The Essential Guide To The Thai Tulip
Botanical Name: Curcuma alismatifolia
Common Name: Thai Tulip, Siam Tulip, Summer Tulip
General Knowledge: The Thai Tulip, or Curcuma alismatifolia, originates from the tropical regions of Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. Commonly used for its striking appearance in floral arrangements and as ornamental plants in gardens, the Thai tulip is actually not a true tulip but belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. A fun fact about this flower is that despite its delicate appearance, it's quite hardy and can thrive in humid, tropical climates where traditional tulips would falter.
Colour Range: The Thai Tulip boasts a striking palette including white, orange, red, pinks, lilac-blue, and purple.
Australian Seasonal Availability: These flowers are typically available in Australia from summer to early autumn, aligning with their natural blooming period in their native regions.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Their availability makes them an excellent choice for summer weddings and events, offering a tropical and exotic flair to floral arrangements.
Commercial Growth in Australia: While not a native species, Thai Tulips can be commercially grown in Australia's warmer regions, given their need for a tropical climate.
Importation into Australia: Due to their specific climate requirements, Thai Tulips may also be imported to meet demand, especially outside of their local growing season.
Buying Tips: When selecting Thai Tulips, choose stems with vibrant, well-coloured bracts and unblemished flower spikes. The emerging florets should be visible among the bracts. Note that some cultivars may have brown tips on the petals, which is a natural feature and not a sign of poor quality.
Design Tips and Advice: Thai Tulips work wonderfully as either a focal point or as a transitional element in floral designs. Their bold colours and unique shape offer a modern and tropical look, perfect for contemporary arrangements.
Flower Maturity: Choose flowers with florets that are just beginning to open for the longest vase life.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, Thai Tulips can last between 6 to 10 days in a vase.
Typical Stem Length: Depending on the species or hybrid, the stem length can vary from 35 to 60 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: These flowers are commonly sold in bunches of 5 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Use of a floral preservative is recommended to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: The sensitivity to ethylene is unknown, but as a precaution, keep them away from fruits and pollution sources.
Temperature Requirements: Thai Tulips are chilling sensitive and should be stored at temperatures between 12–15 °C, and ideally kept at temperatures between 18°C to 22°C.
Avoiding Problems: To prevent damage, handle the flowers with care and avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below their recommended range.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Thai Tulips do not require cool storage and should not be placed in temperatures below 12 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep the flowers hydrated in clean water with added flower food.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Although their ethylene sensitivity is unknown, it is best to treat them as sensitive and keep them away from sources of the gas.