Learn about the history of tulips, where millions of tulip bulbs come from, where a yearly tulip festival is held and more tulip facts.
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6 Fascinating Tulip Facts You Don’t Know
Updated Oct. 03, 2022
There Are Many Types of Tulips
Nearly 4,000 tulip varieties have been developed. They fit into 15 groups, which are classified by bloom time, shape and size. A few common types you may recognize: fringed, double and Darwin hybrid. After you finish reading about tulip facts, check out our picks for the top 10 tulips to grow.
Tulips Have a Famous Festival
Each year, these famous bulbs are celebrated at the Tulip Time festival in Holland, Michigan. The celebration has taken place each year for almost a century! Nowhere in North American can you see more tulips in one place. Nearly 5 million burst forth in a blaze of May color.
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Millions of Tulips Come from One Place
The Netherlands is a big deal in the flowering bulb market. In 2017, the country produced two billion tulips—a record high.
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Misconceptions About Tulip History
Here’s one of the most surprising tulip facts to share. Tulips did not originate in Holland. They were brought there from Turkey in the 16th century. Later, Dutch immigrants to America brought tulips here.
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Are Tulips Perennials?
Species tulips are more perennial than hybrids. They grow, spread and flower for many years. If you’re north of Zone 7, try growing species tulips in containers and bring them inside when the weather gets cold. Learn how plant zones work and how to find yours.
Garden expert Melinda Myers says, “Many new tulip hybrids put on a glorious show the first few years and then stop blooming. Consider them short-lived flowers that give you an opportunity to try something new every few years. Or switch to species tulips that tend to grow, spread and flower for many years.”
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Do Squirrels Eat Tulip Bulbs?
Squirrels regularly dig up and damage tulip bulbs. Prevent this by planting them at least 8 inches deep in soil with good drainage. Pack down the disturbed soil and cover with chicken wire or a bulb cage to deter rabbits, squirrels and other furry critters.
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Originally Published: October 03, 2022
