Darwin Tulip ‘World’s Favourite’ (Tulipa hybrida) – Early Orange & Yellow Blooms

🌷 A Vibrant Early Bloomer That Signals the Arrival of Spring! 🌷

The Darwin Tulip ‘World’s Favourite’ (Tulipa hybrida) is a bold and elegant early-season tulip, featuring rich orange petals finely edged in yellow. Its 50cm tall, strong stems make it an excellent choice for gardens, borders, pots, and cut flower arrangements. As one of the first tulips to bloom, it brings a warm, uplifting burst of color after winter. Supplied as dry bulbs, ‘World’s Favourite’ thrives in cool to temperate climates and can be grown as an annual in warmer regions with proper refrigeration.

🌱 Growing & Care Guide

• Aspect: Full sun to semi-shade
• Growing Zones & Suitable States:
  • Zone 1 (Cool-Temperate & Alpine Regions): Direct planting, no pre-chilling required. (TAS, VIC highlands, ACT, parts of NSW & SA)
  • Zone 2 (Temperate Climates): Cold enough for direct planting, but warmer areas may benefit from 6 weeks of pre-chilling. (VIC, Southern NSW, Adelaide Hills, parts of SA)
  • Zone 3 (Mediterranean Climate): Mild winters may require 6-8 weeks of pre-chilling before planting. (Perth, coastal SA, Sydney)
  • Zone 4 (Warm-Temperate & Coastal Areas): Requires 8 weeks of refrigeration before planting in May. (Brisbane, coastal NSW, WA regions with warm winters)
• Flowering: September - October (Early Spring)
• Height: 50cm, with strong, upright stems
• Planting Depth & Spacing: 10-15cm deep, 10cm apart
• Frost Hardy: Yes

🌼 Planting & Maintenance

• Planting Time: March - May (March for Zones 1-3, May for Zone 4)
• Soil: Well-drained, enriched with compost for best growth
• Watering:
  • Water well as shoots emerge
  • Apply a high-nitrogen topdressing when the first shoots appear
  • Water thoroughly after flowers die off to encourage strong bulb growth for the next season
• After Flowering:
  • Remove faded flowers but allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish bulbs
  • Lift bulbs once foliage yellows and store in a ventilated, cool area in a net bag

🌡️ Refrigerating Tulips for Warmer Climates

Darwin tulips require a cold winter to bloom properly. If you live in an area without frost, pre-chill bulbs in a fridge for 6-8 weeks before planting.

• Store in a ventilated bag, away from ripening fruits & vegetables
• Do not freeze bulbs
• Refrigerated bulbs grow taller and flower earlier

🌿 Growing as Annuals in Warm Climates

• Plant in large pots after 8 weeks of refrigeration (Late May)
• Keep pots in a cool, shaded spot until shoots reach 5cm
• Move to a sunny location for optimal growth and flowering

💐 Why Choose Darwin Tulip ‘World’s Favourite’ (Tulipa hybrida)?

✔ Striking orange blooms with fine yellow edges
✔ Early-flowering for a bright start to spring
✔ Large, weather-resistant flowers on sturdy stems
✔ Ideal for gardens, borders, pots, and floral arrangements
✔ Hardy and long-lasting, perfect for cool climates and adaptable as an annual in warmer regions

🌿 FAQs

❔ Do I need to pre-chill bulbs?

• Cool climates (TAS, VIC highlands, ACT, SA hills, Southern NSW): No, plant directly.
• Warmer climates (Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, coastal NSW & SA): Yes, chill bulbs for 6-8 weeks before planting in May.

❔ Can I grow them in pots?
Yes! Darwin tulips thrive in large, deep pots with good drainage.

Ideal for Cool to Temperate zones (1-4) and states like TAS, VIC, SA, ACT, NSW, and WA, Darwin Tulip ‘World’s Favourite’ (Tulipa hybrida) is the perfect way to welcome spring with a warm, fiery splash of colour! 🌷