Early Bloom In Srinagar Tulip Garden, Asia's Largest

Srinagar: There is early bloom in Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar. With 10 Lakh tulip bulbs spread over 30 acres, the garden will be open to public next week, nearly three weeks ahead of schedule.

This year, climatic conditions have been favourable to tulips, leading to early bloom.

"This will prepone the tourist season and it will be a great benefit to tourism industry," said Talat Parvez, director gardens and floriculture.

Last year, the garden was opened in the first week of April as March witnessed heavy snowfall, but this year the temperature is 10 degrees above normal.

"We tend to tulip buds more carefully than our children. We feel very happy they are blooming. It's our livelihood," said Abdul Jabbar, a gardener.
 
The garden has over 40 different colours of tulips and the department is now planting different variants to make the garden attractive beyond the tulip season.

"Once this bloom goes in April ending we will have another bloom of Lilian in full swing, subsequently a bloom in July and August," said Mr Parvez.

Officials say garden will be formally thrown open to public in next three to four days.