The First

$19.95 $11.96

Shipping Starts: 2nd week of October 2025

Quantity per Package: 10 bulbs

Light Required: Full Sun / Partial Shade

Height: 10-12"

Blooming Period: Early Spring

Bulb size: 12/+

Planting Distance: 4-5"

Planting Depth: 6"

Hardness Zone:

Deer Resistant: No

Minimum Bulbs for Effect:

About The First

Kaufmanniana Tulip The First is one of the earliest tulips to bloom in spring. With its striking red and white striped petals and deep green leaves marked with purple, this compact tulip adds bold color to garden beds, borders, and containers. Its low-growing habit and strong stems make it perfect for windy spots and small spaces. Ideal for both beginner and seasoned gardeners, this tulip brings reliable beauty year after year.

  • Bright red and white striped looms with elegant, patterned foliage

  • Blooms early in the season, often the first tulip to flower

  • Grows up to 10-12 inches tall, perfect for small gardens

  • Strong stems stand up well to spring winds

  • Great for beds, borders, rock gardens, and pots

How to plant and take care of Greigii Tulip The First:

  • Plant bulbs in fall, about 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil

  • Choose a sunny spot for the best blooms

  • Space bulbs 4-5 inches apart to allow room for growth

  • Water well after planting and keep soil lightly moist

  • Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to feed the bulb

  • Add mulch in colder climates to protect bulbs over winter

$19.95 $11.96

FAQs

If you don't divide The First Tulip bulbs, you may notice a gradual decline in their performance over time. Tulip bulbs naturally multiply underground, forming clusters called offsets or daughter bulbs. When these clusters become too crowded, they start competing for nutrients, water, and space. This can lead to smaller blooms, fewer flowers, or even no blooms at all in future seasons. Additionally, the overcrowding can increase the risk of fungal diseases and poor air circulation around the bulbs, potentially weakening the entire cluster. Dividing tulip bulbs every few years helps rejuvenate the plants, promotes better flowering, and keeps your tulip beds looking vibrant and healthy. If you're aiming for consistent, colorful spring displays, taking the time to dig up and separate your bulbs after the foliage has died back is an essential step in tulip care. It also gives you an opportunity to inspect for any signs of rot or disease and discard any unhealthy bulbs before replanting.

Yes, The First Tulips are generally considered easy to grow, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. These early-blooming tulips are low-maintenance and thrive in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and flower beds. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and once planted, they require minimal attention. One of the appealing characteristics of The First Tulips is their reliable early spring bloom, often appearing when most other plants are still dormant. Their hardiness and ability to withstand cooler temperatures also add to their ease of cultivation. With just a bit of preparation—such as planting them at the right depth and spacing in the fall—you can enjoy a beautiful and vibrant display with minimal effort. Regular watering during dry spells and fertilizing after blooming can enhance their growth, but overall, The First Tulips are very forgiving and an excellent choice for any spring garden.

The best month to plant The First Tulip bulbs is typically October, though the exact timing can vary slightly depending on your local climate. In colder regions, late September to early October is ideal, while in milder climates, you can plant as late as November or even early December. The key factor is ensuring that the soil temperature has dropped below 60°F (15°C) but hasn't yet frozen. Planting tulip bulbs in the fall allows them to undergo a necessary chilling period, which is crucial for triggering proper spring blooming. This cold dormancy period helps the bulbs develop strong root systems before winter fully sets in. By planting in October, you also give the bulbs ample time to settle into the soil and establish roots before the ground freezes. Be sure to plant them at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches, with the pointed end facing up, and in well-drained soil to avoid rot. A sunny location will ensure the most robust blooms come spring.

The First Tulip bulbs typically take around 2 to 4 weeks to sprout after the chilling period has ended and soil temperatures begin to warm up in early spring. Once planted in the fall, the bulbs remain dormant throughout winter, during which time they develop roots underground. This cold period is essential for proper tulip development. As soon as the weather starts to warm—usually between late February and early April, depending on your region—the bulbs begin to awaken. Sprouts will start to emerge from the soil as green shoots, signaling the beginning of the blooming process. You might see visible growth within a couple of weeks of the ground thawing, with full blooming following shortly after. Keep in mind that environmental factors such as soil quality, drainage, and sunlight exposure can influence how quickly tulips sprout. Consistent moisture and proper planting depth also contribute to timely and healthy sprouting. With the right conditions, you can expect The First Tulips to be among the earliest flowers to brighten your spring garden.