tulipesät

Tulipesät is a Finnish term commonly used to denote the bulbs of tulips (Tulipa spp.). The bulb is a fleshy underground storage organ that enables a tulip to endure a dormant period and regrow each spring. In structure, the bulb is composed of concentric scales (leaf tissues) surrounding a basal plate, all covered by a protective tunic. The scales store carbohydrates and nutrients that feed new growth after winter.

During cultivation, tulip bulbs are planted in autumn in temperate regions. The recommended depth is roughly two to three times the bulb's height, commonly about 10 to 20 centimeters, with spacing to allow air circulation. They require well-drained soil, a sunny or lightly shaded site, and consistent moisture during rooting but not waterlogging. After the flowers fade, leaving the foliage to wither naturally helps restore the bulb's reserves.

In regions with wet summers, some gardeners lift and store tulipesät bulbs after growth finishes, curing them before replanting the following autumn. Propagation is typically by offsets produced around the base of mature bulbs, though large clumps can be separated and replanted.

Pests and diseases affecting tulip bulbs include Fusarium bulb rot and Botrytis fungi, as well as bulb mites and slugs. Prevention relies on good drainage, sanitation, and careful storage. Tulips are iconic ornamental plants with a long cultivation history, especially in the Netherlands, where extensive breeding has produced a wide range of colors and forms. Today, tulipesät are widely grown in temperate climates for spring ornamental displays.