Tulips in appearance are ordinary flowers that are unremarkable. For example, even roses have more sophistication and elegance. But still, when it is warm, and after the winter period I want to feel the arrival of spring in my house, I mainly buy tulips. Beautiful plants have about 80 species and boast a centuries-old history.
Next, consider where these wonderful flowers originated, which country of tulips in Europe is the most fertile for their cultivation.
The origin of the name
Each plant has its own name, most of them come from Latin, but as for these onions, things are different here.
The name "tulip" has Turkish roots and comes from the word "turban". At the beginning of the XVI century, when these plants became fashionable, women began to use them for beauty purposes and inserted this flower in their hairstyles, from there the name went.
Further, since they gained popularity in Europe, the Italians took on the name, and the word "turban" was replaced by "tulip", which it has remained to this day.
Fruitful start
At the beginning of the XI century, the cult of this flower began to be popularized in the Middle East and personified spiritual harmony and tranquility. It also manifested itself as a symbol in poetry; it was sung by great philosophers and prose writers such as Omar Khayyam.
The first detailed information on growing tulips appeared in the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. At that time they were bred exclusively at the royal courts and at the tops of society.
Turkey at that time was the main producer of these flowers, there were a huge number of plantations here, and each time they tried to develop more advanced species. The tulips from Kafa and from Kavala were considered the most popular at that time. They have become the undisputed leaders in the flower industry. Suppliers by all means sought a “recipe” for these beautiful plants, but at that time this country of tulips in Europe was inaccessible, and it was very difficult to find out the secrets of cultivation.
Step to Europe
These flowers went beyond Turkish borders in the distant XVI century. So, the first tulips appeared in 1530 in Portugal. Then they began to spread throughout Europe, but primarily in its northern part.
Many scientists still cannot give an exact answer to the question of who brought the bulbs to this part of the continent, but most agree that they came to Portugal by sea from Istanbul.
Nevertheless, the XVI century was a real breakthrough, and to comprehend flower secrets was not so difficult. After the first case of bulb delivery, Portugal became interested in the supply of new species, but the Turkish authorities took care of their treasure, so they had to develop new varieties on their own.
The bulbs that came from Istanbul were of a hybrid kind, as the flowers had no smell and no characteristic bright color. The best scientists in Europe worked on the creation of new, improved varieties.
If today we know that the Netherlands is called the country of tulips in Europe, then in those days Portugal wore this title. Its fertile soil, and later plantations, opened the world to this beautiful plant in all its beauty.
Last century
at the beginning of the 20th century, scientists were seriously interested in these colors, with the goal of each having a new, more improved look. The main criteria were divine smell and endurance.
In the interwar periods, a large number of experiments were carried out, mainly in the Netherlands. There was a more favorable climate than in Portugal. Humidified marine warm air made it possible to obtain results much faster than usual. Non-hot summers (average July temperature of 16-17 degrees above zero) and fairly warm winters (in January 2 degrees of heat) contributed to the magnificent growth of flowers.
Which country of tulips is better? Yet this is the Netherlands. Only there you can find rare species of these beautiful plants and discover the diversity of color and aroma.
After the war, experiments continued with even greater enthusiasm, as people liked this relatively inexpensive version of plants. By 1952, about 55 thousand varieties were bred. But closer to the 90s they were cut exactly half.
The country of tulips - the Netherlands - gave a huge impetus to the development of plantations and thereby attracted attention, becoming a truly flourishing state.
Our days
With the advent of the XXI century, these plants have become the main and unique decorative plant. The country of tulips still occupies a leading position in the cultivation of these flowers. 92% of international trade belongs to this particular state, and in most cases only rare and interesting varieties can be obtained there.
The country of tulips literally blooms in March and April, when active planting of fertile soils begins .
The profit from such plantations in the state is substantial. About 25 billion dollars they earn only on flowers.
No wonder the country of tulips in Europe is called the Netherlands. After all, only there you can discover the beauty of flower fields.
Way to colorful paradise
The kingdom of these magnificent plants is located in the Dutch park Keukenhof. He became famous not only for the fact that these magnificent flowers grow there, but also for the opportunity to view the creative compositions that are created for demonstration at the annual exhibition.
The country of tulips also allows tourists to enjoy the beauty of the flower park from the inside, for this you need a regular bike. When planting fields, farmers never place plants too densely and leave empty earthen rows between different species.
If you liked the unusual variety of tulips, then welcome to the garden shops. In them you can purchase bulbs of various varieties. Of course, there is plenty of such “goodness” at home, but still it will be more pleasant to bring something unusual directly from the flower’s homeland.
Well, I want to say that the Netherlands really is a country of tulips. In Europe, it is the undisputed leader in flower production.