Tulip News for 2024

You might recall the dreadful wet weather we experienced early this year in 2024. It is perhaps a grower’s worst nightmare and it has caused a few problems in the industry. 

This year tulips will be in short supply, but we have you covered!

It might sound alarming but we are working hard to make sure you get the best bulbs at the best prices this season. We managed to secure much of our stock earlier in the year. While the yield of tulip bulbs is below the annual average, we are confident in our ability to supply tulips as usual. Currently, we have the largest online selection with 287 varieties of tulips available online. If your favourite is not in stock, we are sure we can find a perfect replacement for you.

We don't want you to worry but we thought it was important to mention. It will always be our priority to provide our customers with the best bulbs we can. 

What does this mean for your bulbs?

It might be that we have to provide slightly smaller bulbs than we would like. We will not provide anything that is too small to perform. Rather than our usual 11-12 size it might be possible you will receive a few size 10 bulbs. These are more than adequate for a great display. 

What is bulb size? 

We have a guide to understanding bulbs size here. Ususally the more storage of food the bulb contains the more chances the bulb will have to grow sucessfully. Given the right environment even small bulbs can produce healthy flowers.

What is the impact of the wet weather on the bulbs?

The wet weather started in autumn and many growers couldn’t plant the bulbs in the soil until very late. This means that the tulips didn’t have enough time to put on the size they normally would. Although the bulbs will be graded the same there wont be as many top size bulbs available.

The soil in Hillegom is very sandy and drains extremely well so we are fortunate that the wet conditions did not damage the bulbs. 

Will tulips cost more?

Usually when there is a big demand and limited stock, prices will skyrocket.

We enter an agreement with the growers early in the year, we can keep our prices as they are. If we have to buy more tulips it is likely they will be much more expensive. 

It is worth making sure you order early to secure your favourites.

Are other bulbs affected?

Hyacinths have also suffered, and may be a size smaller than you are used to with Peter Nyssen.

However, daffodils and crocus have really grown well and it looks like a really great crop this year!

Will smaller bulbs still grow?

We choose to provide bigger bulbs because they are more reliable and give you bigger blooms. However, bulbs that are a size smaller are still superb performers and can grow just as well. We will not be providing bulbs that are unlikely to bloom. The only difference is that the flowers may be slightly shorter, but it won't make a noticeable difference.

Should I be worried about my order?

No, we’re taking steps to make sure you get the best bulbs for the right price. All of our bulbs are sorted and carefully looked after. We will keep you informed if there are any further shortages. The stock we have seen seems very healthy. We will finish recieving bulbs in August, if there is anything missing we will be in contact.

What should we do when we recieve the bulbs?

As of August, the tulips are out of the ground and are ready for packaging. There is no need for you to do anything different with your bulbs. You can plant them just as you would normally for a beautiful spring display. To encourage bulb growth, make sure your soil is well draining and healthy. Make sure the bulbs get the right amount of water over winter. Not too much, but don't let them dry out either. Give them lots of room so the foliage has plenty of room to develop too. Usually about 10-15 cm apart.

Weather like this is an important reminder to develop your soil health. Keep mulching, adding drainage and organic matter and plant a diverse range of plants. We can’t predict the weather but good soil is the key to a successful garden. 

Providing we have a good autumn everything should go back to normal next year.