Warm winter pushes WA's Skagit Valley tulips into early bloom
Tulips begin blooming early in Skagit Valley ahead of festival
Tulips are already starting to bloom in Skagit Valley on the first day of spring, marking one of the earliest blooms on record. Growers say warm winter conditions have shifted the timing, with daffodils and tulips overlapping as the annual Tulip Festival approaches April 1.
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - On the first day of spring, tulips are already beginning to bloom across the Skagit Valley, signaling one of the earliest starts to the season in recent years and an early boost for the region’s signature festival.
Growers say the timing stands out compared to recent seasons.
"Definitely the earliest of the last decade," said Brent Roozen, tulip grower at Roozengaarde. "We’re trending a lot earlier than last year."
Unusual bloom patterns in the fields
Color is already appearing across the fields, but not in the typical order.
Roozen said a warmer winter has shifted which varieties are blooming first.
Typically, the red ‘Lalibela’ variety is the first to bloom, but this year the orange ‘Cash’ has emerged ahead of it, a shift growers say can happen when extreme weather causes different varieties to respond differently.
This year’s bloom is also expected to overlap more with daffodils.
"When the tulips start to bloom, we’re going to have late-blooming daffodil varieties joining them," pointed out Brent. "You’ll get a little bit of tulip color, a little bit of daffodil color."
Festival already drawing global interest
Organizers say the early bloom is already attracting attention from visitors around the world.
"Obviously, in March, we’re known for our daffodils and then April’s kind of tulips," said Nicole Roozen. "But this year it’s a really nice blend of both of those, kind of coming together."
Last year, about 450,000 visitors came to the area for the festival, generating roughly $50 million in economic impact.
Roozen said interest is already building ahead of this year’s event.
New experiences planned for 2026
What we know:
While the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival officially runs April 1 through April 30, organizers say they are adapting to the early bloom.
This year’s festival will include returning favorites like the parade and art show in La Conner, along with expanded offerings.
"We are really hoping to deepen the tulip festival experience in a few different ways," said Nicole.
That includes new evening events, such as floral arrangement classes paired with food and drinks.
Even with the official start date still days away, organizers and growers say now may be one of the best times to visit.
"We really try to push that message to come early," said Nicole.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Gov. Ferguson signs bill changing WA legal language away from 'alien'
More than 100 Kent, WA workers to be laid off by Rise Baking
WA AG joins lawsuit against OneMain Financial, alleging bait-and-switch scheme
Chateau Ste Michelle Summer 2026 concert lineup announced
Former WA resident says she was victim of alleged License Express flaw
FBI adds WA double-murder suspect Samuel Ramirez Jr. to Most Wanted List
Loved ones still reeling after deadly Key Peninsula, WA stabbings: ‘Never saw that coming from him’
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan.