Heavy rainfall of the last few years is causing a tulip scarcity

Tulips are going to be a lot more scarce and expensive next year. Growers were only able to plant flower bulbs at a later stage because of the large amount of rainfall that fell this year and last year. The proceeds are much lower because of this, and it is resulting in a shortage of tulip bulbs, an organization for the flower bulb trade, Royal Anthos reported. "We have never experienced this before. "It's not just a bump, it's unprecedented," said General Manager Mark-Jan Terwindt.

Flower bulb growers plant small flower bulbs every autumn so that they can then grow to bulbs that are suited for trade. However, due to the extreme wetness, this so-called planting material could only go into the ground late, sometimes not at all.

The sector was worried about a shortage of around 20 percent, but Royal Anthos is now expecting a larger scarcity. "I don't dare put a percentage on it yet, but it is such that it will change the market," said Terwindt.

Trading companies now have to purchase many additional bulbs outside of existing contracts. This happens at prices that have doubled or tripled in many cases. This will also be seen in the prices for tulips at supermarkets or at the florists. "In the end, the supermarkets decide the price themselves, but the sales you usually see will decrease significantly," Terwindt expects. "And a lot less will be available."

The problems are not just limited to tulip bulbs but will also affect crocuses and ornamental onions. Flowers that mainly originate from other areas could fill the gaps, like roses from African countries, for example. "There will be flowers. But the tulip is an iconic product and also serves as an announcement of autumn," Terwindt thinks.