Utah Tulip Festival Faces Unpredictable Weather Challenges

Sudden temperature swings threaten 250,000 tulips at Larsen Family Farms display

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting depicting a field of vibrant tulips in the foreground being dwarfed by a dramatic, moody sky filled with ominous clouds, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.As unpredictable weather patterns threaten the delicate blooms of the Utah Tulip Festival, the resilience of local farmers is tested against the sublime forces of nature.Spanish Fork Today

The Utah Tulip Festival in Spanish Fork is set to open amidst a season of volatile weather, with a field of 250,000 tulips at Larsen Family Farms caught between an early spring heatwave and a potential overnight freeze. Owners Kara Lewis and Rex Larsen are adjusting to the unpredictable conditions, advising visitors to come see the tulips as soon as possible before the weather takes a turn.

Why it matters

Tulip festivals are a popular spring tradition in Utah, drawing thousands of visitors to admire the colorful blooms. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change poses a growing threat to these delicate flowers and the livelihoods of the farmers who cultivate them.

The details

Larsen Family Farms, a long-established local farm, has ventured into tulips for the first time, creating a five-acre display of 250,000 tulips. An early spring heatwave with temperatures nearing 90 degrees last week caused the flowers to develop faster than expected. Now, a sudden drop in temperatures has brought a new threat, as the tulips can be damaged if the temperature drops below 27 degrees.

  • Last week, temperatures neared 90 degrees, causing the tulips to develop faster than expected.
  • Tonight, a freeze warning is in effect, with temperatures potentially dropping below 27 degrees.

The players

Kara Lewis

Owner of Larsen Family Farms, which is displaying 250,000 tulips for the Utah Tulip Festival.

Rex Larsen

Owner of Larsen Family Farms and Kara Lewis' father, who has been working on the family's generational farm for 73 years.

Larsen Family Farms

A long-established local farm that has ventured into tulips for the first time, creating a five-acre display of 250,000 tulips for the Utah Tulip Festival.

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What they’re saying

“The tulips can handle the rain, but we're worried about the frost coming tonight.”

— Kara Lewis, Owner, Larsen Family Farms

“The winter that we've had and that dry weather last week... I never remember it being that bad.”

— Rex Larsen, Owner, Larsen Family Farms

“There is some gamble and some risk, but also some rewards when it works. We're learning as we're going, but we're excited, and we'll have fun.”

— Rex Larsen, Owner, Larsen Family Farms

What’s next

The Utah Tulip Festival is scheduled to open to the public on Monday, and given the unpredictable conditions, Kara Lewis advises visitors not to wait and to come out as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This season's weather volatility highlights the growing challenges that farmers face due to climate change, as they must constantly adapt to unpredictable conditions to protect their crops and livelihoods. The Utah Tulip Festival's struggle to navigate these challenges underscores the need for greater support and resilience-building measures to help local agriculture thrive in the face of a changing climate.