Evaluating growth and flowering response of tulip varieties under Tirumala#39;s agro-climatic conditions

Tulips are a significant global cut flower crop and their performance varies depending on climate and variety. So far, in India this crop is confined to high altitude zones of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This study evaluated ten tulip varieties at TBC Nursery, Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh for the first time focusing on their morphological traits and flowering characteristics. Parameters such as days to bulb sprouting, plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, days to flower bud initiation, number of petals, cup depth, flower diameter, bulb diameter, length and weight. The varieties 'Escape' and 'Denmark' displayed superior morphological traits, with 'Denmark' being the only variety to successfully bloom. Significant variations were observed in the varieties' responses to the Tirumala climate, underscoring the importance of climate-specific variety selection. These findings are crucial for landscapers and garden designers working in regions with climates similar to Tirumala.