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Growing and Selling Cut Flowers in Iowa

In recent years, the number of farms that grow and sell locally-grown cut flowers has increased.  Learn more about the reasons for the rise in flower farms across Iowa and the unique niche they are filling at farmer's markets and flower shops.

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New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Released from the USDA

News Article

In November 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of its popular Plant Hardiness Zone Map. 
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a standard guide to a plant’s cold tolerance.  Overall, much of Iowa is now in Hardiness Zone 5.  Learn more about the new map and how to best use it below.

Judging Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers, & Potted Plants for 4-H

When taking flowers or vegetables to the fair, careful harvest and preparation must be done.  Use this information to find tips on preparing and handling vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, floral arrangements, potted plants, and houseplants for 4-H and youth exhibits at state and county fairs.

The Best Perennial Tulips for the Home Garden

Most modern tulip cultivars bloom well for only 3 or 4 years. Their vigor declines each year, eventually leading to plants with leaves and no blooms.  For this reason, these tulip types are often treated as annuals.  

However, some tulip types (classes) bloom well over a longer period.  These varieties make better long-term additions to the garden and will bloom each season reliably.  Choose from the following types if you want perennial-type tulips. 

Types of Tulips for Home Gardens

Tulips are favorites of Midwest gardeners, but we often fail to appreciate the diversity of these spring-flowering bulbs.  Tulips vary tremendously in flower and plant size, bloom period, shape, and color. 

Tulips are grouped into 15 divisions based on shape and origin.  Tulips can also be grouped by bloom time.  In Iowa, tulips typically bloom from mid-April through May.  Divisions can be classified as early, mid-season, or late based on when in that time frame they bloom. 

All About Tulips

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are the quintessential spring blooming bulb.  The wide range of colors, sizes, and patterns make them a spring favorite for Iowa gardeners.  Learn more about these fascinating plants including information on planting, caring, transplanting, dividing, and forcing as well as information on how to select the best kind of tulip for your garden, how to deal with problems that may arise, how to use them as cut flowers, and the unique history and cultural impact this bloom from the mountains of central Asia has on gardeners.

Care of Spring-Flowering Bulbs after Bloom

The beautiful blooms of tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs bring joy to the gardener in March, April, and May.  Proper care through the remainder of the spring will help to insure excellent flower displays in succeeding years.

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