Value:  68¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue:  March 24, 2022
First Day City:  Mount Vernon, Washington
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset, Microprint
Format:  Panes of 20

Why the stamp was issued:  Designed as an elegant stamp option for wedding RSVP envelopes but suitable for any one-ounce, first-class mail letter.

About the stamp design:  Features a digital photograph capturing a cluster of overlapping red, orange, yellow, purple, and white tulips against a white background. Digital photography by Harold Davis.

First Day City:  While there was no official First Day of Issue Ceremony for this stamp, the First Day of Issue postmark originated from Mount Vernon, Washington, home to the renowned Skagit Valley Tulip Festival held annually in April.

History the stamp represents:  Tulips symbolize the arrival of warmer weather and add vibrant colors to gardens or backyards. They emerge in early spring following the bloom of species like snowdrops and crocuses.

For gardening advice, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is a valuable resource, offering guidance on planting times, soil types, and more. To create a tulip display, the first step is planting bulbs in early autumn before the ground freezes. Plant bulbs soon after purchase, as they don’t store like seed packets. Bulbs should be planted in well-draining soil, four to six inches apart, with each hole six to eight inches deep, roughly three times the bulb’s height. Once planted, tulips require minimal attention, allowing them to blossom in the spring.

Beyond the garden, tulips can enhance indoor spaces when cut and placed in a vase. For optimal longevity, make diagonal cuts and keep them in cool, fresh water. This simple practice extends their lifespan, enabling you to enjoy the beauty of your garden both indoors and outdoors.