As winter sets in, a fresh wave of energy and activity fills Kashmir’s famous Tulip Garden. The reason is the preparation for the grand Tulip Show scheduled for the coming spring. This year’s show promises to be the most luxurious and colorful yet. According to the garden’s Floriculture Officer, Imran Ahmed, a record 1.8 million bulbs are being planted for the 2026 show, creating a breathtaking riot of colors.
Preparation phase: bulb planting begins in November
The month of November is crucial for the Tulip Garden, as this is when bulb plantation work begins. Imran Ahmed explains that some of the garden’s own bulbs have already been planted. In addition, the first batch of tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs imported from Holland has arrived, and planting work is underway. The second batch, expected next month, will also be planted soon. The aim is to complete all plantation by the end of December, so that the bulbs settle into the soil before snowfall begins.
Colors of 1.8 million bulbs: a new record
The biggest highlight of this year’s show is that compared to last year, one lakh more fresh tulip bulbs—bringing the total to eight lakh—have been imported from Holland. Imran Ahmed says that fresh bulbs produce flowers that are more vibrant and stay in bloom for a longer period. Along with these, three lakh hyacinth bulbs and 15,000 daffodil bulbs are also being planted. Altogether, 1.8 million bulb materials will be seen laden with flowers. In addition, nearly one lakh other annual flowers will further enhance the beauty of the show.
Careful planning of color, height, and season
This time, it’s not just about the number of bulbs—special attention has been paid to color selection and layout. According to Imran Ahmed, a spectacular show requires a balance of three elements: color combinations, height combinations, and seasonal combinations. It’s not enough for the colors to match; the plants must also be of similar height and bloom in the same season. For instance, red and yellow look stunning together, but if red blooms early and yellow blooms later, the effect is lost. That’s why varieties have been selected that bloom together, at the same height, and in perfect color harmony.
Weather challenges and special arrangements
Changes in weather patterns over the past decade have also posed challenges. Imran explains that earlier, bulb planting would begin as early as October, but now they have to wait until the second half of November. Light spring बारिश helps extend the life of the flowers, but special care is taken to avoid water stress. This is why bulbs are always planted in raised beds, which prevent excess moisture from accumulating around the roots and help keep the flowers safe.
Hope to break previous records
Last year, the 2025 Tulip Show set a new record by attracting around 800,000 visitors. This time, expectations are even higher. Imran Ahmed says the show will not only offer a memorable experience for tourists, but will also serve as a strong support for Kashmir’s tourism economy. Thousands of people connected to hotels, transport, and handicrafts depend on this garden, which has become a major spring destination. Their hope and effort is that the 2026 show runs for as many days as possible, allowing visitors from across India and abroad to fully enjoy its beauty.
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