Scientific Name: Tulipa
Origin: Southern Europe & Central Asia
Current Status: Popular throughout the world in the garden and as a cut flower
Tulip Mania
Tulips originated in Persia, but were first popularized in the Netherlands in the 1600s sparking Tulip Mania.
Many Species
There are over 150 species of tulips and thousands of shades and subspecies.
Lifecycle of a Bulb
Each year the tulip bulb dies and is replaced by one or several others that can be dug up, separated, and replanted in fall.
Refrigerator Flowers
Tulips that grow outside of areas with cold winters often have to refrigerate their bulbs to cool them before planting in the spring.
Another Inch To Go!
Tulips will continue to grow in the vase after they’ve been cut, using a ton of water!
A Lily At Heart
Tulips are an often spring-flowering part of the lily family!
Additional Fun Facts about Tulips:
- During Tulip Mania, it’s thought that the cost of 1 bulb was as high as 2X that of the average house and 10X the average annual salary.
- Tulips come in almost all colors of the rainbow.
- In New England’s climate, tulips should be planted in the fall and in well-drained soil, about 4-6 inches apart.
- Tulips will cross-pollinate in your garden with the help of bees, watch them slowly change colors of the years of mixing pollen!
BeeExplorer 