Tulips - from Amsterdam?

There are 2 flowers that shout spring more than any other; daffodils and tulips.   But how much do you know about tulips?  We always associate them as a Dutch flower, but they actually originated via Turkey from Iran, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan.  When they arrived in Turkey the sultans adopted the tulip and stuck one in their turban.  This is how the flower got it's name tulipan, meaning turban.  When it first arrived in the Netherlands it was enthusiastically embraced and a tulip bulb cost as much as a house in Amsterdam!

Tulips come in a variety of colours and shapes.  You will find single and double petal tulips, fringed and parrot tulips and wonderful peony tulips - that yes, look like peonies!

Here's how to get the best out of your tulips at home:

• Use a clean vase and fill with water at room temperature (tepid).
• Add cut flower food
• Cut the stems diagonally with scissors
• Change the water every 2-3 days and re cut the stems.

Tulips carry on growing and will grow towards the sunlight.  So you may find your wonderful arrangement looks completely different the next day!