HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A Henderson County orchard is ushering in spring by giving visitors a different way to experience the season — walking through rows of blooming tulips and picking their own bouquets.
At Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, Tulip Blossom Days return for the 2026 season, offering a colorful, family-friendly activity just as winter gives way to warmer weather.
The orchard’s tulip fields feature a wide mix of classic and unique varieties, allowing visitors to gather their own arrangements straight from the ground. Guests can pick as many blooms as they like, with containers provided or the option to bring their own. No clippers are needed.
Organizers say the experience is designed to be accessible and affordable, appealing to visitors of all ages. In addition to the u-pick fields, the event includes outdoor games, picnic areas and fire pits, along with a pop-up shop featuring items from the orchard’s Apple House.
Tulip Blossom Days started last weekend and will continue Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The season typically lasts three to four weekends, depending on bloom conditions.
The orchard’s website says the idea for the tulip fields traces back nearly a decade, when members of the Stepp family visited the Netherlands and were inspired by its iconic flower culture. After experimenting with small plantings, the orchard has expanded its operation each year. For the current season, tens of thousands of bulbs in a range of colors — from bold reds to soft pastels — are expected to bloom in succession.
Growing tulips in Western North Carolina comes with challenges, including weather conditions, wildlife and plant disease. Orchard staff rotate fields annually and adjust planting techniques to maintain healthy crops.
While the tulip fields are a draw, visitors should note that pets are not allowed in the picking areas, shop or workshop spaces.
Other places to see tulips around Asheville
For those looking to take in more spring blooms, several destinations across the Asheville area offer tulip displays ranging from large-scale gardens to quieter natural settings.
The most prominent is Biltmore Estate, where the annual spring season transforms the Walled Garden with tens of thousands of tulips. The display is part of the estate’s broader seasonal event and typically peaks from late March through April, drawing visitors from across the region.
Another option is North Carolina Arboretum, which features a variety of spring blooms, including tulips in select garden areas depending on the year. The arboretum offers a more relaxed setting with walking trails and mountain views.
Smaller-scale displays can also be found throughout Asheville, including public garden beds, downtown planters and neighborhood landscapes, though these plantings vary from season to season.
Peak tulip viewing in the region generally begins in late March, with the most vibrant displays appearing in early to mid-April before fading later in the month.
