Naming flower bulbs

Tulips come in many colors and shapes. And new ones are being added every year. Every new tulip gets its own name. This can be a made-up name. But some tulips are named after famous singers, princesses and other celebrities.

First of all, the plant breeders with a new bulb flower have to be located. They are then asked if they want to name the new bulb flower after a famous person. This could mean extra money for him because such a new tulip could be much in demand if it gets written about a lot or even gets shown on television. To begin with, however, this new tulip will receive a number and will then be reserved at the Royal General Bulb Growers’ Association. This organization also checks to see whether the name chosen by the plant breeder is still available.

If so, a real “christening certificate” is made which will then be signed during the “christening ceremony” by the plant breeder and the person after whom the tulip is being named.

The promising flower is then christened with Champagne or water and begins what will hopefully be a nice long life.

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Read more

• Where are flower bulbs cultivated?
• Growing flower bulbs
• Spring
• Harvest
• How do you get a new tulip variety?