One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of tulips through the snowy ground. For those in the north, this moment is cherished after a long, cold winter. For other parts of the country, it simply marks the arrival of spring and the opening of tulips. If you’re not familiar with tulips, read on—they have a fascinating history!
Tulip History
Though tulips are often associated with Holland, they are not actually native to the country. The tulip’s story began in 1593 when a botanist named Carolus Clusius is believed to have planted the first tulip bulb in Holland for medicinal study. Clusius, who had studied botany in several countries, brought several bulbs with him to Holland. He planted a small garden, and when the tulips blossomed, they attracted significant attention. His neighbors were eager to get their hands on the bulbs, but Clusius refused to sell them.
The exact type of tulip Clusius used remains uncertain, though it was likely red with a small yellow or black center. The tulips became immensely popular, and demand skyrocketed. One night, his garden was broken into, and the bulbs were stolen, sparking the creation of the Dutch Tulip Trade. The stolen bulbs were sold, and over time, the tulip trade flourished, with bulbs multiplying and spreading across the country.
The tulip’s value soared so much that people went bankrupt trying to buy them. Due to their high value, tulips were often not planted in gardens to avoid theft. In fact, the tulip trade is often credited with ruining several businessmen when the tulip market collapsed. Speculation and poor-quality bulbs caused the economy to crash, and tulips lost their value. However, once the bubble burst, people began planting them again.
Today, with demand and production in balance, more than half of Holland’s farmland is dedicated to growing tulip bulbs. Tulips have become one of the country’s most significant industries, with over a billion tulips sent to the United States and other places around the world each year. While tulips are grown in other regions, Holland remains the world’s largest supplier and boasts the most diverse collection of heirloom tulip breeds.
Where to Get Tulip Bulbs
Tulip bulbs are available from a variety of sources, but the quality can vary. Home improvement and garden supply stores typically offer a wide range of tulip colors and styles. However, these bulbs may come from other countries that may not adhere to high quality standards, and the prices may be lower as a result. Be sure to carefully examine your bulbs before purchasing to ensure they’re of good quality.
Mail-order catalogs and online flower sites also carry a vast selection of tulip bulbs. When shopping online, ensure the site has a clear return policy, especially if you receive damaged goods. Prices and shipping costs can vary, so inquire about any additional fees before placing an order. Just because a bulb is more expensive doesn’t guarantee better quality, so look for customer reviews or references to gauge the seller’s reliability.
Where Tulips Grow
Tulips are perennial bulbs that require cold winter months to remain dormant and grow again in the spring. Therefore, they do not thrive in tropical climates. However, you can grow them indoors by placing them in cold storage for a few months. While this can work for one or two seasons, the tulips may not last as long or grow as large as those planted outdoors.
How to Select Tulip Bulbs
A healthy tulip bulb should have several dry, brown layers that protect it, along with some small roots at the bottom. The bulb should feel firm with no soft or dark spots, which could indicate rot. It should also be dry, not damp or wet. The size of the bulb varies depending on the type of tulip. Dwarf tulip bulbs are typically 1-2 inches in size, while larger varieties can be 3-5 inches across. If you find a smaller bulb mixed in with larger ones of the same variety, it’s likely not healthy.
Tulip Varieties
Tulips come in over one hundred species, offering a wide range of colors and sizes. You can find tulips in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white, with centers that often feature yellow and black markings. The petals can be smooth and waxy, like traditional tulips, or soft and feathery, like some newer breeds. Some tulips have variegated petals, while others are solid-colored. Dwarf varieties grow to 4-6 inches tall, while others can reach 12-15 inches. No matter your preference, there’s a tulip variety for every gardener.
How to Plant Tulips
The best time to plant tulips is in the fall, although early spring works as well. Start by digging a hole several inches deep and loosening the surrounding soil. You may want to add compost to the bottom for better drainage and organic material. Place the bulb with the root side down and cover it with soil, packing it in lightly. You likely won’t need to water the bulb, as the rain and snow during the fall and winter will keep it moist until it starts growing in the spring. Space tulips 2-4 inches apart, and plant them in clumps or straight-line borders.
Care of Tulips
In spring, your tulips will bloom, and there’s not much you need to do other than admire them. If you want to bring some beauty indoors, cut the stems and place them in a vase, where they’ll last for a few days. The petals will eventually fall off, and the flowers will die.
As summer approaches, your tulips will stop blooming. The leaves will remain green, but there won’t be any new flowers. You can trim off the dead flower heads or leave them until fall.
In the fall, it’s time for some tulip maintenance. If the leaves haven’t already dried up, trim them back. After a few seasons, you’ll need to dig up the bulbs and separate them. As tulip bulbs grow, they can split into several smaller bulbs, allowing you to grow more tulips without buying new bulbs. Once separated, replace them back in the ground.
Tulip bulbs don’t need to be dug up and stored for the winter. In fact, if they were dug up, they wouldn’t bloom in the spring. However, if your area experiences harsh winters, you may want to cover them with mulch, leaves, or a plastic container. Just ensure that the container isn’t exposed to direct sunlight, as this could trick the bulbs into blooming prematurely.
Famous Tulips
Tulips are so beloved that several festivals are held in their honor every year. The Netherlands, where tulips are a national symbol, holds a massive Tulip Festival every spring to celebrate the blooming season. Vendors sell tulip-themed products, and the event features food, music, and activities.
In the United States, Holland, Michigan, also hosts an annual Tulip Festival in May. Known for having the largest number of tulips planted in Michigan, the city’s festival mimics its Dutch counterpart, with vendors, food, and family-friendly activities, all surrounded by the beauty of tulips in full bloom.
