Tulips in Bloom: BelSU Botanical Garden Welcomes International Women’s Day

This year’s display welcomes students, faculty, staff, and guests in the main foyer of the Belgorod National Research University (BelSU), showcasing a vibrant array of tulips and hydrangeas. Floral arrangements were also placed in the university’s Chapel of the Archangel Gabriel.

This year, the botanical garden featured three exquisite varieties of tulips: Goldenes Deutschland, Hakuun, and Olympia Record. For the hydrangeas, the selected varieties were Magical Crystal, Schneeball, and Forever Ever Peppermint.

Marina Evtukhova, Head of the Landscape Architecture Department at the BelSU Botanical Garden, explained, “We are excited to present these three tulip varieties and three hydrangeas to our university community. The process of forcing tulips begins in December, where we create optimal growth conditions through controlled temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrient levels in the soil. By employing a comprehensive range of biotechnologies, we can reliably produce beautiful flowers for any festive occasion – this time for March 8th.”

Evtukhova elaborated that forcing tulips is an agronomic technique designed to accelerate flowering within a specific timeframe by manipulating environmental conditions. Key factors for success include pre-cooling the plant bulbs to 9°C for a set period before transferring them to warmer temperatures (12°C to 18°C) with moderate humidity. This process fosters rapid stem and bud growth. Additionally, maintaining approximately 14 hours of daylight promotes uniform development.

To strengthen the root system and enhance petal colour, careful regulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil is essential. To combat potential diseases, fungicides are utilized as preventative measures against fungal infections.

“This combination of biotechnologies allows us to consistently produce decorative flowers for special occasions, enabling us to honor the remarkable women in our lives on March 8th,” Evtukhova concluded.

As a reminder, lilacs were previously in bloom at the university in celebration of Russian Students’ Day celebrated at the end of January.