Of all the bulbous plants, the tulip is without a doubt the most popular. Tulips are grown on an extremely large scale, especially in the Netherlands where their history goes back to the end of the sixteenth century. That was when the first tulips were noticed growing in the vicinity of Leiden. Now, more than 400 years later, billions of tulips are being cultivated, the vast majority of them being exported from Holland. This goes not only for dry bulb sales but also for the cut flowers produced from the tulip bulbs. These cut flowers, available year-round in principle, are most in demand from November to May. The “garden tulips” are the result of hybridization in which the species Tulipa gesneriana played an important role. Now there are more than 3,000 cultivated varieties registered, more being added each year to replace older ones.
The tulip is the ultimate symbol of Dutch flower bulb culture and the perfect harbinger of spring. With their wide variety of shapes and colors, tulips add a festive and colorful accent to any garden, balcony, or terrace. Whether you plant a large border full of tulips or group several pots together, you can easily create your very own “mini Keukenhof.”
Tulips are also easy to combine. By planting different types with varying flowering times, you can enjoy their beauty over a long period, from the earliest bloomers in March to the late varieties in May.
