lale

Lale is the Turkish word for tulip, a genus of flowering plants in the family Liliaceae (subfamily Lilioideae). The term lale is commonly used in Turkish to refer to the flowering bulbs that produce showy, cup-shaped flowers in spring. The word originates from Persian laleh and entered Turkish through Ottoman usage.

Tulips are perennial, bulbous plants that grow from underground bulbs. They have long, upright leaves and produce large flowers with six petal-like segments. Flowers can be solitary or in small inflorescences and appear in a wide range of colors and patterns. Most garden tulips bloom in spring after a period of cool or cold weather.

Origin and spread: Tulips are native to Central Asia and were cultivated in the Ottoman Empire. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became highly popular in the Netherlands, where intensive breeding produced a vast array of cultivars. The 1630s Tulip Mania in the Dutch Republic brought widespread attention to bulb cultivation. The Ottoman Tulip Era, roughly 1718–1730, reflected a period of intense cultural association with the flower.

Cultivation and varieties: There are thousands of cultivated tulip varieties, grouped by bloom time, flower form, and color. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in autumn, at a depth of about two to three times the bulb height. Tulips require a chilling period to bloom well. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the plant can store energy in the bulb for the next season.

Cultural significance: In Turkish culture, lale has a long history in art and decoration. In the Netherlands, tulips are a key horticultural symbol and a major element of the country’s agricultural and cultural identity.