Flower Library
Tulips
Tulipa · Liliaceae
Tulips are the symbol of approaching spring — for us the first sign of life after the dark months, starting in January. They come fresh from the Dutch growing region that supplies the world with tulips.
- Season
- January – February – March – April – May
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Tulipa
- Colors
- White, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple, Orange, Bordeaux-Black, Bicolor
Tulips keep growing in the vase — a quirk that surprises many customers. Stems can stretch another 5–10 cm in the first days, and heads turn toward the light.
Varieties include single, double (peony-style), parrot tulips (fringed petals), French tulips (extra long stems) and species tulips. We carry different types by season — the peak is March and April.
Tulips are a wonderful solo flower — 20 stems of a single color make for a calm, refined bouquet. They also mix beautifully with ranunculus, anemones and hyacinths.
Is Tulips toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (tulipalin A and B). The bulb is most concentrated, but petals, stems and vase water are affected too. Keep the bouquet out of reach.
Typical symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite; larger amounts (especially bulbs) can also cause rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems straight (not at an angle) — tulips draw water across the whole base.
- 02Fill the vase only 5–8 cm with cool water — tulips prefer shallow water.
- 03Strip lower leaves and keep everything out of the water.
- 04Keep cool and out of the sun — heads droop quickly in warm rooms.
- 05Let them move: tulips bend and stretch in the first days. Not a defect — a sign of life.
Frequently asked
- Why are my tulips drooping?
- Usually too much water or too warm. Cut the water to 5 cm, wrap the bouquet in newspaper overnight in a cool spot — stems firm up.
- What are French tulips?
- Extra long (60–80 cm), sturdy tulip varieties, usually single-colored with large heads. A premium tier that arrives slightly later in the season than standard tulips.
- When is peak tulip season?
- March and April. The first tulips arrive at the shop in January, the last fields are cut in early May.
- Are tulips toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Tulips contain tulipalin A and B and are toxic to cats, dogs and horses — the toxin is most concentrated in the bulb, but petals and stems are affected too. Ingesting parts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Keep the bouquet out of reach and don't leave the vase water accessible.