Tulip farms are not that common in Tennessee. But did you know that there’s one not too far from Chattanooga?
March is tulip season for Tennessee. Yes, you can visit this tulip field for photos, but also you can pick your own to take home. Continue reading to learn more about tulip season, how to pick tulips, and this local farm where they can be found.
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When is Tulip Season in Tennessee?
Tulips are typically planted in late fall in this part of the country. It’s a tedious task as the tulip bulbs require mainly direct sunlight and certain depths and distances apart in order to thrive. You can’t plant them too early because you don’t want them to start sprouting during the winter cold.
Tulip blooming season begins in March, but the exact dates vary year to year. For example, spring started early this year as we experienced warmer temperatures early on in late February. Because of these weather changes, plants have started blooming. Tulips are no exception.
Tulips are around for about four weeks. Typically, Lorenzen Farm opens early in the season as the flowers start to bloom. They wait for the tulip fields to be about 10-20% open so that there’s plenty of tulips to enjoy for the season. You can expect opening dates in early to mid-March, but be sure to check the Lorenzen Farm Facebook Page to verify the opening day, times and dates they’re open, and other important updates. For the tulip season, Lorenzen Farm is open daily, unless noted otherwise on their facebook page. I highly suggest checking their facebook page right before you leave to make sure that they’re open and ready for your visit.
How to Prepare for Tulip Picking
This is a farm so plan to get dirty. It can be muddy, especially if it’s rained recently. When we last visited, it had just rained, and kind of still was raining. There were plenty of mud puddles and the ground was slick. Just wear the proper footwear, and you’ll be fine if you watch your step. Be prepared to possibly get muddy. And if it’s been dry, the farm tends to be dusty. So no matter the weather, plan on getting a little dirty.
Dogs are welcome to the farm, however they must be well behaved and kept on leash at all times. And of course, you must pick up after your dog as needed.
The parking area is a gravel and grass lot, but there’s no hills involved so any vehicle should be able to park here without any issues. However, it gets really busy on the weekends so if you’re able to carpool, consider doing this as space is limited.
There are no permanent bathrooms on site just yet, however a portable bathroom is available for you to use if you need to.
Be prepared with cash to pay. Although they accept other payment methods, cell signal is spotty in this area so paying with cash is easiest. There is a $5 admission fee per person just to visit the fields. Children 5 and under are free. Tulips cost $2 by the stem or you can pick 12 for $20.
If you plan to pick a bouquet, it’s suggested that you also bring a vase or container of water to put your freshly cut tulips in to take home. The drive from Chattanooga is long enough to start drying the flowers out so immediate water is recommended.
If you’re a photographer, you are welcome to take photos with just the cost of admission. And if you’re looking for a professional photographer to take photos of you and your family, check out the Lorenzen Farm Facebook Page for some recommendations.
If you have more questions that I did not answer here, be sure to reach out to the farm via Facebook or the Lorenzen Farm website.
How to Pick Tulips and Types Available
Lorenzen Farm offers the perfect flower picking baskets to borrow on your visit. I didn’t even know this until I visited the farm. But tulips are very easy to pick and don’t require any special tools or scissors. Simply grab the stem at the base and pull. The stem will either disconnect easily or pull the whole bulb out with it. Don’t worry if it pulls up the bulb as this is a common occurrence. When you’re ready to leave and go to pay, they will properly trim your tulips for you so that you’re good to go.
If you opt to pick a bunch of cut flowers, be sure to have a vase or container filled with cold water ready for you in the car. This will keep the tulips lasting longer as you drive home with them.
There are thousands of tulip varieties which can be boiled down to fifteen different types. At Lorenzen Flower Farm, you can expect to find numerous tulip types ranging in all shapes and colors. Everything from whites and yellows to vibrant pinks and deep purples can be found here. Whatever type of tulip you’re looking for, they are bound to have it. And each row is labeled with the tulip name so you can learn which ones are your favorite.
The History Behind the Lorenzen Farm
Lorenzen Flower Farm sits on numerous acres. Before the Lorenzen family purchased the farm, it was dormant land that had been harvested for hay. And prior to that, it had been a cow pasture, which means the ground is fertile, perfect for growing flowers and other crops. They bought the farm in 2013 and decided to try their hands at strawberries in 2014. It wasn’t until later in 2021 that they tried growing tulips and summer flowers as well.
Nate Lorenzen had always wanted a farm. When they saw this one on the market, they decided to purchase it and see what they could do with it. They had no definitive plans for the farm at first as this was new territory for them. It was a blank slate to have fun with, learn the ins and outs of farming, and try out various things. The Lorenzens had always been big into gardening. They always had large vegetable gardens. So, in a sense, this would become a larger scale garden.
The overall goal of anything planted at the Lorenzen Farm is for it to be a you-pick attraction. Not only is it easier on the family this way, it also adds to the community. Why go to a farm stand and buy crops that have already been picked for you when instead you can take a few hours and enjoy doing it yourself. Get outside with the family, make memories, and choose which ones you want to take home. It’s all about the experience and the fun you can have on the farm.
Lorenzen Farm is Always Growing
As with most things in life, changes come and growth happens. Lorenzen Farm is no different. They started with strawberries and have expanded to flowers. The tulips have become a popular annual attraction and summer flowers were later added to the mix as well. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest happenings on the farm and see what’s growing in the next season. And of course you can visit their website to see what they’re currently offering as well.
In Closing
Lorenzen Flower Farm is the perfect place to welcome Spring and enjoy tulip picking, taking beautiful flower photos, and just getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mark your calendar for every March to experience this annual farm visit.
The farm is located in Dayton, TN, about an hour north of Chattanooga, making it the perfect little day trip excursion. Watch my first visit to this tulip farm on YouTube to get an even better visual of what to expect here.
I hope you enjoy these tulips as much as I did. It’s a great activity to look forward to every Spring. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
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