Spring Bulbs - Tulips Bulbs

One of the most popular of the spring flowering bulbs , the tulip (botanical name Tulipa resembles a little turban on a stalk. The name tulip is in fact derived from the Turkish word tulpend or turban. Most people associate the tulip with Holland , but tulips are actually native to Turkey and western and central Asia, with only a few species occurring naturally in Europe .

But it was in Holland that "tulip mania" reached its peak in the 17th century, with the development of new tulip varieties, colors, and exotic shapes. People used tulip bulbs like currency, with the price of certain exotic bulb varieties approaching the absurd -- one bulb was reportedly exchanged for two loads of wheat, four oxen, eight pigs, twelve sheep, two hogsheads of wine, four barrels of beer, two barrels of butter, 1000 pounds of cheese, a bed, a suit of clothes and a silver beaker!

Tulips have come down in price since the heady days of 17th century bulb speculation. Although still wildly popular -- the daffodil is the only other spring bulb approaching the tulip for popularity -- most tulip bulb varieties are inexpensive and widely available. See below for a table with the ten most popular tulip bulb cultivars.

	Tulip -These flowers grow almost an inch daily even when cut. Stems bend toward the light and blooms in bright light while closing back up when dark. Cut flower and put in water immediately because the stems seal themselves quickly. Last 7-10 days.
	Tulip French-This is the largest variety of the tulip family. These flowers grow almost an inch daily even when cut. Stems bend toward the light and blooms in bright light while closing back up when dark. Cut flower and put in water immediately because the stems seal themselves quickly. Last 7-10 days.
	Tulip Parrot-These flowers grow almost an inch daily even when cut. These tulips have a fringed look to the blooms. Stems bend toward the light and blooms in bright light while closing back up when dark. Cut flower and put in water immediately because the stems seal themselves quickly. Last 7-10 days.