Division 1 - Single Early Tulips
By Heather Bolen
Single Early tulips (Division 1) have single flowers and are among the earliest hybrids to bloom, sometimes as early as late March but usually in early April. The goblet-shaped blooms that most of us associate with tulips are from this group.
Single Early cultivars are neat, compact plants with simple, medium cup-shaped blooms about 3" wide (8 cm). Though fairly short, generally between 8-16" (20-40 cm) tall, they are known for their strong stems that can withstand wind and rain.
Available in a variety of hues, single early flowers are often margined or flamed in a contrasting color. They are excellent for bedding, forcing in late winter for an early spring display, and as cut flowers. Plant in drifts of 25 to 50 bulbs for a striking display!
Single Early Tulips are an old (pre-17th century), and relatively small, group of tulips—predating the Darwins. The important old 'Duc van Thol' tulips mentioned so often in early accounts of gardens in the 17th century were of this type. 'Duc van Tol' tulips are now available for sale as heirloom bulbs at historic sites like Mount Vernon and Monticello (and more readily available in Europe).
KEY FEATURES
Blooms early (late March through mid-April)
Small, deep, cup-shaped single flowers
Strong stems, hardy
Wide variety of colors
Very attractive, great for bedding, forcing bulbs, and as cut flowers
Old, heirloom varieties
POPULAR SINGLE EARLY CULTIVARS
SHOP TULIP COLLECTIOn
Handmade. Hand-illustrated.
