Thistles Flower Market has announced an expanded collaboration with Nunnikhoven Farm for the 90th Anniversary of Pella’s Tulip Time. The partnership with Nunnikhoven Farm began four years ago when Thistles first purchased their fresh cut tulips. In honor of the Tulip Time anniversary, Thistles will purchase 5,500 tulips from Nunnikhoven Farm that will allow them to provide special bulbs with the tulip attached during this year’s event. Thistles owner Alie Muller-Heit says a unique bulb and bloom combination complements the 2025 Tulip Time anniversary theme, “Our Heritage in Bloom.”
“As we celebrate the 90th year of Tulip Time, we’re thrilled to bring something truly special to our visitors,” says Muller-Heit. “In celebration of Tulip Time, guests can purchase tulip bulbs with the bloom still attached—a beautiful keepsake they can take home the very same day. These unique take-home tulips not only let guests carry a piece of Tulip Time with them, but the bulb itself can be planted again this fall, ready to bloom in Spring 2026. It’s a living souvenir—rooted in tradition, yet blooming toward the future.”
These bulbs will be available at Thistles main store, located on the west side of the square, and from special tulip carts positioned throughout the town. In addition, the owners of Thistles Flower Market and Nunnikhoven Farm will offer “Bulbs, Blooms & Bouquets” master classes leading up to and during Tulip Time that will include the history of tulip bulbs, bulb types, planting for success, and tips for arranging tulips into a bouquet. The master classes will be offered free to the public with seating on a first come, first serve basis. Standing room will also be available. The tulip cart and master class locations/dates are below:
Tulip Cart Locations (May 1-3):
• Central Park (720 Franklin Street, next to the Avenue of Tulips)
• Sunken Gardens Park (located two blocks north of the square on Main Street)
• The Klokkenspel (625 Franklin Street)
Bulbs, Blooms & Bouquets Master Class Dates and Locations:
• Thursday, May 1 at 10 a.m. (Thistles Flower Market) & 11:30 a.m. (Central Park)
• Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. (Thistles Flower Market) & 11:30 a.m. (Central Park)
• Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. (Thistles Flower Market) & 11:30 a.m. (Central Park)
Thistles Flower Market is also unveiling a new website available to customers nationwide devoted to ordering tulip bulbs, PellaTulipBulbs.com. The website offers several tulip varieties including two rare bulb exclusives, “Nightmare” and “Giant Orange Sunset,” sourced directly from the Netherlands. Also available is the latest addition to the blend program, “Marcy,” a combination of three varieties, “Sun Lover,” “Double Negrita,” and “Purple Dream,” and features varying colors from solid yellow to orange to red. Customers should order by July 31 to ensure delivery for fall planting.
Visit thistlesflowermarket.com and sign up for Thistle’s e-newsletter and follow the store on social media for a complete list of special Tulip Time store events and activities.