valentine's Day: Limited selection, high prices
Easter/Spring: Peak season, best selection and pricing
Mother's Day: Good availability, moderate pricing
Summer: Limited to specialty forced varieties
Success with tulips in the floral industry requires understanding the characteristics of different varieties, their seasonal availability, and proper handling techniques. Focus on reliable varieties like Triumph and Darwin Hybrids for everyday work, while incorporating specialty varieties like Parrot and Fringed tulips for premium designs. Proper purchasing, storage, and handling will ensure maximum vase life and customer satisfaction.
Remember that tulip trends change seasonally and annually, so maintaining relationships with quality suppliers and staying informed about new varieties is essential for continued success in the competitive floral market.
