Colder winter delays tulip bloom in Kashmir

The winter that was colder than usual in Kashmir this year has delayed the blooming in Asia's largest tulip garden in the foothills of Zabarwan mountain range.

"The tulips have not bloomed yet due to extreme cold conditions this winter. The intermittent rains have also delayed the blooming," a floriculture department official said.

The minimum temperature in the Valley dipped to as low as minus 6.5 degree Celsius this year and the day temperatures were also two to three degrees below normal throughout the season.

However, the official said the delay in blooming might turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as it will ensure that the seasonal flowers, which flourish in 15 to 20 deg C only, last longer.

"The temperature in rest of the country is rising and by end of March, many people will be looking to escape the heat. We expect the blooming to start by end of March and hope to cash in on the domestic tourist arrivals," he said.

The floriculture department has expanded the garden by adding 2.5 lakh bulbs to the 15 lakh bulbs. The 77.5 acre garden now has over 70 varieties of tulips on display.

Besides revenue from the visitors, the department gets substantial amount from sale of cut flowers.

The tulip garden in Siraj Bagh, located between Dal lake and Zabarwan hills, was developed in 2007 and has sustained tourism sector in Kashmir for the last three years as the summers were consumed by unrest in 2008, 2009 and 2010 for varied reasons.