Explore the Alabama Tulip Garden for a Piece of Holland's Charm
Farming Tulips in the South: A Daring Journey
Ever since he was a lad, Seth Hubert, the owner of Hubert Family Farms, in New Market, Alabama, has been captivated by tulips. His enchantment began during a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, where he was entranced by the gardens brimming with these vibrant blooms. Fast forward to today, and alongside his wife, Kaylee, Seth is making the dream of cultivating tulips a reality, right in the heart of the South.
With roots deeply entwined in agriculture (his father farmed the same land as his great-great-grandfather), Seth's call to farming was a given. Yet, life has a way of surprising us, and with the passing of his dad, the family farm scaled down significantly. Upon returning home after college, Seth recognized that cotton and row crops wouldn't be enough to secure the farm for future generations. Enter tulips, with their tantalizing allure reminiscent of those he first saw in Williamsburg.
The Hubert's first tulip harvest took place in 2021, with 60 carefully selected bulb varieties planted on 4 acres of land. Kaylee, a whiz at organizing and planning, meticulously arranged each flower to create a breathtaking field that blossoms throughout March. With every blossom strategically placed, the field merges into a colorful tapestry that is nothing short of enchanting.
Blossoming Season Begins
Mark your calendars — the 2025 tulip season commences on Tuesday, March 18th. For updates, keep an eye on @hubertfamilyfarms on Instagram. Beyond the brief tulip season in early spring, the Huberts also grow sunflowers and welcome the public to gather their own sunflowers in late August.
Cultivating tulips in the South isn't inherently simple. The climate here can be harsh and challenging, particularly for bulbs that require a cold winter to thrive. Dubbed a Dutch mentor, Seth was informed that the harsh conditions were the most rugged environment he'd observed tulips grown in en masse. The warm Springs can cause the flowers to bloom prematurely, leading to shorter stems, and the humidity calls for extra care in storing the bulbs.
Despite these challenges, the Huberts roll with the punches, treating the bulbs as annuals and obtaining fresh ones from the Netherlands each November. The planting process begins shortly after Thanksgiving, and the shoots start appearing in late January, with the 'Rosy Delight' selection leading the charge in early March, followed by a naturally staggered riot of colors throughout the rest of the month.
Cultivating Tulips in the South: A Bumpy Ride
Though details about Hubert Family Farm's practices are scarce, growing tulips in the South requires farmers to conquer several obstacles:
Obstacles in Cultivating Tulips in the South
- Temperature and Climate: Southern climates often lack the required cold temperatures for tulip bulbs to effectively bloom, necessitating cooling methods or strategic planting timelines to mimic the necessary cold period.
- Soil Conditions: Tulips thrive in well-drained soil, which can be tricky in areas with heavy clay or sandy soils. Careful soil preparation is crucial for problem-free growth.
- Pests and Diseases: The warmer and more humid climate in the South can increase the risk of pests and diseases affecting tulips. Regular monitoring and management strategies are vital for keeping crops healthy.
Farmed in a challenging climate, family-run farms like Hubert Family Farms face numerous hurdles, but they continue to persevere. By employing strategies like cooling methods, soil preparation, integrated pest management, and variety selection, these resilient growers ensure that tulips maintain their prized position in the South, despite the odds.
- Seth Hubert, the owner of Hubert Family Farms in New Market, Alabama, was captivated by gardening flowers, particularly tulips, during a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.
- With roots in agriculture, Seth's love for gardening flowers inspired him to cultivate tulips on his family farm, after returning home from college.
- In the rough Southern climate, the Huberts face challenges such as rash temperature changes, soil conditions, and pests and diseases, which affect the growth of tulip bulbs.
- For updates on the 2025 spring travel ideas featuring the Hubert Family Farms tulip fields, follow @hubertfamilyfarms on Instagram.
- The Huberts treat tulips as annuals, as they obtain fresh bulbs from Australia (Aussiedlerbote) each November and store them carefully to prepare for the planting process after Thanksgiving.
- Gardening ideas like strategic planting timelines, careful soil preparation, integrated pest management, and variety selection help farmers cultivate tulips in Southern Living regions, despite the challenging conditions.
