Tulips are one of the most emblematic flowers of spring. Their appearance marks the end of winter and the beginning of a season filled with color and renewal in nature. In many cultures, tulips symbolize love, hope, and rebirth. These flowers, native to Central Asia and popularized in the Netherlands, bloom in spring because they require a period of winter cold to develop properly.
The bulbs (structures where the plant develops) of tulips need 12 to 16 weeks of cold to activate growth hormones and allow the plant to bloom properly in spring. Without this cold period, tulips may grow weak, with short stems or even fail to flower.
The arrival of tulips in Canada as a gift dates back to 1953, when the Dutch presented thousands of tulip bulbs to Ottawa as a symbol of friendship and peace after World War II. This gesture was a thank-you for Canada’s help in liberating the Netherlands and for providing refuge to the Dutch royal family during the war. Since then, every year Holland sends tulips to Canada, giving rise to the Canadian Tulip Festival, which has become the largest event of its kind in the world.
If you wish to enjoy these beautiful flowers in person, we recommend two places near Toronto where you can find tulip farms:
- Tulip Roadside Flower Market: It will take place from April 25 to May 18, located 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or 2.5 hours by public transport. Admission costs $25.
- Country Cut Flowers: It will take place from May 3 to May 11, located 1 hour by car or 3 hours and 16 minutes by public transport. Booking in advance is required.
We hope you enjoy this season and these beautiful flowers!
References:
Wilford, Richard. (1964). Tulips: species and hybrids for the gardener. Portland, Or. Timber Press.
Peña, P. (2019). El especial significado del regalo que la princesa Margarita de Holanda hace a Canadá todos los años. Vanity Fair. https://www.revistavanityfair.es/realeza/articulos/la-princesa-margarita-de-holanda-le-envia-a-canada-su-tributo-anual/40326
