The Dutch Keukenhof flower park, the magnificent Tulipan in Britzer Garten or the great Tulip Festival in Istanbul… heavenly tulip show locations that will take your breath away. Right now we are in the middle of the colorful tulip season and it is still the right time to admire these unique flowers. Not only are they so numerous in their flower colors, but also in their species. Although each one has its own beauty, today we would like to present you with our clear favorites – French tulips. So graceful and elegant, delicate and captivating!
French tulips on the windowsill
Dutch, Parrot or French Tulips: What’s the Difference?
Can’t get a handle on your tulip jargon? Are you sure you are naming a tulip correctly? Here is some info to help you better understand the differences between these strains.
Dutch Tulips
Believe it or not, tulips are originally from Turkey. But somehow their popularity in Holland exploded and they became the hallmark of all things Dutch. The Dutch tulip is the most common and has a flower head of six fairly uniform petals. They are often monochromatic, although some multicolored varieties are available. These tulips are not called classic tulips for nothing.
Beautiful classic tulips
Parrot Tulips
These are definitely the fanciest of tulips. They always have ruffled edges and usually some sort of variegation. They are very eye-catching in bouquets and their brilliant colors will definitely catch the eye.
You can find this type of tulip in a wide variety of colors
French Tulips
The larger cousin of the Dutch tulip, the French tulip has longer stems and larger but more delicate flowers. Its later flowering period extends the tulip season when planted alongside earlier flowering varieties. The French tulip is a tulip not at all known to many flower lovers, although it is much larger, longer and more distinctive than the standard Dutch tulip. In addition, the French tulip also has a long vase life.
The delicate tulips can be perfectly arranged with eucalyptus and fern
Plant French Tulips
Tulips do best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. They need a well-drained soil. Treat tulips like annuals if you want the perfect bloom: pick up the bulbs after they’ve bloomed, throw them away and plant new ones in the fall. The tulip flowers can be uneven in size and height and generally much less numerous, but this can have its own charm.
Here are a few pro tips for better growth and more flowering:
- Remove faded flowers in good time. Breaking off the top 7-8cm of the flower stalk prevents seed formation and instead focuses energy on bulb growth.
- Allow foliage to wither completely before removing.
- Avoid summer watering. Tulips prefer to be dry during their rest period.
- Spring bloomers must be planted in the fall. They need cool soil to take root before winter. Cool autumn weather comes at different times from north to south and from high to low elevations.
- Please note that soil temperature lags behind air temperature. You can generally plant the tulips a little later, as long as the ground hasn’t frozen yet.
A real feast for the eyes in spring
Tips to keep your tulips looking their best for longer
- Buy tulips with flower heads that have only opened slightly. The bud should be somewhat closed. Nevertheless, the colors should be clearly recognizable. You don’t want to buy buds that are still green.
- Before arranging your tulips in the vase, trim the base of each stem with a clean, sharp knife. This opens the flower’s water intake channels, keeping it fresh and not wilting or going into shock.
- Tulips are extremely thirsty. Check the water level in the vase daily and change the water daily to maintain the longest vase life. At least refill the water when the level goes down. Never leave your tulips without water covering the underside of their stems.
- Store your tulips in a room with cooler or lukewarm air. You can even throw an ice cube in the water to keep the temperature down. The ice cube will eventually melt. You can also do this with tulips grown in flower boxes. This will keep them blooming longer indoors.
- Keep your cut tulips out of direct sunlight or near heaters or lamps.
- Extra tip: Put an aspirin tablet in the water. As a result, delicate French tulips stay fresh longer in the vase.
Bring spring-like mood makers home
French tulips are deservedly popular and preferred by many flower lovers in spring. You can also plant them yourself and take care of them lovingly, or simply buy them in a flower shop. These tulips last longer in the vase and can be perfectly combined with other tulips as well as flowers, branches or ornamental grasses. Decorate your spring table or windowsill with these graceful beauties and enjoy the delicate blossoms in numerous colours!
Yellow French tulips set fresh, sunny accents in the floral arrangement
A beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers is always considered a joyful gift
French tulips feel just as great with eucalyptus and yellow daffodils
Red tulips represent love…
… and white for innocence and eternity
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