Tulip season kicks off in January, bringing over 100 days of vibrant spring blooms. Traditionally, the season launches with National Tulip Day on the third Saturday of January, featuring a massive picking garden on Amsterdam's Dam Square. Drawing 20,000 visitors from more than 100 nationalities, it's a celebration of joy and connection. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the 2021 event was canceled.
Here are 10 essential tulip tips, facts, and ideas from seasoned growers:
National Tulip Day Since 2012, this event marks the official start of tulip season on the third Saturday of January—January 16 in 2021. Growers typically create a stunning picking garden with over 200,000 tulips on Dam Square, attracting 20,000 visitors. Regrettably, COVID-19 restrictions made it unfeasible that year.
Keep Tulips Standing Tall
Tulips in a vase add instant cheer and often grow, gracefully draping over the edges. For upright stems that last, leave the wrapping on for 30 minutes post-purchase to firm them up with water. Opt for a tall glass vase for added support.
Stubborn tulips. Credit: iBulb
A Heartfelt Tribute
“A thousand yellows, a thousand reds, wish you the very best. What my mouth cannot say, tulips from Amsterdam say.” These iconic lines from Herman Emmink's song gained deeper resonance last spring. Dutch growers honored healthcare workers with a massive tulip mosaic and a new red-yellow variety named “Stay Strong.” Watch the tribute: https://youtu.be/DL4UA3yuiaw.
Tulips with Bulbs Vase tulips are typically bulb-free, but some shops offer them intact for a natural look. Display in a glass vase to showcase roots and bulbs. Bundle like a sheaf for stability on a tray, ensuring bulbs and roots are just submerged.
The Joy of Tulips
Ask anyone: tulips evoke pure happiness. Research confirms they're the 'happiest flower' in the Netherlands—perfect for delighting yourself, family, friends, or colleagues.
Meaningful Names
New varieties get ceremonial namings to honor contributors. Recent examples: Make-A-Wish (2020), Quinty Trustfull (2019), OG3NE (2017), and the Red Cross (2014).
Shape Flexible Stems Tulip stems bend without breaking once pliable (after a few hours drying). Gently shape them—say, into a fishbowl curve—with the cut end down in water to firm up.
Tulip Harvest From mid-January to May, enjoy all colors and types. Harvested at peak color visibility, these farm-fresh blooms last 10 days in average room temps (longer in cooler spots) via auctions and florists.
How Many Tulips? The Netherlands produces 2 billion cut tulips yearly, exporting worldwide. Over 3,000 varieties span dozens of colors.
Spring Mix. Credit: iBulb
Perfect Spring Mix
Tulips pair beautifully with blossom branches, ranunculus, and hyacinths. With daffodils? Soak them alone first to remove stem slime, recut, then combine—or use neutralizing flower food.
Source: Tulpentijd.nl
Header photo: Jhon Koopman
