Tulip Prices Up 28% This Valentine's Day
- Diana Pierce
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Val-o-ween 2026: Why This Is the Most Expensive Tulip Year in Decades
By Diana Pierce, January 28, 2026
Inside the floral industry, Valentine’s Day has earned a nickname: Val-o-ween.
Like Halloween for candy retailers, it’s the single most critical sales window of the year—except it happens in the dead of winter, when nearly every risk in flower production can converge at once.
In 2026, those risks are stacking up in ways the industry hasn’t seen in decades, according to John Stoy, Cut Flower Manager at Len Busch Roses, Plymouth, Minnesota.
Most commercial tulip bulbs are grown in the Netherlands, where several years of poor growing conditions have sharply reduced supply. That shortage finally reached North American growers this season, triggering bulb price increases of roughly 28 percent—a scale longtime producers say they haven’t experienced in their careers. At the same time, new tariffs on imported bulbs and higher costs from Colombian flower suppliers have added further pressure.
Together, these forces have pushed growers like Len Busch Roses to make difficult choices about pricing, production volume, and which customer channels they can sustain. Stoy confirmed that their tulip production for 2026 has been intentionally scaled back, and some large wholesale buyers have chosen to source elsewhere rather than absorb the higher prices.
What This Means for Minnesota Buyers
The good news: quality remains strong. Early-season tulips are showing excellent color assortment, and Len Busch’s growing team plans to run the season at its usual length—simply at lower weekly volumes. For consumers, expect slightly higher retail prices, but not reduced availability at local stores and florists.
Why does local production matter more than ever? Len Busch Roses grows all their tulips hydroponically in their Plymouth greenhouses, and Minnesota-grown tulips typically reach stores within days of being cut, preserving the freshness that imported flowers can’t match. With tulips averaging about seven days of vase life, that shorter supply chain becomes especially important during Valentine’s week, when every day counts.
Local Alternatives Worth Considering
While tulip prices are up, Minnesota’s local growers offer other options that take advantage of that same freshness. Len Busch Roses has expanded production of snapdragons and stock—two classic cut flowers that happen to thrive in local greenhouse conditions.
“Flowers that don’t ship long distances very well give us a competitive advantage,” explains Stoy. Both snapdragons and stock now have dedicated greenhouse compartments, allowing for higher quality and more consistent availability throughout the season.
These aren’t just budget alternatives—they’re strategic choices. Stock brings fragrance and a cottage-garden elegance to arrangements, while snapdragons offer height, texture, and that same fresh-from-the-garden appeal that makes locally-grown tulips special. Both flowers also boast good vase life when sourced locally, typically 7-10 days with proper care.
The takeaway? This year’s modest price increases on tulips don’t mean sacrificing beauty. Supporting Minnesota growers means access to fresh alternatives that imported flowers simply can’t match—especially during Valentine’s week, when every day of vase life counts.
Where to Find Minnesota-Grown Flowers
Looking for Len Busch Roses tulips, snapdragons, and other locally-grown cut flowers? You’ll find them at these Twin Cities area retailers:
Bachman’s
Byerly’s
Cub Foods
Hy-Vee
Kowalski’s Markets
Lund’s
Target
Len Busch also supplies independent florists throughout the metro and greater Minnesota area.
Want more local gardening inspiration?
Don’t miss the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show, February 25–March 1—and I’m giving away free tickets! See details below.
Supporting Local Growers in a Tough Year
For growers, Valentine’s 2026 feels a little spookier than usual. For those of us who love fresh flowers, the best response is simple: support your local growers, shop early if you can, and understand that this year’s modest price increases reflect real challenges behind the scenes—not price gouging, but survival in an unusually difficult market.
Bloom With Me Weekly Ticket Giveaway
I’m giving away two free tickets for the next few weeks to the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show, running February 25–March 1.
Each week through February 18, I’ll draw one name from those who respond.
That winner will receive two tickets to the show.
Congratulations to last week’s winner, Jill B., our Bloom With Me winner.
If you’d like a chance to attend for free, just be the first to enter by replying to this email or email direct at diana@dianapierce.com.
Diana
© 2026 Diana Pierce
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