All About Tulips – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

History of Tulips

Most people think that Tulips originated from Holland. But actually, the Tulips originated from Turkey. Laleh, the Turkish word for Tulips actually grows madly there. The Latin word for Tulip which is “Tulipa” which means turban. If you noticed, the shape of Tulips resembles that of a turban. But according to some historians, Tulips were cultivated in Persia during the 10th century where the fashion and poetry were first inspired.

But it is in the Netherlands where the Tulips boomed and even made a huge economic impact on them on what would be known as the Tulip Mania. It was actually a period in the Dutch Golden Age where the cost of Tulips bulbs bubbled to 44,000 USD. This mania actually led the Dutch citizens in Holland to sell their houses just to buy fields of Tulip Plants because they believe that it is an excellent investment. But shortly thereafter, the prices of Tulips went down and collapsed. However, Holland is still the number one producer and exporter of Tulips in the market.

Meaning of Tulips

Tulips symbolize first love. There is no better way to profess your love to someone for the first time than giving her a hand bouquet of tulips. This flower is ideal to give to someone whom you passionately love. The red ones to be exact are as powerful as the common red roses. When you want to profess your strong feeling to someone, then this is a perfect choice. This is available for same day flower delivery anywhere in Singapore.

But throughout ancient history, Tulips differ in meaning. For Victorians, they symbolize Tulips as for charity, while for Turkish people, it symbolizes paradise on earth. Meanwhile, for the Dutch, it signifies death.

Facts About Tulips

There are about 3,000 varieties of Tulips growing around the world. They also vary from different kinds such as single flowers to double flowers, as well as in its form like ruffled, fringed, lily-shaped and many more. It also varies in colors like pink, purple, pinkish purple, and a lot more. 

But did you know that Tulips are part of the Liliaceae family and they have 109 species growing around the world and each has a common name? They grow from a single to double stem with at least 2 leaves for every flower. Each tulip can grow as high as 71 cm.

How To Take Care of Your Tulip Bouquet

1. Use a longer vase. Tulips naturally grow upwards for about two inches especially when you put them inside a vase. So pick a longer vase to stretch them out and that will cover the tulips at least half of its height. You can buy a hand bouquet of Tulips from an online florist today with just one tap away.

2. Put less water. Tulips absorb more water so you don’t need to fill the whole vase to the top, put less water because it will give them more life. Ideally, use cold fresh water. Don’t forget to change the water every other day.

3. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Once you are done, do not re-cut them. Always remember that Tulips grow after you cut their stems and put them in a vase. Make sure that you cut them according to the length that you like and hold the flower bouquet to the side of the vase. Put the Tulips inside the vase one at a time. Do not put them all together. Leave some enough space for everyone to breathe otherwise the petals will fall out easily.

4. Place them in the right spot. Avoid direct sunlight as this will cause them to wilt faster. Tulips are known to be photosensitive because once they are open, they are already prone to wilting. So make sure you stay them away from heat or in front of a window.

5. Change the water every 2 days. Remove also dead and excess foliage at least every other day. Tulips have a tendency of drooping once they are not taken care of properly. Once you see the tulips drooping, you may insert a pin below the head of the stem to create holes to let the air escape and keep the water flowing.

How To Take Care of Tulip Plants

1. Once you are done planting your Tulips, immediately put water on them. Tulips need enough watering to encourage healthy growth. But after that, do not put water on them, until you start seeing the leaves grow then you can start pouring a minimal amount of water.

• But the only exception where you can water your Tulips even if the leaves haven’t grown yet is when there’s a dry spell, especially in tropical countries. You can sprinkle water on them but not too much.

3. But if it has been raining for many days in your area, remove any excess water around the area where you plant your Tulips. Tulips should not be allowed to remain in standing water because this will prevent their growth.

4. Do not forget to fertilize your Tulips from time to time, and depending on the season. Fertilize them at the beginning of Fall and the beginning of Spring to encourage growth. Since Tulips are perennial plants, it is important to fertilize them. During winter, Tulips start to hibernate that’s why it is important that they get enough nutrients from fertilizers. You can buy fertilizer from your local Flower delivery.