Tulips

Tulips are beautifully scented blooms that possess six petals.  The goblet-shaped variety of tulips are the most popular tulips in the world, but there are many other tulip varieties that possess, jagged, ruffled and/or striped petals.  In fact, there are over 100 unique species of tulips worldwide.  Thus, tulips not only stand as beautiful blooms in any garden, they also offer a gardener an endless variety to choose from!

Tulips are loved across the board and are often purchased as fresh cut flowers and potted plants.  Tulips are often thought of as canonical.  The term “canonical” refers directly to the wide acceptance and admiration of the species and in pertaining to the tulip, such a term is more than appropriate.

 Interestingly, although this species is well known, there are still several widely believed misconceptions pertaining to the history of this beloved bloom.  First, many people falsely believe that tulips are native to the Netherlands: specifically Holland.  Secondly, there are some vague ideas as to the actual history of the tulip and how the bloom was successfully spread in many European countries.

Despite the common misconception that tulips owe their native origins to Holland, tulips are actually native to several countries including Africa, Anatolia, Asia, China, Europe, Iran, and Japan.  What’s more, tulips are the officially named national flower of both Iran and Turkey.  Nevertheless, the Netherlands are one of the primary cultivators of this historically loved flower; hence, the common misconception of the tulip’s natural origin.

Tulips sprout from bulbs planted in the months between September and early November. Bulbs are akin to a tiny replica of a fully matured tulip plant; a bulb houses an immature tulip plant, one that is encased in what is called a tunic, inside thick leaves.  The leaves that embrace the protected plant help keep the plant safe while it receives the nourishment it requires from its encasement. 

Once a tulip bulb is planted in the soil, the bulb begins forming a root system.  During the winter months, tulips remain dormant beneath the frozen soil.  Once the first thaw hits however, the moisture supplied by the thawing of both snow and ice help nurture tulips into full bloom.

Tulips do not grow in tropical areas as they require a passage through one season of winter to initiate their growth cycle.  Conversely, tulips can be grown by creating illusory climatic conditions; the practice of “forcing” tulip bulbs to sprout is quite common.  Further, such “forcing” involves tricking the tulip bulb into sprouting by exposing it to climatic changes similar to the winter season.  Thus, some tulip cultivators freeze tulip bulbs for a period of time and then plant them.

Tulips grow in a variety of shapes and colors.   Some of the most common colors include fuchsia, orange, yellow, white, and the ever-popular red varieties.  What’s more, many tulips grow with multi-colored patterns and designs.  Further, despite the fact that tulips grow in a vast array of hues, there are no tulips that are blue.  Finally, while the most popular tulips often possess petals that are rounded, many other species grow with pointy-tipped petals and ruffled edges.