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Tulip 'The First' – A Bold Early Bloomer with Cream and Apricot Hues

Tulip 'The First' is a truly exceptional bloom, renowned for its impressively early appearance, often as early as March. This early bloomer is remarkably resilient, able to thrive even in cold temperatures and make its grand appearance amidst the snow. Its determination to bloom early makes it a standout in the spring garden.

Not only is 'The First' exceptional in its timing, but it's also striking in its colour palette. The beautiful blend of cream and apricot hues creates a captivating sight that will brighten any landscape. This unique combination of attributes makes Tulip 'The First' a distinct and treasured addition to any garden.

Tulip 'The First' has been awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), a testament to its exceptional quality and performance. Order now for delivery in Autumn (Sept to Nov) and enjoy its early beauty come spring.

Tulip 'The First' has been awarded with RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

How to plant Tulips

Find a location with well-drained soil. Tulips will not thrive in water-logged areas.
Tulips like to receive full sun for most of the day. However, some varieties can tolerate shady areas too. Check with the individual variety.
Plant in the Autumn; September through to November. Ideally, plant after the first frost to avoid any viral diseases infecting the bulbs.

Planting Tulips in the Garden

If planting in the garden, plant the bulbs with their pointed tops 12cm below the soil surface. Allow 4 to 5 bulbs per square foot.

Planting Tulips in the Pots

If planting in Pots, find a large container and fill it with good-quality, multi-purpose compost. Ensure there is adequate draining holes. Again, plant 12cm below the soil surface.
After planting, water the Tulips well, gently soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs.
Tulips will flower early to mid Spring depending on their variety.

How to plant a Bulb Lasagne

The technique known as bulb lasagne, popular with the Dutch, involves layering bulbs upon each other to create rich and vibrant spring pot displays. To find out how to plant a Bulb Lasagne, click here: Bulb Lasagne.

Description

Tulip 'The First' – A Bold Early Bloomer with Cream and Apricot Hues

Tulip 'The First' has been awarded with RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Additional Information

Find out more information on how to plant and care for Tulips.

Hart's Hint
Tulips need to be planted in the Autumn, preferably in October/November, after the first frost as this will wipe out any viral and fungal diseases that may be in the soil which may infect the bulbs.

Delivery / Returns

Spring Flowering Bulbs are delivered in the Autumn

Delivery and P&P

Spring Flowering Bulbs are dispatched from September to November.
All orders should be dispatched within 3-5 working days during this time. (Unless otherwise stated on the Shipping est.)
Postage cost to mainland UK (excluding N.Ireland, Highlands and Isles) is £4.99.
All out of area postcodes are charged at £9.50.
Orders over £60 qualify for FREE delivery to mainland UK (excluding N.Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Highlands and Isles).
Unfortunately, we are not currently delivering to the EU. See Delivery page.
When your order is due for dispatch, you will receive a tracking email from us to track your parcel.
Your parcel will be sent on a 48 hour tracked service with Yodel.

Returns and Refunds

You have the right to cancel your order at any time before it is dispatched.
All returns must be returned at your cost within 7 days of receipt.
Payment for the returned goods will be refunded within 7 days of the goods being received by us, less the postage charges.

Planting & Growing Instructions

How to plant Tulips

Find a location with well-drained soil. Tulips will not thrive in water-logged areas.
Tulips like to receive full sun for most of the day. However, some varieties can tolerate shady areas too. Check with the individual variety.
Plant in the Autumn; September through to November. Ideally, plant after the first frost to avoid any viral diseases infecting the bulbs.

Planting Tulips in the Garden

If planting in the garden, plant the bulbs with their pointed tops 12cm below the soil surface. Allow 4 to 5 bulbs per square foot.

Planting Tulips in the Pots

If planting in Pots, find a large container and fill it with good-quality, multi-purpose compost. Ensure there is adequate draining holes. Again, plant 12cm below the soil surface.
After planting, water the Tulips well, gently soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs.
Tulips will flower early to mid Spring depending on their variety.

How to plant a Bulb Lasagne

The technique known as bulb lasagne, popular with the Dutch, involves layering bulbs upon each other to create rich and vibrant spring pot displays. To find out how to plant a Bulb Lasagne, click here: Bulb Lasagne.

Care Instructions

How to care for Tulips

Deadhead the flowers during the season before the petals fall off.
After flowering has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulbs for the future.
Water as needed during active growth periods.
By mid summer the leaves may yellow and die back. Foliage may be removed at this point.
Some tulips flower well for one year and then need lifting out of the soil and carefully stored if you want to use them again. Once everything has fully died back, you can lift them and store them in a dark, dry, airy place over summer, allowing the air to circulate around them. They can then be replanted in the Autumn.

£6.90

Tulip 'The First'

Kaufmanniana Tulip

10 Bulbs £6.90
30 Bulbs £17.70
60 Bulbs £29.40

Qty

Click here tell me when this is back in stock

Flowering Period: March/April

Specification

Also known as:

Kaufmanniana Tulip

RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM):

Yes

Planting period:

Autumn (Sept to Nov)

Height:

20cm / 8"

Border position:

Front

Aspect:

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Soil type:

Loam, Sandy, Multipurpose compost, Loam-based compost

Soil acidity:

Any

Bulb size:

12cm+

Hardiness:

Very Hardy - H6 (-20°C to -15°C)

Suitable for containers:

Yes

Scented:

Double flowered:

Yes

Shipping est:

Pre-order for delivery in Autumn 2026

Delivery period:

Autumn delivery (Oct to Dec 2026)

SKU

SKU17830121

Description

Tulip 'The First' – A Bold Early Bloomer with Cream and Apricot Hues

Tulip 'The First' is a truly exceptional bloom, renowned for its impressively early appearance, often as early as March. This early bloomer is remarkably resilient, able to thrive even in cold temperatures and make its grand appearance amidst the snow. Its determination to bloom early makes it a standout in the spring garden.

Not only is 'The First' exceptional in its timing, but it's also striking in its colour palette. The beautiful blend of cream and apricot hues creates a captivating sight that will brighten any landscape. This unique combination of attributes makes Tulip 'The First' a distinct and treasured addition to any garden.

Tulip 'The First' has been awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), a testament to its exceptional quality and performance. Order now for delivery in Autumn (Sept to Nov) and enjoy its early beauty come spring.

Tulip 'The First' has been awarded with RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Additional Information

Find out more information on how to plant and care for Tulips.

Hart's Hint
Tulips need to be planted in the Autumn, preferably in October/November, after the first frost as this will wipe out any viral and fungal diseases that may be in the soil which may infect the bulbs.