Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

129 other cultivars

bulb corm tuber

Orca Tulip

Tulipa x hybrida 'Orca'

The Story

Plant Bio

Tulipa x hybrida 'Orca' is a compact, sturdy Double Early Tulip that produces large, peony-like double flowers on short stems.

The fragrant flowers open in a pale honey-orange and mature to a vibrant, deep tangerine-orange. With its short, strong stems, it is highly wind-resistant and excellent for borders, containers, or forcing.

Uses & Benefits:

Tulipa tarda Orca offers delicate white blossoms that brighten spring gardens and attract pollinators.

Its hardy nature makes it suitable for low-maintenance naturalized planting.

Supports early spring pollinators and enhances biodiversity.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

Width

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate during growth, dry in summer

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Bulbs are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a well-draining sandy or loamy soil for planting.
Tuck bulbs 4-6 inches deep in the soil in early fall.
Mist the soil lightly to settle the bulbs and remove air pockets.
Water regularly during active growth, avoiding waterlogging.
Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming.
Mulch lightly to protect bulbs during winter.

Pro Tip

Plant tulipa tarda Orca in full sun for the best flowering display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water moderately during the growing season 🌱
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
Do not disturb bulbs after planting
Never plant in heavy clay soil without amendments

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock garden accentSpring border with vibrant colorNaturalized meadow planting

Companion Plants

Crocus Muscari Scilla Narcissus Puschkinia scilloides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Orca Tulip questions

What zones can Orca Tulip grow in?

Orca Tulip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Orca Tulip deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Orca Tulip, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Orca Tulip bloom?

Orca Tulip typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Orca Tulip need full sun?

Orca Tulip does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Orca Tulip drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Orca Tulip handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.