Customer Service FAQ

Shipping

What are your shipping charges for Fresh Flowers?

Our overnight delivery charges are as follows:

Flower Price
Overnight Shipping and Handling
less than $100.00*
$19.00
$100.00 - $349.99
$25.00
$350.00 - $499.99
$35.00
$500.00 - $749.99
$40.00
$750.00 - $999.99
$50.00
more than $1000.00
call for quote

Morning Delivery - additional $5.00
Saturday Delivery - additional $9.00
Alaska/Hawaii - additional $20.00

*
Shipping/handling cost is calculated before sale price is applied.

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When will my bulbs arrive?

We ship your bulbs in the Fall, so that they arrive at the appropriate time to plant. For our customers in warmer climates, we pre-cool the bulbs (free of charge), giving them the false sense of winter that the warm climate cannot provide naturally. Examples of warmer climates are Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and all of Florida. We use the USDA planting zone (based on the planting location zip code) to determine appropriate shipping time and pre-cooling needs.

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Bulbs

How many bulbs should I plant in a grouping to have the most effect?

The more the better. Mr. Roozen actually recommends groups of at least 10 daffodils, 10-25 tulips, 5-10 hyacinths, and 25 or more of the miscellaneous bulbs such as crocus, muscari, and scillas etc.

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Can bulbs be planted in containers?

Nature affects bulbs more when they are planted in containers because they are not surrounded by the mass of the ground to buffer extremes. A few suggestions will guarantee success in containers. Water containers in dry periods and when flowering. In prolonged wet periods, cover containers to shield from excess rain. During extreme cold periods, move containers to a garage or some other sheltered area.

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What actually is a bulb?

Think of a bulb as an underground storehouse with a flower (or sometimes many flowers) hidden in it. The food in that storehouse will provide the energy for healthy flowers. Over the years, the word bulb has come to mean a whole group of plants. They include:True bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Corms such as crocus and gladiolus. Tubers or roots such as dahlias and begonias.

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Do daffodils multiply like tulips do?

Daffodils multiply by growing and splitting. In areas that they like, they will continue to grow and split. If conditions are not optimal, they will continue to split but the splits will not grow, leaving you with more but smaller bulbs. Eventually these bulbs will be too small to flower. Tulips actually disintegrate and new bulb(s) take their place. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, these may either increase in size or remain small.

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Which types of bulbs naturalize or perennialize best?

We have found that daffodils, crocus, muscari, and scillas are some of the better naturalizing bulbs. While all bulbs differ in their ability to naturalize, they do much better in moist / temperate climates than in hot / dry areas.

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Can you recommend some tulip varieties that are stronger or perennialize better?

Mr. Roozen's choices for our Pacific Northwest climate are as follows:
Darwin Hybrids - Ad Rem, Apeldoorn, Cash, Golden Apeldoorn, Elite, Lalibela, Ollioules, Pink Impression
Triumph - Barcelona, Negrita, Purple Flag, Purple Lord
Single Late - Blushing Beauty, Caravelle, Dordogne, Ile De France, Maureen, Menton, Queen of the Night, Temple of Beauty

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What are your grower's choices for daffodils?

Mr. Roozen recommends the following:
Yellow Trumpets - Dutch Master, Flower Carpet, Standard Value
Bicolor - Ice Follies, Red Hill, Salome, Scarlet O'Hara
Cyclamineus - February Gold, Jack Snipe, Tete-a-Tete
Tazetta - Geranium

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Why aren't tulips planted in the same fields year after year?

Washington Bulb Company rotates crops on a five-year cycle for disease management purposes. For example, tulips planted in a field will not be planted in that field again for 5 years. In this time, diseases that attack tulips or need tulips as a host will die out. Rotation is a good practice for all farm crops and helps us reduce the need for chemical disease control.

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How come my bulbs don't always flower at the same time or even the same height as a catalog says?

The growing region and temperature treatments all affect flowering characteristics. A variety from Holland will normally flower one to two weeks later than the same variety from Skagit Valley. Just as important, though, is where you plant your bulbs. For example, tulips from the same batch may flower two weeks later and be six to eight inches taller when planted in full shade as opposed to full sun. The color may also vary slightly.

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What type of fertilizer do you use?

We test the soil every year. As needed, we will add lime to bring the ph up to 6 - 6.5. We also use a blended mix fertilizer. Each field may get a different mix depending on the soil test. A well-balanced bulb fertilizer can be bought at most garden centers.

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What is the best way to store my bulbs if I dig them every year?

After digging, make sure to dry (cure) them thoroughly. After drying, it is ideal to store them in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of 65-70 degrees. They should be stored in thin layers in flats or trays or even hanging in mesh bags.

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When do I replant them?

The best time to replant them is in the fall when the soil temperature starts to drop below 50 degrees. In Western Washington this is usually in October. Later planting is OK but you may run into wet and miserable conditions. Remember that in nature, bulbs always remain in the ground. The longer you wait to plant, the more your bulbs will deteriorate. In warmer climates, November or early December is best. (Usually after an artificial cold treatment.)

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How should I prepare my soil for planting?

Loosen your soil by tilling or spading to a depth of 10-12 inches. Add some bulb fertilizer and you're ready to plant. Make sure that you have a well-drained and airy soil. Most of the problems we hear about can be traced to soils that are too wet or that have sealed off. Both of these things will result in a lack of oxygen and eventual bulb suffocation. Adding compost and coarse sand will make a soil more airy. Work these in to a depth of 12-18 inches. Fine sand and much clay contribute to sealing off.

