Tulip Tulipa 'Early Harvest' (12)
ABOUT
Tulipa 'Early Harvest' is a breathtakingly beautiful and eye-catching plant in the tulip family. This particular variety is known for its vibrant, warm-toned flowers that grace gardens with their presence typically earlier in the season compared to some other tulip varieties. The striking blooms have a classic tulip shape, characterized by a cup-like form that opens up into a star-shape when fully mature. Each flower blossom is made up of six distinct petals which come together at the base to form the signature tulip bloom. The color of the petals is a rich, fiery shade that blends colors like red, orange, and yellow, often with one color transitioning into the next, creating an intense and warming display. The petals might also exhibit a fine, somewhat feathered edge, which adds to the visual texture of the flower. Additionally, the outer surface of the petals may have a slightly different hue or more muted tones, which adds depth and complexity to the appearance when viewed from different angles. The stems of Tulipa 'Early Harvest' are sturdy and upright, typically holding the single flower head aloft and showcasing it like a precious gem. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped, with a soft, sometimes bluish-green color. The foliage is attractive in its own right, enfolding the base of the stem and forming a lovely contrasting backdrop to the luminosity of the blooms above. Altogether, this plant is a striking choice for gardeners looking to make a bold statement in their landscape with early-season color. It's a popular choice for borders, beds, and can also make for stunning cut flowers that can brighten any indoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Tulip, Early Harvest Tulip
Common names
Tulipa 'Early Harvest'
ToxicityTo humans
Tulips are generally considered to have a low level of toxicity for humans. However, if ingested, parts of the tulip, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the bulb can sometimes lead to irritation and dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Tulips are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingesting the plant, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. If you suspect your pet has ingested tulip bulbs, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 centimeters)
Spread
6 inches (15 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Blooming: Tulip 'Early Harvest' is one of the first tulips to bloom in spring, adding early color to gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant colors and classic shape, it is a stunning addition to any landscape or floral arrangement.
- Pollinator Friendly: Helps attract beneficial pollinators like bees, which are essential for the ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Tulips are generally low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Durability: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for varying climatic conditions.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it can potentially return each year, providing long-term garden interest.
- Cutting Flower: Excellent for cutting gardens, as the blooms have a lengthy vase life when cut.
- Seasonal Interest: Marks the change of seasons, signaling the end of winter and the onset of spring.
- Adaptable: Can be grown in flower beds, borders, or containers, providing flexibility for gardeners with limited space.
- Variety: Offers a range of varieties and colors, allowing for customization of garden designs and palettes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subjects: The vibrant colors and unique early bloom of Tulips make them excellent subjects for photographers, especially in springtime garden photography.
- Dye Production: The pigments from Tulip petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though this is not commonly practiced today.
- Artistic Inspiration: Tulips commonly inspire artists and are featured in paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried and crumbled Tulip petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for celebrations.
- Culinary Garnish: While not all varieties are edible, some organic Tulip petals can be used as an eye-catching garnish for salads and desserts.
- Teaching Tools: Tulips can be used in educational settings to teach children about botany, plant life cycles, and the importance of pollination.
- Floral Perfumes: Certain species of Tulips are used in the creation of floral fragrances, contributing to the complex scent profiles.
- Specialty Crafts: Dried Tulip bulbs and petals can be used to create unique craft items, such as potpourri, ornaments, and jewelry.
- Garden Design: Tulips provide opportunities for imaginative garden design, often used to create patterns and color themes in landscape architecture.
- Cultural Celebrations: In some cultures, Tulips play a role in festivals and events, symbolizing love, fertility, or the arrival of spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tulip is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tulip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perfect love: The tulip, particularly red tulips, are often associated with perfect, deep love. They're a popular flower for expressing romantic sentiments.
- Rebirth: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, tulips symbolize renewal and the coming of warmer days after the winter season.
- Charity: Due to their bright and cheerful appearance, tulips can sometimes represent charity and support for others in need.
- Forgiveness: The gentle shape and soft petals of the tulip can imply an offering of forgiveness or an act of understanding.
- Prosperity: Tulips bloomed to prominence during the Dutch Golden Age and as such, they can be associated with material and spiritual abundance.
WaterTulips require a moderate amount of water; you should water 'Early Harvest' tulips when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week depending on weather conditions. Deep watering is recommended to encourage proper root development; this means applying enough water so that it reaches about 8 inches deep into the soil. During active growth periods, generally in the spring, this might correspond to 1/2 to 1 gallon of water per square foot every 7-10 days. Once the flowering period is over and the leaves begin to yellow, gradually reduce watering as the tulip bulbs enter dormancy.
Light'Early Harvest' tulips thrive best in full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. An ideal spot is east or west-facing where they can catch the morning or late afternoon sun, but be shielded from the intense midday heat. If in a particularly hot climate, dappled afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from wilting too quickly.
TemperatureTulips prefer cool to moderate temperatures and 'Early Harvest' is no exception. They can tolerate winter chill down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and are generally hardy in USDA growing zones 3 to 8. Ideal growing temperatures for tulips are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and cooler at night. It's vital to ensure they receive a period of cold dormancy, which triggers the spring blooming cycle.
PruningPruning of 'Early Harvest' tulips involves deadheading spent flowers to prevent seeding and directing energy back to the bulb for next year's blooming. It's best done immediately after the blooms fade. Do not cut the foliage until it has completely died back, usually several weeks after blooming, as the leaves are replenishing the bulb's nutrients for dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTulips require well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For Tulipa 'Early Harvest', a mixture of three parts garden soil, two parts compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. This combination ensures good drainage and a healthy nutrient balance.
RepottingTulipa 'Early Harvest', also known as the Early Harvest Tulip, does not need frequent repotting. It is typically grown as a perennial bulb that is planted in the fall and blooms in the spring. The bulbs should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the planting.
Humidity & MistingEarly Harvest Tulips prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity adjustments. As long as they are planted in an appropriate outdoor environment, humidity should not be an issue for their growth and blooming.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and proper pot depth for Early Harvest Tulip.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, and cool conditions for Tulips.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleTulips, including the Tulipa 'Early Harvest', undergo a perennial life cycle that starts with a bulb. In autumn, the bulb is planted and lies dormant through the winter months. With the advent of spring, the bulb produces shoots that grow into stems and leaves, followed by the development of the characteristic vibrant flowers. After blooming, which occurs in early to mid-spring, the plant enters a period of senescence where the foliage dies back and the plant directs energy back to the bulb to replenish its energy reserves. Throughout the summer, the bulb remains underground in a dormant state until the cycle restarts the following autumn. This cycle repeats annually with proper care and environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Tulipa 'Early Harvest', also known as Tulip 'Early Harvest', is through its bulb division. This process usually takes place in the fall after the foliage has died back, ensuring that the bulb’s energy is focused on developing strong roots for the next growing season. The gardener should carefully dig around the mature tulip bulbs, lifting them from the soil, and then gently brush off any excess dirt. The offsets, which are smaller bulbs that form at the base of the main bulb, can be detached and planted immediately. They should be placed at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which typically means about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, ensuring proper root development and floral display for the following spring. It's essential to leave enough space between the bulbs, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to allow for adequate growth and to prevent overcrowding.
