For most who enjoy spring-flowering bulbs, there are two primary seasons: fall planting, and spring blooming. For the growers in the Netherlands, the work is year-round. Follow along a grower’s year below.
October: Bulbs are planted.
November: Putting on winter cover of straw.
March-April: Crops are inspected.
April-May: The flower heads are cut off.
May-June: The bulbs remain in the ground while growing.
July: The bulbs are dug up.
July-August: Bulbs are graded by size.
July-August: Bulbs dry and cure.
August: Bulbs are readied for packing.
August-September: Bulbs are checked and packed.
August-September: Crates are readied for export.
August-September: Crates for export are inspected by the USDA.
August-September: Crates are loaded onto "reefer" container.
August-September: Container is loaded onto a ship to cross the Atlantic.
