How to Grow City of Haarlem Tulip
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City of Haarlem Tulip
Tulipa × gesneriana 'City of Haarlem'
flowerCity of Haarlem is a classic Darwin Hybrid tulip cultivar known for its vibrant orange-red flowers with yellow-edged petals and sturdy stems. This mid-spring bloomer is a favorite for cut flowers and formal garden displays due to its reliable performance and long vase life. It grows 20-28 inches tall and produces large, cup-shaped blooms.
When should you plant City of Haarlem Tulip in your zone?
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Example City of Haarlem Tulip timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant City of Haarlem Tulip
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First City of Haarlem Tulip blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact City of Haarlem Tulip dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; performs best where winters provide adequate chilling hours
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Get my City of Haarlem Tulip timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Chilling
12-16 weeksBulbs are planted in fall and undergo 12-16 weeks of cold stratification over winter
Plant bulbs September-November in cold climates; water after planting; protect from rodents; mulch lightly in very cold zones
Emergence & Growth
4-6 weeksGreen shoots emerge from soil in early spring; leaves grow tall and blue-green
Remove winter mulch as shoots emerge; apply balanced fertilizer when shoots are 3-4 inches tall; ensure good drainage to prevent rot
Bud Development
2-3 weeksVisible flower buds form at the top of stems; leaves reach full height
Maintain consistent moisture; stake tall varieties if needed; avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent soft growth
Flowering
2-3 weeksLarge, vibrant orange-red cup-shaped flowers open with yellow-edged petals; blooms are fragrant and long-lasting
Enjoy in the garden or cut for arrangements; deadhead spent flowers but leave stem/foliage; provide afternoon shade in hot climates to extend bloom
Senescence & Dormancy
6-8 weeksFlowers fade, petals drop; foliage yellows and dies back; bulb enters dormancy
Allow foliage to yellow naturally for 6 weeks to recharge bulbs; reduce watering; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer or bone meal; do not cut green foliage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect bulbs before planting; treat infested bulbs with insecticide dust; remove affected plants; encourage natural predators
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Remove debris where they hide; use slug traps with beer; apply diatomaceous earth; hand-pick in early morning
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Plant in wire baskets or cages; use rodent repellents; maintain clean beds; live traps if populations are high
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Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected flowers promptly; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible petals
CulinaryTulip petals are edible and can be used as a fresh, mild-flavored garnish for salads and gourmet dishes. Use only pesticide-free flowers from the home garden. [source]
Cut flowers for arrangements
HouseholdCity of Haarlem is prized by florists and gardeners for its exceptional cut flower quality, large blooms, and long vase life. It's perfect for spring bouquets, formal arrangements, and mid-season displays. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftThe sturdy stems and large blooms dry well when hung upside down, maintaining color for long-lasting dried floral crafts and arrangements. [source]
Early pollinator forage
WildlifeSpring-blooming tulips like City of Haarlem provide essential nectar and pollen for emerging bees and other early-season pollinators. [source]
Ornamental garden wellness
MedicinalTulips and spring flowers are traditionally associated with mood elevation and garden therapy, improving mental well-being through their vibrant spring color. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated and buds are just opening. Cut at a 45-degree angle about 2 inches from the base. Remove lower leaves that would be submerged in water. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems for maximum vase life (2-3 weeks). For bulb longevity, deadhead spent flowers but allow all foliage to remain until completely yellow.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 City of Haarlem was named after the Dutch city of Haarlem, which has a rich history of tulip cultivation dating back to the Dutch Golden Age when tulips were among the most expensive flowers in the world.
- 🌱 Darwin Hybrid tulips like City of Haarlem are exceptionally sturdy and often naturalize in gardens, reliably returning year after year with minimal care—making them among the most perennial of tulip types.
- 🌱 This cultivar was bred specifically to combine the vigor and height of Darwin tulips with the large, colorful blooms and early flowering habit of Kaufmanniana tulips, making it a hybrid of exceptional garden performance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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