Your favorite spring bulb has a long history.
Check out these things you may not have known about tulips.
Of those 3,000 varieties, tulips can be divided into approximately 150 species.
Tulips Have an Expensive History
Tulips caused quite the pandemonium in the 1600s.
During this time, tulips were as expensive as homes.
The Flowers Are Edible
Tulips are actually a part of thelilyfamily, which also includesonions,garlic, andasparagus.
The petals are edible and have been used as an onion substitute and to make wine.
Tulips were commonly used in food during the Dutch famine over the course of World War II.
Each Tulip Color Has a Different Meaning
Tulips are said to have different meanings based on flower color.
Red tulips represent true love (no wonder tulips are the second most popularValentine’s Day flower).
White ones are a symbol of apology and forgiveness.
Purple tulips are a symbol of royalty.
They actually originated in central Asia and were first brought to Turkey.
They were then sent from Turkey to Holland around 1560.
Blooms Only Last 7-10 Days
There are tulip festivals all over the United States and throughout the world.
Tulips require an extended chilling period to trigger flowering in a process called vernalization.
Ideally, the cold period should last for 12-14 weeks and should be anywhere between 29-55F.
