From Fall Bulbs To Spring Blooms

Tulips Emerging

Tulip Test Gardens in the northern latitudes of the continent – where fluctuating spring weather is still bringing wintry conditions – are emerging. Spring takes a little longer to kick into gear farther north.

Joan in Blaine, MN: “Earliest of many tulips emerging” (04/15/2023)

Sabrina in Athens, WI: “Our tulips are emerging later than others, but we are excited to see them bloom!!” (04/13/2023)

Alysia in Wasilla, AK: “On a balmy 64-degree sunny Monday, we spotted our first tulip leaves poking out of the dirt. We planted in several locations to compare. These first bulbs came up on the south side of the school, near the building. We expect that it will be awhile before we see the bulbs that were planted further away from the building sprouting. (There is still snow melting near that area).” (04/19/2021)

Tulips Blooming

Despite chilly weather hanging on in some parts of the continent, tulips are blooming in many places now.

Connie in Madison, WI: "Our tulip garden is blooming at Crestwood Elementary. Thanks to the third graders for making our grounds look beautiful!" (04/14/2023)

Carol in Oil Springs, ON: "Some tulips are in bud some are flowering (early variety)" (04/17/2023)

Lisa in Caro, MI: "Our pink tulips are blooming! Extra blooms this year!" (04/20/2023)

Marta in Shakopee, MN: “Very late spring in the Twin Cities area. We still have a pile of snow not far from the tulip plot.” (04/24/2023)

Reminder About Reporting

If you planted a Tulip Test Garden last fall, don’t forget to report twice: when tulips emerge and when tulips bloom. And if you report this spring but did not report your planting last fall, please let us know in the comments field of your observation. For a refresher on Tulip Test Garden protocols, check out this step-by-step guide.

New Tulip Test Garden Signs Available For Printing

Thanks to the University of Wisconsin - Madison's Friends of the Arboretum, you are now able to download and print a Journey North Tulip Test Garden Sign! Include the garden sign in the photos you submit with your observational reports. We appreciate the Friends of the Arboretum and their generous support of the Journey North community.

April is Citizen Science Month!

Citizen Science Month encompasses online events and opportunities to contribute to citizen science initiatives. This April, Journey North celebrates our citizen scientists and encourages you to join this important effort by submitting your observations.

Learn more about Citizen Science Month and other Journey North projects for observational reporting here.