Tulips are surging into the Farmer's Market and our venerable San Francisco Flower Mart. Have the Dutch, intimately tied to the flower industry since the 15th century and tulips in particular, been up to some mischief in the breeding department? These are double tulips or peony tulips. Double tulips breeds have been around for awhile and have long lasting flowers. This makes them very desirable for the cut flower trade, though the colors were geared more for the outdoor garden. In recent years there has been more emphasis to breed them in colors more suited to the wedding industry. This one fits the popular peach, pink, and magenta palette, though it is so riotous and rather artificial looking that I'm not sure... It's as though an entire Dutch Masters painting was contained in one Dutch tulip. I do see remnants of the austere tulip that was derived from; though this variation completely left the ball park, save the tell-tale leaves. But there was a high amazement factor watching it open as it was relatively closed when I bought it. Every day it's like a different flower.
