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All About: Tulips
A tried and true flower fan-favorite for hundreds of years, there are over 3,000 different varieties of tulips so it is nearly impossible to not find a few you love. Let's delve into their origin, how to grow and care for them, and some fun facts about these charming blooms, all from the perspective of a florist (aka me!).
Name and Origin
Tulips are native to Central Asia and Turkey and have been cultivated for centuries. The name "tulip" is thought to have originated from the Persian word "dulband," which means turban, possibly due to the flower's resemblance to a turban. Tulips belong to the genus Tulipa and are part of the lily family (Liliaceae).
Growing and Cultivating
Tulips thrive in Missouri's climate and are generally considered easy to grow, making them popular choices for gardeners of all skill levels! Here's how to grow them in your midwest garden:
Ensure your soil drains well and is rich in nutrients. Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, about 4-6 inches deep and spaced about 4-6 inches apart. They prefer cool conditions and full sun.
Tulips grow from bulbs, which should be planted pointy-side up. Water the bulbs after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Once tulips emerge, they need regular watering. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Tulips typically bloom in spring, from March to May, depending on the variety and local climate.
(They're currently in season! Purchase locally grown tulips from flower farmers in Springfield through the Missouri Flower Exchange )
After blooming, allow the foliage to yellow and wither naturally before removing it. This allows the bulb to store energy for next year's growth.
When are they ready to be harvested?
For the longest vase life, it's best to harvest tulip blooms is when the buds are fully colored but still closed, resembling a rounded oval shape. The stems should be firm, and the flowers should be showing color but not fully opened. This stage ensures that the tulips will continue to open and last longer in the vase. It's best to harvest tulips in the early morning or late afternoon when they are well-hydrated and the temperatures are cooler, as this helps to minimize stress on the flowers and prolong their vase life.
Tulips as a Cut Flower
Tulips are beloved for their timeless beauty and versatility as cut flowers. They are one of the most highly requested flowers I work with as a floral designer. Proper care for these guys is pertinent to their lifespan. Ideally, the stems should be trimmed (use these clippers) at an angle, all leaves removed and the flower immediately placed into cool, clean water in a clean vase or 3.5 gallon bucket (3.5 is usually perfect height for tulip stems). To maximize the amount of time you get to enjoy your tulips, I recommend trimming the stems at an angle, dipping them in this hydrating solution, then placing them into cool, clean water in a clean vase or bucket with good quality flower food mixed in. It's important to change the water frequently to keep bacteria growth at bay. I recommend changing it about every two days. Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, away from windows, heaters, AC vents and fans. Give the stems a fresh trim every three or four days to reopen their vessels and encourage them to drink more- if they begin to wilt you can use the hydration solution again and they may perk back up for a bit.
Did you know that fresh cut tulips continue growing in height for sometimes several days even after being placed in a vase? If you receive them in an arrangement, you may have to trim them down if they’re getting out of hand– and no, you’re not crazy for thinking they look longer than they were when you got them.
Animal lovers beware- tulips (primarily the bulbs) are unfortunately poisonous to your pets. While dogs usually can't reach your treasured vase of flowers, your kitchen-counter-loving kitties might get sick if they eat these blooms.
Fun Facts about Tulips
As symbols of love, springtime, and new beginnings, tulips are an extremely popular flower for weddings and celebrations across the globe. Around 88-90% of the world's commercially sold tulips are harvested from the Netherlands each year. This country is famous for its tulip fields and festivals, where millions of bulbs are cultivated and celebrated each year. In fact, tulips were once more valuable than gold in the Netherlands (Holland) during the "tulip mania" craze of the 17th century, when tulip bulbs were traded at exorbitant prices. At the height of the craze, tulip bulbs were traded on exchanges, and prices skyrocketed to extraordinary levels with some rare tulip varieties commanding prices equivalent to a year's salary or even a small house. The market eventually collapsed in 1637, leading to a dramatic economic downturn known as the Tulip Crash. Despite its short-lived nature, tulip mania remains one of the most famous economic bubbles in history.
There are over 3,000 registered varieties of tulips, each with its unique color, shape, and size.
Some of my favorite varieties include parrot tulips, double tulips, peony tulips, and fringed tulips. With colors ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to soft pinks, and purples, petal varieties like parrot, peony, double, fringed and more, I absolutely adore these fun flowers. Here are a few of my favorites. Check out Floret Flowers library for more amazing information and photos of tulip varieties.
Where to find local flowers around Springfield, Missouri:
For enjoyment and education visit…
Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
For flower farms, gardens and greenhouses you can purchase from (or also just enjoy) visit/contact…
LINKS to floral and garden products I LOVE:
Floral Clippers I always keep these in my car incase I find some flowers I can forage! Always double check to make sure they aren't someone's private property :)
Gardening Shears/Heavy Duty Bunch Cutters - These are ideal for thicker/woody stems.
3.5 Gallon Buckets These are the ideal size for shorter stemmed cut flowers like ranunculus, tulips, anemones, daffodils, etc.
5 Gallon Bucket These are ideal for longer stemmed flowers like stock, snapdragon, larkspur, roses, branches and greenery of any kind.
Fresh Flower Preservation - Spray on flowers after cut to keep moisture in flower petals, extending their life and vibrancy-- it really works. I use it all the time.
Flower Hydration Treatment - Dip freshly cut stems into this solution immediately after a fresh trim to provide instant hydration, maximum solution uptake and nutrient retention-- kind of like electrolytes for flowers? I use it 24/7 and I've seen it revive dying stems!
The best, puncture proof Gardening Gloves
The most functional Gardening Apron
LINKS to my SPRING ESSENTIALS:
Floral Rainboots I am obsessed with.
The prettiest Spring Kitchen Apron
...and coordinating Kitchen Hand Towels!!
My FAVORITE Floral Sweater Set It is seriously the softest, prettiest material!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you use my recommended links to purchase products, I receive a percentage of commissions! I will never recommend products simply to sell, I will always recommend products I love/want and products I use. Thank you!
Some of my favorite general resources on local flowers and gardening:
Missouri Flower Exchange
Rooted Farmers
Missouri Dept of Conservation
Master Gardeners of Greene County
Christian County Master Gardeners
Missouri Invasive Plant Council
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