Hey Lykkers, have you ever stopped to admire a blooming tulip and felt that tiny spark of joy? Tulips are more than just pretty flowers—they're legendary.

Let’s explore together why tulips are so loved around the world, and why we might just fall under their spell too.

What Exactly Is a Tulip?

Tulips (Tulipa gesneriana) belong to the lily family. They’re known for their smooth, elegant leaves and tall, graceful stems topped with cup-shaped flowers. Each flower usually has six petals, and their colors are stunning—ranging from white, pink, red, purple, yellow to orange. Some are solid colors, while others show off stripes or unique patterns.

They bloom in spring, usually between late March and early May, depending on where they’re grown. Though there are over 2,000 varieties globally, only around 150 are commonly produced for large-scale planting.

Where Do Tulips Come From?

You might be surprised—tulips didn’t originate in the Netherlands! Their roots trace back to China’s Tian Shan mountains, possibly from natural hybrids of species like Tulipa agenensis and Tulipa armena. From Asia, they made their way to Europe in the 16th century and found a perfect home in the Netherlands.

Thanks to different climates and latitudes, tulip blooming seasons vary. In some places, they bloom earlier, in others, a bit later. That’s part of their charm—there’s always somewhere in the world where tulips are in season.

Why Did Tulips Cause a Historical Frenzy?

Let’s go back in time to the 17th century when the Dutch experienced what we now call “Tulip Mania.” People became so obsessed with tulips that some sold their homes just to afford rare bulbs. Sounds crazy, right? But these flower bulbs had something magical about them—some would produce stunning colors and patterns no one had ever seen before.

Of course, the market eventually crashed, but the love for tulips stayed strong. Today, the tulip is even the national flower of the Netherlands.

Tulips Around the World

Tulips aren’t just for the Dutch. In many places across Asia, especially in Taiwan and Turkey, tulips are used to brighten parks, gardens, and city streets during spring. They appear in festivals and floral displays, drawing visitors from around the world. Even national flags and symbols in some countries feature tulips.

So no matter where we are, there’s a good chance we’ll find a spot nearby where tulips are celebrated with pride.

What Makes Tulips So Unique?

Tulips are perennial herbs with cone- or oval-shaped bulbs covered in a brownish outer layer. These bulbs are the treasure—plant them in the fall, and with a little patience, they’ll burst into color by spring.

Each plant usually has 3–5 smooth, powdery green leaves and one large flower standing tall on a 14–22 inch stem. The flower’s shape can vary—cup, bowl, egg, bell, or funnel. Some are single-petal, while others are full and ruffled with double petals.

That variety is what keeps us coming back for more. Whether we prefer bright and bold or soft and pastel, there's a tulip out there with our name on it.

Let’s Grow Tulips Ourselves

Interested in growing your own tulips? It’s not too hard. All we need is a cool place to plant the bulbs in fall—before the first freeze hits. They prefer well-drained soil and love the sun. Once they’ve gone through a cold winter, they’ll bloom beautifully in spring.

Just remember: after they bloom, don’t cut the leaves too early. They need time to soak up sunlight and prepare for next year.

The Joy of Tulips Never Fades

Tulips light up our world with their gentle colors and graceful forms. After a long winter, they show us how fresh beginnings can be bright and full of hope. Just seeing them bloom is enough to lift our spirits.

This spring, let’s take a walk among the tulips, snap a few pictures, or simply pause to enjoy their beauty. Lykkers, have you ever spotted a tulip that took your breath away? Tell us your favorite tulip moment—we’d love to hear it!

How to Harvest, Condition, and Store Tulips // Dry Storing Tulip Flowers with Visuals // Northlawn

Video by Northlawn Flower Farm and Gardens