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Flowers

What flowers are available throughout the year?

Here is a guideline to when our fresh flowers are available:

Greenhouse Tulips - January through December
Field Tulips - Late March/April
Greenhouse Daffodils - January through February
Field Daffodils - February and March
Asiatic Lilies - January through December
Oriental Lilies - June through December
Peonies - Late May / Early June

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How do I care for my flowers when they arrive?

It is important to unpack your flowers immediately upon receipt and place them in water. To ensure maximum enjoyment just follow the simple steps outlined below.

Tulips: Cut about 1" off the stems (or desired length) while keeping the tulips in their plastic sleeve, and place in cold water for about 5-6 hours. Keeping the tulips wrapped helps them to stand straight and tall while they drink the water. Once you remove the wrapping, arrange flowers in a clean vase with fresh, cool water. Please allow 1-2 days to fully open.

Asiatic or Oriental Lilies: Unpack immediately and remove the plastic sleeve (lilies only). Cut about 2" off the stems (or desired length) and remove leaves on lower part of stem so that no leaves will be below the water line. Use a clean vase and place in water at room temperature. Please allow up to 5 days to fully open.

Daffodils: Cut about 1" off the stems (or desired length) and place in cold water. You will need to condition daffodils by themselves for about 6 hours. When cut, the stems of daffodils secrete a sap, which can clog the stems of other flowers. After the solitary conditioning, they may be mixed in with other flowers. Arrange in clean vase and add water frequently. Please allow 1-3 days to fully open.

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Is your packaging recyclable?

Yes, we care about our environment which is why most of our packaging is recyclable. In many areas where "single stream" recycling is offered, you can simply remove your flowers and place the box and recyclable packaging in your recycle bin. In areas where recycling needs to be separated, here are the codes/categories you need to sort into the appropriate bin:

Flower Boxes = Cardboard
Tulips.com Paper = May be placed in your yard waste container or compost
Flower Sleeve = #5 PP
Zip Ties, Rubberbands & Tape = Not Recyclable

We are working towards 100% recyclable packaging in the future. For more detailed information on recycling in your area, please visit your local waste management website.

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How are my flowers delivered?

Your flowers will be shipped via Standard Overnight delivery. This ensures the quality and freshness of your flowers by minimizing the time they spend going from OUR fields and greenhouses to YOUR doorstep. You choose the date that you want your flowers to arrive, and we make sure that happens.

Each order is shipped in a specially designed Tulips.com box that is recyclable and includes your personal gift message and instructions for flower care. All flowers are "shipped dry" to ensure their outstanding quality. Although "shipped dry," flowers are completely hydrated prior to shipment due to our pre-harvest and post-harvest care. And because we are the grower, we can pick the flowers and have them delivered to your doorstep within 24 hours!

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How much are the delivery charges?

Our overnight delivery charges are as follows:

Flower Price
Overnight Shipping and Handling
less than $100.00*
$19.00
$100.00 - $349.99
$25.00
$350.00 - $499.99
$35.00
$500.00 - $749.99
$40.00
$750.00 - $999.99
$50.00
more than $1000.00
call for quote

Morning Delivery - additional $5.00
Saturday Delivery - additional $9.00
Alaska/Hawaii - additional $20.00

*
Shipping/handling cost is calculated before sale price is applied.

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Where do we deliver?

We ship orders to anywhere in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders can be placed from anywhere in the world for delivery in the United States.

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Do we deliver to Alaska and Hawaii?

Yes.

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What days of the week do we deliver?

You can select any delivery date Tuesday through Saturday for your flowers. The date you choose is the day your flowers will arrive. Our shipping providers do not currently offer delivery service on Sunday or Monday. Delivery is also not available on major holidays.

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Can I have my flowers delivered on the weekend?

Yes. Saturday delivery is available in most areas.

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What time will my flowers arrive?

Your flowers will typically arrive by 7:00 PM, but may not arrive until the end of day (9:00 PM or later) depending on what time our shipping providers normally schedule delivery to your chosen location. Morning upgrades are available in most areas and guarantee delivery by 12:00 PM. Please call customer service if you have any questions regarding a specific address, location, or delivery time: 1-866-488-5477

All flowers shipped to Alaska and Hawaii are guaranteed for delivery by end of day.

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What happens should no recipient be available at the time of delivery?

All orders from Tulips.com have a signed authorized release meaning flowers can be dropped off should no recipient be present. Flowers will typically be left at a delivery location unless the delivery driver deems the location unsafe, in which case the intended recipient can make arrangements to pick up their flowers at the nearest shipping facility.

If the intended recipient works during the day, you may wish to deliver to their work/daytime address. We gladly offer shipment of flowers to all business addresses, and these deliveries arrive during typical business hours.

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How are my flowers packaged for shipping?

Each order is shipped in a specially designed Tulips.com box that is recyclable and includes your personal gift message and instructions for flower care.All flowers are "shipped dry" to ensure their outstanding quality. Although "shipped dry," flowers are totally hydrated prior to shipment due to our pre-harvest and post-harvest care. And because we are the grower, we can pick the flowers and have them delivered to your doorstep within 24 hours!

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