From Tulip Mania to timeless elegance

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When you think of spring flowers full of life and tenderness, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the tulip. Tulip won the hearts of gardeners all over the world a long time ago, and it's no wonder. In this blog, we will tell you the history of tulips, the rules of their care, and introduce different types and their purpose.

History

The origin of tulips is associated with the mountainous regions of Central Asia, more specifically the Pamir and Tien-Shan regions. It is believed that wild tulip species appeared here 10-20 million years ago. The cultivation of tulips started in Persia, around the 10th century. Early cultivars most likely arose in gardens because of hybridization with other wild plants, which gardeners used to improve size or quality.

In Persian poetry and art, tulips had various meanings, often representing abundance and the perfect lover. In one of the exotic stories of Persian folklore dating back to the 6th century, it is said that tulips sprang from the blood of Farhad and Shireen, who loved each other but were not destined to be together.

Farhad, a humble stone cutter, adored Princess Shirin and wished to win her heart. But she wouldn't even see him. Farhad took his flute to the hills and composed wonderful music in honor of Princess Shirin. He fasted while pining for his love, and the villagers quickly made him the talk of the town. They saw Farhad's suffering and felt sorry for him, so they planned for the two to meet. Princess Shirin was escorted into the mountain forest by her courtesan, and she fell in love when she met Farhad and heard his music.

When the Shah learned that his only daughter had fallen for someone beneath her, he was furious. He could see she loved him, but he was adamant that she did not. He wasn't a moron; he knew that if he told her no, he'd lose her, so he developed a brilliant scheme. He ordered that Farhad, as a commoner, do a work that no man could complete. A duty that heroes would avoid, and only if he could complete it would he have any prospect of ever seeing his beloved princess again. He had Shirin ask Farhad this.

Princess Shirin went to Farhad and requested that he dig a canal through the hills' bedrock. But not just any canal; it had to be six lances broad and three lances deep, as well as forty miles long! Farhad didn't even blink as he grabbed his shovel and headed for the hills. For years, he worked ceaselessly. He worked on his shovel from dawn to dusk, creating the canal, and he was making good progress. The princess would pay him visits in secret, falling deeper and deeper in love.

Farhad's mission had nearly been accomplished when word reached the Shah. Shah sought advice from his astute Viziers. They conspired to send one of the princess's courtiers to inform Farhad that Shirin had died, believing that with a broken heart, he would give up and flee.

So, the courtesan was dispatched to inform Farhad that the princess had died. He didn't believe her at first, but he was soon persuaded. Then, overtaken with grief, Farhad killed himself with his spade, and his blood streamed into the canal.

When Princess Shirin heard the news, she hurried to the mountains to see whether it was true. She committed suicide after seeing him. Their scarlet blood pooled where they lay, and each drop formed a tulip. Assuring that their love will last forever.

Perhaps because of this story, the tulip rose to prominence as the most valuable flower in the Persian world. The tulip is still used as a symbol in the modern Iranian New Year celebration, Nowruz.

Tulips are not mentioned in ancient texts, so it is assumed that they spread to Anatolia after the Seljuks arrived. The Ottoman Empire bred a wide variety of tulips. Tulip was actively used in the Ottoman emperor's gardens.

Omar Khayyam and Jalal ad-Din Rumi mention tulips in their poems:

Like tulips in spring, your cup rises...

Omar Khayyam

December and January passed.

The tulips are coming up, it's time to watch,

How the trees sway in the wind

And roses never rest.

Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Sultan Hussein Baykara, the ruler of Khorasan, mentions the Tulip ("Lale") in one of the sources created before 1495. Tulips are mentioned in the Baburnama by Zakir ad-Din Muhammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire (a historical empire in the Indian subcontinent). Perhaps he was the one who brought the tulip from Afghanistan to the Indian plains, as well as melons and grapes. Turkey's official symbol is the tulip.

In the Ottoman Empire, the tulip held special cultural significance. The "Tulip Age" is even a term used to describe this time. This flower was cultivated not only for its beauty but also for its fragrance and medicinal properties.

Tulip was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but it is unknown who introduced it. According to one account, it should have been Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq, Ferdinand I's ambassador to the court of Suleiman I. According to his letter, he saw irresistible flowers in the Ottoman Empire: daffodils, hyacinths, and a flower called "Lale," and he saw them in the middle of winter, a season unfavorable to flowers.

Tulips became popular in the Netherlands in the late 16th century, particularly in the city of Leiden. The famous Dutch tulip industry then followed. The tulip became a status symbol, and demand for exotic and rare varieties skyrocketed.

This was followed by the "Tulip Mania" of the 1630s when tulip bulbs were sold at exorbitant prices. A single tulip bulb could be worth more than a house at the height of "tulip mania," making this the most speculative economic bubble in history. The tulip bubble finally burst in 1637, bankrupting many people almost overnight, but the flower remained a symbol of beauty and status in Dutch culture.

A symbol of Spring

The tulip is now considered a spring symbol. It is widely used in gardens, floral arrangements, events, festivals, and weddings. Tulips' adaptation to different climatic environments has allowed people all over the world to enjoy their beauty and wonderful temperature variation.

