Discover the fascinating world of tulips, a true Dutch icon. Learn about their rich history, colorful varieties, symbolic meanings, and expert care tips. Plus, explore the exciting tradition of Tulip Day.

Tulips are a timeless symbol of the Netherlands, admired worldwide for their vibrant colors and rich history. Though often associated with Dutch culture, these flowers have an intriguing background that stretches far beyond the Netherlands. In this blog, we'll uncover the tulip's fascinating journey, explore popular varieties, and provide practical care tips to help you enjoy their beauty to the fullest.

Tulips

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The History

From Turkey to tulip fever
The word 'tulip' comes from the Latin word 'Tulipa,' meaning "the flower that resembles a turban." In the 16th century, tulips were cultivated and traded in Turkey, where men often wore turbans, hence the name. Tulips became extremely valuable during the 'tulip fever' of the 17th century, where prices soared and collapsed in a famous economic bubble.

Classic Dutch Flower

The iconic symbol of the Netherlands
The tulip is a true symbol of the Netherlands. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the country to admire the vibrant tulip fields. However, did you know that tulips originally didn’t come from the Netherlands? Let's explore the fascinating history of the tulip and discover some beautiful varieties.

The Tulip’s importance

The Netherlands' floral pride
Today, tulips remain an iconic flower in the Netherlands. The country exports nearly 2.5 billion tulip bulbs each year, reinforcing its image as the land of tulips, windmills, and clogs. The northern region of Noord-Holland boasts the largest bulb fields in the world, attracting countless tourists annually.

Tulip day

Celebrating the start of tulip season
Tulip Day is held annually on the third Saturday of January to mark the start of the tulip season. A vibrant tulip-picking garden is set up in Amsterdam’s Museumplein, attracting over 17,000 visitors who can pick a free bouquet of tulips. On January 20, 2024, DJ Hardwell unveiled his own tulip variety, introducing the special "Hardwell" tulip to the public.

Care tips

for professionals
Tulips tend to grow crooked, but you can prevent this by wrapping them tightly in paper to keep them firm. When placed in water, tulips can grow an additional 5 to 15 cm. Store them in cool conditions to prevent rapid growth. Use clean and dry working areas to avoid botrytis. When arranging tulips in bouquets, place the stems slightly lower than other flowers since they will continue to grow.

Tulips in Space

Bringing beauty beyond Earth
Fun fact: Did you know that tulip bulbs have even traveled to space? As part of a scientific experiment, tulip bulbs were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to study their growth behavior in zero gravity. This fascinating project showcased tulips as not just iconic in culture, but also intriguing subjects for scientific exploration.

Colors & meanings

Express emotions with vibrant hues
Tulips come in a variety of colors, each symbolizing different emotions:

Red Tulips: Loyalty, friendship, and true love.

Pink Tulips: Luck and elegance — perfect for wishing someone well.

Purple Tulips: Represent royal dignity and peace.

Orange Tulips: Symbolize enthusiasm and are closely tied to Dutch heritage.

Yellow Tulips: Represent warmth, pleasure, and joy — ideal for cheering someone up.

White Tulips: Symbolize forgiveness and are a meaningful way to say "sorry."

Tulip varieties

A bloom for every taste
Our webshop offers a diverse range of tulips, including:

Single Tulip: The classic tulip, available in all colors except blue.

Double Tulip: With double petals, this variety offers extra volume and a fuller appearance.

Parrot Tulip: Known for its frayed petals and striking colors.

Fringed Tulip: Distinguished by fringed petals with a crystal-like shine.
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