Pictures: Tulips in bloom against backdrop of snow-capped peaks of Panchachuli

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 9

The research wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department shared the news of successful germination and flowering of large tulips in Munsyari in Pithoragarh district.

“Our beautiful tulips are in full bloom. The germination and flowering have been very robust in all colours, even though slightly late this year,” said Uttrakhand Forest Conservator, head of the research wing, Sanjiv Chaturvedi.

The site is spread over 50 hectares.

Chaturvedi said: “The particular site was selected because of the climatic conditions and features identical to the place native to the species. Munsyari is the last spot of Kumaon Himalayas—on the Indian side—near the China border, which is located at an altitude of 7,000 feet and faces moderate to heavy snow in winters.”

“Even on Friday, Khallia top area, which is located at an arm’s length from the trial site, witnessed snow,” said junior researcher Yogesh Tripathi.

“The bulbs were brought from Holland, famous for its Tulip Park, which millions of people from across the world visit every year. The trials being conducted under the supervision of the research department are in the second stage.”

“It has been found that till now, success per cent of germination of the bulbs has been more than 90% and there has not been any incidence of disease. Flowering has been very robust and in all types of colours, though this year it has taken place slightly late. In the first week of May, germination and flowering are both excellent,” said Chaturvedi.

Tulips have a fascinating history

According to an official site—History of Tulips in Holland—tulips were originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) and were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century.

“When Carolus Clusius wrote the first major book on tulips in 1592, they became so popular that his garden was raided and bulbs were stolen on a regular basis. As the Dutch Golden Age grew, so did this curvaceous and colourful flower. They became popular in paintings and festivals. In the mid-seventeenth century, tulips were so popular that they created the first economic bubble, known as”Tulip Mania” (tulipomania). As people bought up bulbs they became so expensive that they were used as money until the market in them crashed,” it said.