Didn’t make it to a tulip festival this year? No worries! Catching the tulip bloom might seem like a once-a-year chance, but here, we’ve got the next best thing. This collection of tulip photos and fun facts is like a mini-festival you can enjoy from anywhere.
So, even if you couldn’t stroll through rows of these spring beauties in person, I’ve brought their vivid colors right to you. While they’re spectacular in person, Mother Nature puts on such a splendid show that even pictures can almost make you feel like you’re there!
Tiptoe Through the Tulip Photos
Just because you can’t see them in person doesn’t mean you can’t get your flower fix right now. Here are enough tantalizing tulip pics to hold you over, but if you’re anywhere near one of the dozen or so tulip festivals held in the U.S. each year, spring is prime blooming season!
Here are 10 stunning close-up photos of tulips in bloom, plus tulip trivia you probably don’t know but can use to impress your tulip-loving friends!
Say It With Color
Tulips come in almost every color, and different colors have different meanings. Red flowers symbolize true love, while white represents purity, honor, and holiness. White can also mean “I’m sorry” which could come in handy if you need to send a meaningful apology.
Don’t Miss the Bloom
Weather plays a big role in how long tulips stay in bloom. If it’s warm out, tulips only bloom for 3-7 days. Cooler weather helps keep them around for one to two weeks. Large display gardens like those participating in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington State plant bulbs on a staggered schedule. That way, visitors will have beautiful tulips to see all throughout the month.
There Are Many, Many Types of Tulips
Did you know there are more than 150 species of tulips? Not to confuse you, but there are more than 3000 varieties among the different species…and the tulip also happens to be part of the lily family.
Tulip Mania
No, we’re not talking about what happens in spring. The first Tulip Mania happened in the 1600’s when tulips were the most expensive flower in the world. It’s said that in the Netherlands, a tulip bulb was worth 10x the average man’s salary.
According to investopedia.com, the tulip bubble occurred between 1634 to 1637, and the price of tulips was equal to a mansion on the Amersterdam Grand Canal. As you can guess, your average chambermaid was not the one receiving these gems.
Bring on the Sunshine
Tulips love the spring sunshine and will lean towards it as they grow. Actually, they’ll even lean toward it in a vase! To keep them upright, rotate the vase each day to give each side equal amounts of time in the sun.
Practically Perfect in Every Way
Tulip buds are not only pretty to look at, they are almost perfectly symmetrical. Our eyes are drawn to symmetry, which explains why we love them so much!
Who Started the Tulip Party?
If you thought tulips originated in Holland, you’re not alone, but you’re also not correct. (Sorry!) Tulips actually got their start in Asia. From there, they made an appearance in Turkey before showing up in Holland in the 1560s. Surprising, huh?
Tulips Are Edible…maybe
Depending on who you ask, parts of tulips can be used in place of onions. However, others say all parts of the tulip plant are poisonous, so be sure to do your research before adding it to your menu. What’s not up for debate, however, is that all tulips are poisonous to dogs and cats. This includes the bulb, so keep an eye on your furry friends if you have any tulips in your yard.
Even Cutting Won’t Stop It
Tulips are one of the only flowers that continue growing once cut. They can continue growing as much as six inches, so the best time to buy tulips is when the buds are still closed, and you can just begin to see the color showing. Remove any leaves below the water line in the vase, and your tulips will last even longer.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (From a Local)
People come from around the country and even internationally to see what many have called one of the best flower shows in the world. Find out everything you need to know about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival before you go so you can plan the perfect tulip outing.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (From a Local)
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Featured Image Credit: OlenaPalaguta/Shutterstock
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.