Bulbs and Flowers
Flower culture in the Bulb region
The Duin- en Bollenstreek, located between Haarlem and Leiden, is world-famous as the heart of Dutch tulip cultivation. This unique region is the birthplace of the flower bulb industry and attracts visitors from around the globe. In addition to tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths are widely grown here.
The history of bulb cultivation dates back to the late 16th century, when it began on the sandy soils near Haarlem. In the 17th century, the industry experienced rapid growth during the period of the Tulip Mania. Large-scale cultivation in the region as we know it today developed mainly in the second half of the 19th century.
The landscape of the Duin- en Bollenstreek is defined by wide sandy ridges formed after dune excavation between 1650 and 1955. These fertile “geest” soils proved ideal for bulb cultivation due to their excellent drainage. Sheltered from the North Sea by extensive dune systems, the region offers optimal conditions for flower growing.
During the blooming season, the area transforms into a vibrant patchwork of colors that attracts thousands of visitors each year. After the first crocuses, daffodils bloom in late March, followed by fragrant hyacinths and iconic tulips. In summer, flowers such as gladiolus, dahlias, carnations, and asters continue to color the landscape.
Flowers in Spring
The bulbs are planted in autumn, then straw is spread on the soil to protect the bulbs from frost. In spring, the soil under the straw begins to seed so that the bulb can grow and flower early. After the lush flowers in spring, it's the tulips' turn. In summer, when the plant has dried out, the bulbs are uprooted and peeled by hand or, in the case of hyacinths, rolled. This is traditionally a nice extra income for young people and seasonal workers from home and abroad. The bulbs are then dried and disinfected in bulb sheds at high temperature.
Every spring, the flowering bulb fields attract many visitors who enjoy the bright colours and the play of lines of the flower fields in the Bulb Region.
More about Spring Flowers
Summer Flowers
In summer, gladioli, dahlias, carnations and asters provide a second colourful period in the Bulb Region. The dahlia in particular has been gaining huge popularity in recent years. The dahlia originates from Mexico and for that reason is not hardy. Just after the first night frost, dig up the tubers and overwinter them in a frost-free spot.
The dahlia is a summer flower with a long history in our gardens. It used to be a real pet plant, planted by farmers so they could pick flowers from it for a spring. Because that's what characterises the dahlia: lots of flowers, which you can pick, and new ones often come in return. Dahlia bulbs are a joy of life and farmers realised this early on. The graceful flowers also found their way to the city early on.
More about Dahlias
Come and experience the flowers!
Enjoy the Flowers, respect our pride!
If you are standing at the edge of such a brightly coloured sea of flowers, you will probably be tempted to step out into the fields. However, we strongly urge you not to walk amidst the flowers. The flowers and bulbs are easily damaged. Even if you are very careful, you can bring plant diseases into the field with your shoes. And that means a considerable loss for the growers. So please take your best flower photo or selfie at the edge of the field!
Would you like to take a photo amidst the flowers? Then visit one of the locations specially set up for that purpose:
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Keukenhof Lisse
In 2023, Keukenhof will be open daily from 8:00 - 19:30 from Thursday 23 March until Sunday 14 May.
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Kasteel Keukenhof Estate
From August, you can come and enjoy the dahlia garden here. Entrance to the estate is free.
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De Tulperij in Voorhout
In spring you can enjoy the tulips here and from mid-August there is a beautiful dahlia show and picking garden
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The Tulip Barn in Hillegom
A tulip selfie garden in spring and, from early September, a dahlia show garden with sunflower picking on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Tulip Experience Amsterdam in Noordwijkerhout
An exploration of the history and growers' process, show garden and tulip picking garden. Open in spring.
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Tulip Store Show Garden Voorhout
A show garden with more than 400 varieties and mixes of tulips in spring. Open daily from early April to mid-May.
Giant Bulbs!
The Gildemeesters Bollenstreek Foundation launched the art project "Giant Tulip Bulbs" aka "Reuzenbollen" in 2018.
The eighty man-sized works of art in the shape of a tulip bulb will be painted by different artists from the Bulb Region and will be placed between Leiden and Haarlem. They all tell their own story, related to the Bulb Region.
The Giant Bulbs will be adopted by foundations, companies and local councils and they will form a beautiful route through the region. That way, we can also admire the flower bulbs beyond spring!
Cycling along the bulbs
History of the bulbs
At Museum de Zwarte Tulp, visitors experience the Bulb Region through an interactive exhibition for the whole family. The museum tells about 500 years of the region's history, the work on the land 100 years ago and today, and the science behind the development of new tulip varieties.
The museum is located in a building in the centre of Lisse that once served as a bulb storage shed. If you want to learn more about the history of bulb culture, take a look round Museum de Zwarte Tulp in Lisse.
Museum de Zwarte Tulp