Tulips: origins, meaning and growing tips

Today we’re exploring tulips, the spring flowers that bring colour to gardens such as Keukenhofin the Netherlands. Let’s look at their history, varieties and growing requirements.

Origin of tulips

Tulips belong to the genus Tulipa, native mainly to Central Asia and other parts of Eurasia. Many familiar garden tulips are hybrids associated with Tulipa gesneriana; not every tulip belongs to a single species. Tulips reached western Europe through Ottoman horticulture. The word “tulip” is commonly traced to the Turkish tülbend (“turban”), although the familiar tale about a traveller confusing a turban with a flower’s name is not securely documented. The flowers became highly prized in Ottoman gardens and later attracted European collectors. Their introduction to Europe involved several travellers and growers, not a single ambassador.

Tulips were admired in Ottoman gardens before becoming fashionable across Europe. In the seventeenth century, Dutch collectors prized unusual varieties.
Demand for rare bulbs encouraged speculative trading. This episode became known as “tulip mania”; prices collapsed in 1637. Tulip cultivation and trade did not end with the crash and remain important in the Netherlands today.

Myths and traditions of tulips

These flowers have inspired many stories. The following legends are cultural narratives, not factual accounts of how tulips originated.

The myth of the red tulip

In one Persian legend, Farhad falls deeply in love with Shirin. Different versions of the story describe their love and a tragic misunderstanding.

Believing that Shirin has died, Farhad falls to his death. According to the legend, red tulips spring from the place where his blood falls, symbolising passionate and tragic love. This is a poetic tale, not a botanical explanation.

A traditional Dutch tale

Another legend tells of a young woman courted by three suitors. Each offered a gift: one brought a crown, representing honour; another a sword, representing power; and the third brought gold, representing wealth.
Unable to choose, she asked to become a flower. According to the story, the crown became the blossom, the sword became a leaf, and the gold became the bulb. From these gifts, according to the legend, the first tulip was born.

Characteristics of tulips

The genus Tulipa includes numerous wild species and thousands of cultivated varieties selected for colour, shape and flowering time. Species counts change as botanical classifications are revised; garden cultivars should not all be described as genetically engineered.

Tulips are among the most widely traded ornamental flowers and are popular as cut flowers and garden plants. Their global sales ranking varies by year and market.

A tulip flower usually has six tepals: three outer and three inner segments that look much alike, giving the appearance of six petals. Its leaves are typically elongated and the flowering stem is usually unbranched. Height varies by species and cultivar, from small botanical tulips to tall varieties bred for cutting.

When and how to plant tulips

In temperate climates, plant dormant bulbs in autumn, pointed end up, at a depth of two to three times their height. Choose fertile, free-draining soil and usually a sunny position; some species tolerate light shade. In mild-winter regions, many cultivars need pre-chilled bulbs to flower reliably. Water when the soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging. After flowering, allow the leaves to yellow naturally before removing them. Some tulips return for several years, while others are grown as seasonal displays.

Meaning of tulips

Tulip colours carry different associations depending on culture and occasion. Red often suggests love, white respect or an apology, and purple elegance, while yellow is associated with happiness or friendship. There is no universal meaning for every colour.

Tulips and cultural symbols

Tulips are sometimes described as the national flower of countries such as Hungary, Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan , but such claims should not be treated as official without checking each country’s designation. Tulips are also strongly associated with the Netherlands, where they are an important horticultural and tourist symbol rather than necessarily an officially designated national flower. The country is a major centre for growing, trading and exporting bulbs and cut flowers. Each spring, colourful fields and gardens attract visitors from around the world.

In Kop van Noord-Holland and the Noordoostpolder, tulip fields and other spring bulbs create striking landscapes. Flower routes and festivals take place around the blooming season, but dates vary with the weather; check local information before planning a visit.

Medicinal uses of tulips

Tulips have appeared in traditional remedies, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to recommend them as painkillers, laxatives or aphrodisiacs. Eating plant parts, especially bulbs, may cause gastrointestinal upset. Handling bulbs may also irritate sensitive skin. Do not prepare tulip infusions or other homemade remedies for consumption.

Pests and diseases that affect tulips

Pests that may affect tulips include slugs, snails, some nematodes and animals that dig up bulbs or eat new shoots. Identify the problem before acting and prefer preventive, integrated pest-management measures. Our related guide is available here.

Among the most common diseases affecting tulips are tulip fire and Fusarium bulb rot.
Tulip fire , caused by Botrytis tulipae, produces spotting and distorted growth, especially in persistently damp conditions. Meanwhile, Fusarium bulb rot is caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium and can destroy bulbs. Discard infected bulbs, improve airflow and avoid reusing diseased planting material. Use only plant-protection products approved for the crop and your region.

These photographs show some familiar tulip types and the range of shapes and colours available.

Types of tulips

Would you like to grow tulips? Choose healthy, firm bulbs suited to your climate. If you buy through a link on this page, check the seller’s terms and the variety’s winter-chilling needs.

If you enjoyed this guide, tell us about your tulips in the comments. Share the article with friends who love spring flowers on Facebook or your other social networks.