Tulip Trivia Questions and Answers

assorted flowers
  1. Tulips belong to which family?
    A: Rosaceae
    B: Liliaceae
    C: Poaceae
    D: Asteraceae
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips belong to the Liliaceae family, which is also known as the lily family.
  2. What is the origin of the name “tulip”?
    A: Greek word for “crown”
    B: Latin word for “flower”
    C: Persian word for “turban”
    D: Arabic word for “sun”
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The name “tulip” is derived from a Persian word for “turban,” which the flower was thought to resemble.
  3. In which climatic conditions do tulips naturally thrive?
    A: Tropical rainforests
    B: Steppes and mountainous areas with temperate climates
    C: Arid deserts
    D: Subarctic regions
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips are well-adapted to steppes and mountainous areas with temperate climates where they thrive.
  4. What phenomenon during the 17th century involved a speculative frenzy over tulip bulbs?
    A: Tulip Revolution
    B: Tulip Mania
    C: Tulip Disaster
    D: Tulip Saga
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulip Mania was a period in the 17th century when the prices of tulip bulbs reached extraordinarily high levels before dramatically collapsing.
  5. Which virus was responsible for creating variegated patterns in tulip flowers during the 17th century?
    A: Mosaic virus
    B: Tulip breaking virus
    C: Botrytis virus
    D: Anthocyanin virus
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The tulip breaking virus caused variegated patterns in tulip flowers, which were highly admired during Tulip Mania.
  6. What is the close relative of the tulip within the Liliaceae family?
    A: Daffodils
    B: Roses
    C: Amana
    D: Carnations
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The tulip is closely related to Amana, another genus within the Liliaceae family.
  7. How many species of tulips are there approximately?
    A: 20
    B: 50
    C: 75
    D: 100
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: There are approximately 75 species of tulips.
  8. What characteristic do most tulips share regarding scent?
    A: They are strongly fragrant.
    B: Tulips generally have little to no scent.
    C: They smell like roses.
    D: They are known for their pungent odor.
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Most tulips are generally bereft of scent, and this scentless nature is valued as a sign of the flower’s chasteness.
  9. Which variety of tulip is as close to black as possible?
    A: Queen of the Night
    B: Crimson King
    C: Blue Moon
    D: White Wonder
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: The Queen of the Night tulip is a dark and glossy maroonish-purple, making it appear close to black.
  10. Where did tulips likely first get cultivated?
    A: France
    B: Persia
    C: China
    D: Spain
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips were probably first cultivated in Persia from the 10th century.
  11. Which Dutch artist famously painted tulips during the Golden Age?
    A: Vincent van Gogh
    B: Rembrandt
    C: Johannes Vermeer
    D: Pieter Bruegel
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Rembrandt painted some of the most admired “broken” tulips, which had variegated patterns caused by a virus.
  12. What do tulips symbolize in Netherlands’ culture?
    A: Eternal life
    B: Royalty
    C: Briefness of life
    D: Eternal love
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: In Dutch culture, tulips represent the briefness of life.
  13. What are the colours tulip flowers do not come in?
    A: Blue
    B: Red
    C: Yellow
    D: Pink
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Tulips come in almost every color except for pure blue.
  14. Which pigment is found in tulips and causes their coloration?
    A: Chlorophyll
    B: Tulipanin
    C: Lutein
    D: Carotene
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulipanin is an anthocyanin found in tulips that contributes to their coloration.
  15. During which season do tulips typically bloom?
    A: Summer
    B: Fall
    C: Spring
    D: Winter
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulips are spring-blooming flowers.
  16. What shape do the flowers of Tulipa orphanidea typically take?
    A: Heart-shaped
    B: Cup-shaped
    C: Bell-shaped
    D: Star-shaped
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The flowers of Tulipa orphanidea are typically cup-shaped.
  17. What event marks the cultivation of tulips in Northern Europe?
    A: Renaissance
    B: Industrial Revolution
    C: Tulip Mania
    D: Enlightenment
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulip Mania marks the period when tulips became extremely popular and valuable in Northern Europe.
  18. What part of the tulip plant is primarily used for propagation?
    A: Leaves
    B: Bulb
    C: Seed
    D: Flower
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips are propagated primarily through their bulbs.
  19. Which Sultan is recorded to have imported large quantities of tulip bulbs for his gardens?
    A: Suleyman the Magnificent
    B: Selim II
    C: Osman I
    D: Mehmed the Conqueror
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Sultan Selim II is recorded to have imported large quantities of tulip bulbs for his gardens.
  20. How many subgenera are tulips divided into?
    A: 2
    B: 3
    C: 4
    D: 5
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulips are divided into four subgenera.
