London

Tulip variety London belongs to the Darwin Hybrid group and is a tall plant reaching 60 to 80 cm in height. The flower is broadly cup-shaped, reaching 9.5-10 cm in height, distinguished by a rich blood-red hue with bright red edges and a greenish-yellow base. Outer petals have a carmine-red sheen, and the flower's base is brown-black with a bright yellow margin. Stamen filaments and anthers are purple-black with a yellow base, giving the flower an expressive and contrasting appearance. The variety was registered in 1970 and is recommended for cultivation in all regions, confirming its adaptability and resistance to various climatic conditions. Tulip London is highly frost-resistant, tolerating temperatures from -48.3 to -3.9 degrees Celsius, allowing it to be grown in regions with harsh winters provided it is covered in the coldest areas. Flowering occurs in mid-May, and its multiplication coefficient is 3-3.3, making it convenient for propagation and mass planting. Due to its decorative appeal and resilience, this tulip is ideal for cutting and group plantings in the garden, and it is one of the best Darwin Hybrid varieties for forcing in January. To maintain the freshness of cut flowers, it is recommended to purchase buds in the stage of closed colored bud or half-bloom, as during this period petals lose less moisture and are less susceptible to infections. The lifespan of cut tulips depends on cutting conditions, storage, care, and variety-specific traits. An intact plant with a bulb can maintain flowering for up to 14 days due to nutrients supplied from the bulb. However, among Darwin Hybrids, to which London belongs, cut flowers are generally less durable, which should be considered when using them for decorative purposes.