Local Tulip Farm Prepares to Open for the Season

April 17, 2017 5:10 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

JOHNSTON, R.I. – Just a short drive could transport you…to Holland?

Okay. Not really Holland. But making your way to Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Johnston might make you feel like you’ve crossed the Atlantic, surrounded by tulips.

Owner Jeroen Koeman says, "I have the feeling that many people arrive over here, they get an injection of ‘happy hormones.’"

So, how does it work?

Owner Keriann Koeman says, "They come on in, they grab a bucket. We have some signs up that show them how to pick."

This is their second year in Rhode Island, after starting the business in Virginia. Last year, all the flowers were picked in just 18 days! This year they’re trying to extend the season.

Keriann Koeman says, "You can see that we have the flowers up here covered with plastic. We’re trying to force these to come up sooner because we want to have the longest tulip season possible."

The growing season begins in what’s called the “early field.” By the end of the season, they expect to grow 800,000 tulips, 600,000 of those available for you to pick! Now whether you take them home, or you just come here to tiptoe through the tulips, either way it has to be an amazing sight.

The big question: When will they open?

Jeroen Koeman says, "We are looking tightly at how the field is developing. Yesterday, I was thinking probably the weekend, but we now hope that we are able to open any day this week. Maybe Wednesday, maybe Thursday."

The opening date will be announced on their website. Tickets are required, and they do sell out. They strongly encourage you to buy tickets online ahead of time. You can find more information at their website: http://www.wickedtulips.com/