When you think of tulips, you probably think of spring. And fair enough — in most people’s minds, they’re as synonymous with springtime as daffodils or blossom trees. But here in Australia, tulips begin their quiet takeover of flower markets much earlier than you might expect.
In fact, tulip season in Victoria kicks off as early go through the winter months, well before the first signs of spring arrive. While the weather outside might be chilly, tulip stems are already stretching tall in carefully controlled glasshouses across the Yarra Ranges. So if you’re spotting tulips in your winter bouquet or farmers’ market haul, you’re not imagining things — this is their true moment.
Local Legends: Tulips From Hoddles Creek
One of the biggest champions of the winter tulip is De Boer Tulips, based in Hoddles Creek, just over an hour from Melbourne. The story behind the farm is just as beautiful as the blooms. Rob De Boer came to Australia with his parents when he was only eight years old, making the long journey from De Zilk, a small town in Holland known for its bulb-growing heritage.
Since settling in Victoria, the De Boer family has grown the farm into a leading supplier of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, combining generations of Dutch floral knowledge with a love for the local landscape.
Their glasshouse is a marvel — state-of-the-art and self-irrigating, it captures rainwater from the roof and filters it into the growing bays. Over 25 varieties of tulips are cultivated here each season, with blooms ranging from classic reds to frilled parrot styles and subtle pastels.
A particularly Dutch touch is their use of the flat stem treatment — a technique that exposes tulip stems to different temperatures to encourage a more oval-shaped stem. This not only helps the tulip stand taller but gives it a larger, more luxurious bloom. It’s these kinds of methods that have helped elevate tulips from a humble spring flower to a bit of a luxury in the floral world.
Why We Love Them
There’s something deeply charming about tulips. Their clean, architectural form. Their bold, uncomplicated colours. But part of their appeal lies in how they change.
When tulips are first picked, they’re often neat and compact — almost shy. But give them a little time in a vase, and they begin to transform. The stems continue to grow, curving and stretching in unexpected directions. The petals unfurl. Some even develop a playful droop, making the whole arrangement feel wonderfully loose and wild. It’s this sense of movement — of tulips doing their own thing — that makes them feel alive in a way not all cut flowers do.
Shop Local Tulips Now
We’re proud to offer locally grown Victorian tulips in our seasonal arrangements. Whether you’re after a simple bunch for the kitchen bench or something more artful, our tulips are handpicked and handled with care to bring the joy of the season into your home.
Tulip season doesn’t last forever, so make the most of it while it’s here. Embrace the wild stems, the shifting silhouettes, and the quiet luxury of tulips in bloom.
👉 Shop our range of Victorian tulips now
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