  21. What famous Dutch festival celebrates tulips?
    A: King’s Day
    B: Carnival
    C: Tulip Time Festival
    D: Tulip Parade
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The Tulip Time Festival celebrates tulips and is held in the Netherlands as well as in other parts of the world.
  22. What traditional symbol do tulips represent in Persian culture?
    A: Love
    B: Martyrdom
    C: Wealth
    D: Purity
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: In Persian culture, tulips symbolize martyrdom.
  23. What is the scientific genus name for tulips?
    A: Lilium
    B: Narcissus
    C: Tulipa
    D: Iris
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The scientific genus name for tulips is Tulipa.
  24. A tulip’s fruit is typically shaped like what?
    A: Sphere
    B: Cone
    C: Capsule
    D: Pod
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulip fruits are usually ellipsoid or globose capsules.
  25. What causes the “breaking” of colors in tulip flowers?
    A: Soil conditions
    B: Frequent rain
    C: Virus infection
    D: Cross-pollination
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The “breaking” of colors in tulip flowers is caused by a virus infection.
  26. What era is called the “Tulip Era” in Turkish history?
    A: Sultanic Era
    B: Renaissance
    C: Lale Devri
    D: Golden Age
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The “Tulip Era” in Turkish history is known as Lale Devri and marks a time of floral abundance and indulgence.
  27. What do yellow tulips generally symbolize in Christian culture?
    A: Hope
    B: Forgiveness
    C: Betrayal
    D: Prosperity
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Yellow tulips in Christian culture symbolize forgiveness.
  28. Which famous novel features a quest to grow a black tulip?
    A: The Tulip Thief
    B: The Garden
    C: The Black Tulip
    D: Tulipomania
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: “The Black Tulip” by Alexandre Dumas, père, is a novel about a quest to grow a black tulip.
  29. How many chambers are typically found in the ovary of a tulip flower?
    A: 1
    B: 2
    C: 3
    D: 4
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The ovary of a tulip flower typically has three chambers.
  30. What is a major fungal disease that affects tulips?
    A: Rust
    B: Botrytis tulipae
    C: Powdery mildew
    D: Black spot
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Botrytis tulipae is a major fungal disease that affects tulips, causing plant rot.
  31. Which hybrid tulip is known as the blackest of all?
    A: King’s Crown
    B: Nightshade
    C: Queen of the Night
    D: Black Magic
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The Queen of the Night tulip is known for being the closest to black in color.
  32. What is the most common use for tulips in modern gardens?
    A: Ornamental garden plants
    B: Pest control
    C: Herbal medicine
    D: Ground cover
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Tulips are widely used as ornamental garden plants in modern gardening.
  33. When were tulips likely introduced to Europe?
    A: 10th century
    B: 12th century
    C: 16th century
    D: 18th century
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulips were introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
  34. What is the main pigment causing the vibrant colours in tulips?
    A: Chlorophyll
    B: Carotenoids
    C: Anthocyanin
    D: Melanin
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Anthocyanin pigments are primarily responsible for the vibrant colours in tulips.
  35. Which invasive pest commonly transmits the tulip breaking virus?
    A: Aphids
    B: Beetles
    C: Moths
    D: Worms
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Aphids, specifically the green peach aphid, commonly transmit the tulip breaking virus.
  36. Which famous art still often features tulips?
    A: Italian Renaissance paintings
    B: Japanese woodblock prints
    C: Dutch Golden Age paintings
    D: French Impressionist art
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulips are frequently depicted in Dutch Golden Age paintings.
  37. What is a toxic compound found in tulips?
    A: Tulipanin
    B: Oleandrin
    C: Cyanide
    D: Ricin
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Tulipanin is an anthocyanin compound found in tulips that can be toxic.
  38. How are modern multicoloured tulip patterns achieved?
    A: Genetic modification
    B: Virus infection
    C: Chemical treatment
    D: Breeding
    Correct Answer: D
    Explanation: Modern multicoloured tulip patterns are achieved through controlled breeding.
  39. Which region is considered the center of tulip diversity?
    A: Central Asia
    B: Southern Europe
    C: North America
    D: Southeast Asia
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Central Asia, specifically areas like Pamir-Alai and Tien-Shan, is considered the center of tulip diversity.
  40. What were tulip bulbs used as during the Dutch famine of 1944-45?
    A: Animal feed
    B: Decorative items
    C: Currency
    D: Food
    Correct Answer: D
    Explanation: During the Dutch famine of 1944-45, tulip bulbs were consumed as food out of desperation.
  41. What horticultural division does the ‘Gavota’ tulip variety belong to?
    A: Division 1
    B: Division 3
    C: Division 5
    D: Division 7
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The ‘Gavota’ tulip variety belongs to Division 3.
