As I was planning the spring garden last year, I was determined to have an abundance of tulips. I love tulips. Seriously, they’re so easy to plant – and so incredibly beautiful. Before I started growing flowers, I would see the tulips available by the bunch at the grocery store, and I was certain that I hated them. How could I have been so wrong?
I bought ‘Orca Double’ tulips on a whim. I planted 10 bulbs, which cost me $4.55. Even though orange isn’t typically one of my favorite colors, I couldn’t resist planting these doubles at less than 50 cents each. Though most photos online show flowers that are solid orange with some green streaking – mine turned out to look like this. 
As you can see, the stems themselves are pretty short. I don’t blame this on the actual flower though. It’s been in the mid 80s here. The tulip flower heads are bursting open at record speed; so much so that I can barely even keep up with picking them. 
The Orca tulips in my garden have a definite yellow tone. I’m not sure if this is related to weather or their natural color. Perhaps, the yellow parts didn’t have time to darken before the heat forced them open? I’m certainly no expert, so your guess is as good as mine. 
Regardless of their variation in color, I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I really like this one. It’s spring! We might as well celebrate with a bunch of vibrant orange flowers! Have you ever grown Orca tulips before? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below 🙂
I think they’re beautiful! I planted some tulips that we’re supposed to be apricot colored and they’re orange which isn’t my favorite color but they’re tall and gorgeous. I’m disappointed in my white parrot tulips which are a later variety and they came up early, short and abnormal from the ones I’ve grown before. Not sure if the heat (also several 80 degree days) and all the rain played a part. I love spring and all the promise of flowers to come!! Thanks for posting.
I’m having the same problem. None of the tulips look anything like the pictures from the catalog! Lol! Also, wanted to make sure that you recieved your dahlia gift certificate? With all these delays, I wanted to make sure you could order with plenty of time for planting.
These are beautiful Ocra Tulip Amazing thanks for sharing.