While the warmest February on record may have provided a super charge to Pella’s favorite flowers and their growth, an upcoming stretch of colder air and the planting of several late varieties has the Pella Parks Department optimistic about a long lasting bloom for the spring 2024 edition of the tulips.

Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven says the City of Pella is responsible for flower beds totaling close to 130,000 bulbs, and while many are showing greenery and the base of those flowers, an anticipated forecast with several afternoon highs in the 40s and morning lows just below or at freezing over the next two weeks should put a hold on the speed at which blooms form for the vast majority.

Additionally, Nunnikhoven says he and the department’s flower guru Marcy Simbro-Woodhouse both took a chance last fall when ordering bulbs, and tried to anticipate a warmer spring season by stocking up on several late blooming varieties. While he still ultimately thinks the peak bloom this year will be earlier than normal and sometime closer to mid-April, he anticipates several thousand flowers will be ready for the 89th Tulip Time, barring an unusual and extended heat wave in the next six weeks.

The City of Pella’s annual tulip bloom status map has been released, and as has been previously reported due to much warmer than normal conditions this winter, an earlier showcase is expected this spring.

The map will be updated periodically between now and the festival May 2nd through the 4th.

Hear more from Nunnikhoven about this year’s tulip bloom on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.