  42. What does the Greek term “cauline” refer to in the context of tulip leaves?
    A: Located at the root
    B: Born on a stem
    C: Circular shaped
    D: Aboveground
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: “Cauline” means that the leaves are born on a stem.
  43. What kind of virus is the tulip breaking virus?
    A: DNA virus
    B: RNA virus
    C: Prion
    D: Retrovirus
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The tulip breaking virus is an RNA virus.
  44. Which subgenera of tulips contains the most species?
    A: Clusianae
    B: Orithyia
    C: Tulipa
    D: Eriostemones
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The Tulipa subgenus contains the most species, with about 52.
  45. Which tulip variety is known for its historical significance as the most expensive during Tulip Mania?
    A: Night Emperor
    B: Semper Augustus
    C: Queen of Hearts
    D: Golden Crown
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The Semper Augustus tulip was the most expensive tulip during the period of Tulip Mania.
  46. When planting tulip bulbs, how deep should the holes generally be?
    A: 2-4 cm
    B: 6-8 cm
    C: 10-20 cm
    D: 22-30 cm
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The recommended hole depth for planting tulip bulbs is 10 to 20 cm deep.
  47. How long do tulips generally stay dormant?
    A: One month
    B: Three months
    C: Six months
    D: Nine months
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips generally go dormant in the summer for three months.
  48. Which tulip cultivar group is known for its picotee tepals?
    A: Didieri Group
    B: Grengiolensis Group
    C: Fosteriana Group
    D: Greigii Group
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The Grengiolensis Group of tulips is known for its picotee tepals.
  49. Which Sultan is linked with the name “Tulip Era”?
    A: Mehmed II
    B: Suleyman the Magnificent
    C: Ahmet III
    D: Selim I
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The “Tulip Era” is linked with Sultan Ahmet III.
  50. What aspect of tulip flowers represented chasteness according to Dutch culture?
    A: Their vibrant colors
    B: Their lacking fragrance
    C: Their symmetrical shape
    D: Their variety of forms
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The Dutch valued tulips’ lack of scent as it demonstrated the flower’s chasteness.
  51. Which modern practice helps keep tulip virus issues at bay?
    A: Frequent fertilizing
    B: Spraying with pesticides
    C: Breeding virus-resistant varieties
    D: Exclusive greenhouse cultivation
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Breeding virus-resistant varieties of tulips has helped reduce issues with tulip viruses.
  52. What is a common outcome when tulip petals are ingested by domestic animals?
    A: Rapid growth
    B: Poisoning
    C: Enhanced immunity
    D: Increased energy
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulip petals are poisonous to domestic animals like cats and dogs, leading to various symptoms or even death.
  53. Why are tulip bulbs topped during commercial growth?
    A: To enhance flower color
    B: To increase the vigor of the bulbs
    C: To prevent pests
    D: To enhance scent
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulip bulbs are topped during commercial growth to increase vigor and size of the offsets and prevent cross-pollination.
  54. Which classification group do wild species of tulips fall under in horticulture?
    A: Lily-flowered
    B: Darwin hybrid
    C: Species (Botanical) tulips
    D: Fringed (Crispa) tulips
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Wild species of tulips are classified as Species or Botanical tulips in horticulture.
  55. When do tulip bulbs typically need to be replanted in Central and Northern Europe?
    A: Spring
    B: Summer
    C: Fall
    D: Winter
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulip bulbs in Central and Northern Europe are typically replanted in the fall.
  56. Which pigment is involved in generating the color of tulip flowers?
    A: Xanthophyll
    B: Delphinidin
    C: Tulipanin
    D: Lycopene
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Tulipanin is involved in generating the coloring of tulip flowers.
  57. Which flowering classification includes “Queen of Night” tulip variety?
    A: Lily-flowered
    B: Darwin hybrid
    C: Single late
    D: Double early
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The “Queen of Night” variety is classified under Single late tulips in horticultural divisions.
  58. Which tulip characteristic indicates they are adapted to cold environments?
    A: Shallow root systems
    B: Vernalisation requirement
    C: Ability to grow on walls
    D: Rapid flowering cycle
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Tulips require a period of cold dormancy known as vernalisation to properly grow and flower, showing they are adapted to cold environments.
  59. What happens to tulip colors when grown under different conditions?
    A: Remains the same
    B: Always lightens
    C: Can vary
    D: Always darkens
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The colors of tulip flowers can vary when grown under different conditions.
  60. Aside from being decorative, what other historic use did tulip flowers have?
    A: Herbal medicine
    B: Currency
    C: Magic rituals
    D: Cooking ingredients
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: During Tulip Mania, tulip bulbs were treated as a form of currency due to their immense value.
Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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