Facts on Tulips

Middle Eastern Origins

• Tulips do not originate in the Netherlands, the country most often associated with the flowers, but in the Middle East. According to Flora of Jordan, three varieties of wild tulip grow in Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan, which scientists believe made their way to Turkey and on to other parts of Europe. The name "tulip" comes from a Turkish word for turban, "tulben," which the Gardening Tips website says is rooted in the similarities between the shape of the flower and the traditional headdress.

Holland's Favorite Flower

• Tulips have long been associated with the Netherlands, introduced in the 17th century and serving as iconic symbols of the country alongside clogs and windmills. Holland is home to the world's largest flower garden, Keukenhof, which features more than 4.5 million tulips of 100 different varieties each year, according to its official website. The garden also features a "walk of fame" with tulips named in honor of famous people and claims to be the world's most photographed place.

Indoor Growing

• Though tulips are commonly associated with the spring, the Garden Hobbies website says you can also grow them indoors during the winter. To get fresh tulips while there is still snow on the ground, plant the bulbs in a container, and place it outside in the cold for several weeks. Move the plants to a warm location indoors, and place them next to a sunny window. In a few weeks, the tulip bulbs will think spring has arrived after a long winter and will go into full bloom.

Cut Tulips

• Once harvested, cut tulips can live for up to 10 days in a vase if given proper care. Purchase tulips that have not fully opened yet, and, once at home, cut the stems to the desired length at a diagonal to allow them to better absorb water. The Gardening Tips website also recommends adding a pinch of sugar to the tulip's water to keep them looking good longer, though commercial plant food may be more effective.