Rediscover the Origins of the Tulip at Gardens by the Bay

The tulips is back again at Gardens by the Bay! This year, Tulipmania traces the roots of the alluring tulip and rediscovers its origins in Central Asia and the ancient Ottoman Empire. I opted to visit the Flower Dome in the evening and the tulips looks stunning amidst the Persian-style backdrop.

The floral display feature more than 35,000 tulips laid out in colourful carpets of intricate patterns. Tulips cannot be cultivated in a warm climate but thanks to the conservatory, we are able to witness the tulips here! Tulip bulbs are usually planted during autumn and flowers in spring the following year.

Did you know? 110,000 tulips in 60 varieties will be brought in specifically for the festival.

Tulips trace their roots back to the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) where they were first cultivated.

A highlight of the tulip species will be the “Lily Tulip” cultivars brought in for the first time. Its slender form, with long pointed petals, is reminiscent of the old tulip species that once grew in Central Asia and adorned traditional crockery, tiles and fabrics as a decorative motif.

Way before the tulip was brought to the Netherlands where it sparked “Tulipomania” during the Dutch Golden Age, the first wild tulips were believed to have grown in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. So captivating was it to the Sultan and people of the 16^thcentury Ottoman Empire that it became the inspiration for many songs, poetry and paintings.