Today I want to talk about one of my favorite tulips on the farm…the spectacular, breath-taking, and singular French Tulip. Before I continue my hymn of praise, I should probably explain why this particular tulip is so fantastic. French tulips are unique because they are the tallest and biggest of the tulips. And when I say tall, I mean over two feet tall, and when I say big, I mean blooms the size of an adult hand.
So how do they grow so tall and have the largest bud size on tulip record? Aside from stellar coastal weather (cool days and nights) and tried-and-true hoop house management, the original French Tulip arose from a floral mutation over 80 years ago.
French Tulips are mutations of a Single Late Tulip (SLT) variety, known as Mrs. John T. Scheepers. This is the big, bright, yellow tulip that has been referred to as “The Mother of all Tulips.” Where did this "Mother" come from?
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Sun Valley Group's Flower Talk
