Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
If you are a tulip lover than Wicked Tulips in Johnston, Rhode Island should be on your bucket list.! The 5 acre flower farm is the largest you-pick tulip field in New England with 600,000 early, mid, and late blooming tulips on full display. It's the perfect way to experience all of the sights, sounds, and smells of spring in New England.
The History of the Farm
Wicked Tulips is run by husband and wife team Keriann and Jeroen Koeman (who hails from a Dutch family of tulip growers). Before Wicked Tulips, they started the first certified organic flower bulb company in the U.S. called EcoTulips.com. When they moved to Rhode Island from West Virginia Wicked Tulips was born and they decided to merge the two endeavors. The couple has been importing bulbs from Holland since 2009 and are now growing their own.
The flower farm is located within the boundaries of 744 acre Snake Den State Park. This historic farm was founded in 1789 and has been maintained as a working farm for over 200 years. The park is named for a canyon-like fissure on the park grounds and is comprised of both farmland and woodland. There are even two old cemeteries within the property where members of the Dame and Steere families are buried who previously owned the farm.
A Wicked Good Time
When you get to the farm you will park and check-in. When I initially got there, there was a huge line, but when I was leaving people could just walk right in. It just depends on the time and the day that you go and how many other people decided to go at that time. At check-in, you will be given a token that is to let the cashiers know on your way out that you purchased a ticket and get 10 tulips. When you enter the field, the farm is divided into two sections: the show garden and the "u-pick" areas. You cannot pick any of the flowers in the show garden which is clearly marked with entrances and black ropes. They encourage you to stay as long as you want and take lots of photos while you're picking your flowers. You don't need to bring any scissors or clippers, they will instruct you how to pick the tulips. You just grab the stem as close to the ground as possible and yank. You can bring your own basket or bucket, or they do let you borrow some of theirs to help you carry your flowers. Once you have found your perfect tulips, you can wrap them up at the "Self-Service Wrapping" area. They also have vases available for purchase if you have a long ride home and need to give them a little drink. We just brought one of our own. Be sure to cut the stems of your flowers when you get home so that they will be able to drink the water that you put them in.
Tickets and Additional Information
Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly and there are no additional tickets available! You have to purchase them online and they are only available to purchase 7 days ahead so that they don't disappoint people and have to issue refunds. Tickets include entry and 10 tulips, you can pick additional tulips for $1/stem after that. They are open rain or shine so make sure you check the weather and dress appropriately. You can visit them 7 days a week from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
They are currently expecting that they will be open until mid-late May, so don't wait! They have a "Bloom Report" on their website with frequent updates. You can find that here.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm | 90 Brown Avenue Johnston, Rhode Island |