Caring for tulips

Tulips, as previously stated, can adapt to a variety of climatic conditions. Plant whatever you want in the garden or in a container, and follow these guidelines to keep your tulips healthy and beautiful:

Planting: Tulips prefer well-drained soil and an unobstructed view of the sun when planted. Plant the bulbs in the autumn, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This will give them enough time to establish themselves.
Depth: Plant the bulbs at a depth three times their height; for large bulbs, this will likely be 15cm, and for smaller bulbs, 10cm.
Watering: It is preferable to keep the soil moist but not saturated with water. Excessive moisture can cause rot in the bulb. Water sparingly in the dormant season (summer) and liberally in the growing season (spring).
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and again in the spring when the first leaves emerge.
Tulips should be kept away from pests such as aphids and snails. To protect your tulips from infection, take the necessary precautions.

Opening up

Tulips have an interesting feature in that they open and close daily. The term thermotropism refers to the plant's response to temperature changes. Tulips close their petals at night to conserve energy and protect pollen. When the temperature rises in the morning, the tulip breaks down to attract pollinators.

Other flowers exhibit thermotropism as well, but tulips stand out due to their vibrant colors and large blooms. Observing this fascinating process in your own garden is a pleasurable experience that brings nature's artists into your daily life.

Magical colors

Tulips come in a variety of colors, each with its own symbolism and appeal. Here are some examples of colors and their meanings:

Red tulips: Frequently associated with intense love and passion. Red tulips are a traditional way to express romantic feelings.
Yellow tulips: symbolize warmth and happiness, as well as sunshine and a happy mood.
White tulips: a symbol of purity and forgiveness, frequently used to decorate weddings and to express forgiveness.
Purple tulips: symbolize royalty and admiration.
Pink Tulips: symbolize passion, confidence, and gratitude.
Orange Tulips: The color of energy and enthusiasm, orange tulips add zest to life and adventure.
Black Tulips: These exotic and rare tulips symbolize strength and power.

Tulip colors

There are numerous varieties of tulips, each with its own set of characteristics. Here are a few examples of tulips:
You can buy tulips in "Lovely Rose" stores.

Darwin hybrids: This species is descended from earlier Darwin hybrids and is named after Charles Darwin, its discoverer. It is derived from the 'Tulipa Fostetiana' variety, which was named after Sir Michael Foster. In 1904 he obtained this species near Samarkand in Central Asia and introduced its bulbs to Europe. Darwin's hybrid is well-known for its size, is frequently used in public parks and landscapes, and is also suitable for bouquets and compositions, making it a popular choice among gardeners and florists. It is now primarily grown in the Netherlands.
Parrot Tulips: This flower's bud is green, but as it matures, brighter colors emerge. This species evolved from natural mutations of other species of triumph tulips. Attempts were made in the 17th and 18th centuries to produce different colors using pigeon droppings, old plaster, and even dirty kitchen wastewater. At this time, parrot tulips were developed in France and spread to Holland. This unusual species has serrated leaves that resemble parrot wings and has a stunning visual appeal.
Triumph Tulips: In the early twentieth century, a cross between Darwin's Tulip and Single Early Tulip resulted in this species. This species is known for its strong, durable stems and classic tulip shapes, in addition to its wide range of colors. It is an excellent choice for planting in the garden, along the fence, or in a container. This species comes in a variety of colors, including dark red and purple. Triumph tulips bloom in the spring and are popular in more formal gardens due to their classic appearance. Height ranges from 25.5 to 60.5 centimeters.
Fringed Tulips: The petals of these tulips have delicate, petioled ends, which will add elegance to your garden. His appearance is the result of a genetic mutation. It was invented in France in the 18th century and was later exported to the Netherlands, where it was refined further. It grows to about 50 centimeters in height and blooms from mid to late spring. Some tulips of this species are colorful; the petals and the rest of the leaf are different, giving it a more exotic appearance.
Lily-flowered tulips: This species was developed in the 1950s and has since become a popular garden flower. It has the graceful, pointed petals of a lily and a graceful, sophisticated appearance. They come in a variety of colors and, in addition to their shape, they are also very durable. It grows to a height of 40 to 60 centimeters and is best planted in a sheltered spot. Plant in groups of 10-15 bulbs, or at the very least with other flower bulbs, for the best results. However, keep in mind that they are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Greigii Tulips: This species is native to Turkistan and was described in Eduard August von Regel's Gartenflora in 1873. It was named after John Greig, a Scottish botanist. This tulip is notable for its pinnate and striped leaves, which make it an appealing choice even before it blooms. On the tulip trail, this species grows to about 25 centimeters in height. When exposed to sunlight, it can grow to be up to 13 centimeters wide. An excellent choice for rock gardens and pots.

The season of the tulips

Tulips' season is determined by their location and climate. Tulips bloom in the spring in most areas, typically from March to early May. Tulips, on the other hand, can be enjoyed in your garden for a longer period if you plant different varieties that bloom at different times.

The Netherlands, famous for its tulip fields, has its peak blooming season in April. Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the "Garden of Europe," is a well-known tulip destination. More than seven million flower bulbs and an amazing kaleidoscope of colored tulips can be found here.

If you live in a warmer climate and want to extend the flowering season, choose a variety that blooms later, such as the Darwin hybrid. Tulips will be beautiful even in late spring if you do it this way.

In our flower shop you can order different types of tulips all year round, you just need to contact us in advance and clarify the details to get the highest quality, which will be proportional to the happiness of you and your loved ones.