A Journey Through the Netherlands’ Blooming Landscape

The Netherlands stands as the undisputed global leader in floriculture, producing billions of flowers and bulbs annually. This small nation exports more flowers than any other country in the world, and its regional diversity creates a tapestry of color, fragrance, and horticultural expertise that has been cultivated over centuries. From the iconic tulip fields of the Bollenstreek to the cutting-edge greenhouses of Westland, each region tells its own unique floral story.

North Holland: The Bulb Capital

Bollenstreek (The Bulb Region)

Stretching like a colorful ribbon between the historic cities of Haarlem and Leiden, the Bollenstreek represents the crown jewel of Dutch flower cultivation. This 30-kilometer strip of land has become synonymous with Holland’s flower industry, drawing millions of visitors each spring.

Tulips: The National Treasure The region produces over 4 billion tulip bulbs annually, with more than 1,000 varieties cultivated. The blooming season transforms the landscape from late March through early May, creating the famous striped fields that appear in countless photographs. Traditional varieties like the deep red ‘Couleur Cardinal’ grow alongside modern innovations like the fringed ‘Fancy Frills’ and the dramatic black ‘Queen of Night.’

The sandy, well-drained soil here is ideal for bulb cultivation. Farmers have perfected their craft over generations, knowing precisely when to plant (October through November) and when to harvest (June through July, after the flowers have been topped to strengthen the bulbs).

Daffodils: Spring’s Golden Herald These cheerful blooms arrive earlier than tulips, typically flowering in March. The Bollenstreek produces both traditional yellow varieties and modern cultivars in white, orange, and even pink. The ‘Ice Follies’ with its white petals and yellow cup, and the fragrant ‘Avalanche’ are particularly popular varieties from this region.

Hyacinths: The Fragrant Beauties Hyacinths thrive in the region’s sandy soil, their intensely fragrant blooms appearing in April. The area specializes in both single and double varieties, with colors ranging from deep blue ‘Delft Blue’ to soft pink ‘Pink Pearl’ and pure white ‘Carnegie.’ The perfume from hyacinth fields can be detected from considerable distances during peak bloom.

Crocuses and Muscari Earlier still than daffodils, crocuses carpet fields in February and early March. The diminutive grape hyacinths (Muscari) add splashes of intense blue to the spring palette, often used as border plantings in the larger bulb fields.

The Keukenhof Region

Centered around the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse, this area serves as both a showcase and a production center for ornamental bulbs.

The surrounding commercial fields supply not only the gardens but also export markets worldwide. Growers here focus on exhibition-quality bulbs, perfect specimens that will become the centerpieces of gardens and parks across the globe. The region also cultivates specialty bulbs like fritillarias, alliums, and rare tulip varieties that command premium prices from collectors.

Anna Paulowna

North of the main Bollenstreek, this region has emerged as a significant tulip producer, with endless fields creating spectacular views along the coast. The area benefits from sea breezes that moderate temperatures and reduce disease pressure.

South Holland: The Greenhouse Empire

Westland (The Glass City)

Between Rotterdam and The Hague lies Westland, a region so dominated by greenhouse cultivation that from the air it appears as a glittering sea of glass. This 10,000-hectare area represents one of the most intensive horticultural zones in the world.

Roses: Year-Round Elegance Westland’s climate-controlled greenhouses produce roses 365 days a year. Growers here cultivate hundreds of varieties:

• Classic red roses like ‘Red Naomi’ with their deep crimson petals
• Garden-style roses such as ‘Avalanche+’ in pure white
• Spray roses in sunset oranges, lavender, and bi-colors
• Specialty varieties including ‘Rainbow Rose’ and ‘Vendela’ champagne roses

The region has pioneered sustainable growing techniques, using geothermal heating, LED grow lights, and biological pest control to reduce environmental impact while maintaining premium quality.

Gerberas: The Rainbow Flower These cheerful daisy-like flowers are produced in staggering quantities. Modern breeding programs have created gerberas in virtually every color except blue, from soft pastels to vibrant neons. The large-headed standard gerberas and smaller germini varieties both thrive in Westland’s controlled environments.

Chrysanthemums: The Autumn Specialists Though produced year-round, chrysanthemums are Westland’s autumn specialty. From tight pompons to spider-petaled novelties, from pure white disbud mums to deep burgundy sprays, the variety is astounding. The region supplies chrysanthemums for both the cut flower market and the potted plant industry.

Lilies and Alstroemeria Oriental lilies with their intoxicating fragrance, Asiatic lilies in bold colors, and delicate alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) all flourish under Westland’s glass roofs. These flowers benefit from protection from rain and wind, producing flawless blooms.

Waddinxveen and Boskoop

These neighboring areas specialize in ornamental plants and shrubs, but also produce significant quantities of hydrangeas, both as cut flowers and potted plants. The region’s nurseries are renowned for their expertise in woody ornamentals that complement floral arrangements.

Flevoland: The Modern Marvel

The Netherlands’ youngest province, entirely reclaimed from the sea, Flevoland represents modern Dutch ingenuity applied to flower cultivation.

Tulip Innovation The polder’s perfectly flat, fertile land has become prime tulip territory. Here, modern growers experiment with new varieties and cultivation techniques. The region’s youth means farmers use the latest technology from the start, including GPS-guided planting, automated irrigation, and precision harvesting equipment.

Cut Flower Tulips While the Bollenstreek focuses primarily on bulb production, Flevoland has emerged as a major producer of cut flower tulips. The long-stemmed blooms are harvested from January through April, with greenhouse forcing allowing for early-season production.

Lisianthus and Eustoma These elegant flowers, resembling roses when tightly budded and peonies when fully open, have found an ideal home in Flevoland’s greenhouses. Available in white, pink, purple, and bi-colors, they’re increasingly popular for weddings and special events.

North Brabant: The Southern Beauty

Zundert and the Southern Sandy Soils

This region, with its characteristic sandy soils and slightly warmer climate, has carved out its own niche in Dutch floriculture.

Dahlias: The Summer Stars North Brabant is the Netherlands’ dahlia heartland. From dinner-plate sized exhibition blooms to petite pompons, from cactus-flowered varieties to elegant waterlily types, the region produces them all. The dahlia season runs from July through the first frost, providing color when many spring bulbs have finished.

Peonies: Luxurious Blooms Both herbaceous and tree peonies thrive in this region. The short but spectacular peony season (May-June) produces some of the most sought-after flowers in the world. Varieties range from simple single blooms to elaborate doubles in white, pink, red, and coral.

Gladiolus and Summer Bulbs These tall, stately flowers flourish in North Brabant’s conditions. Modern varieties in every color imaginable line the fields from July through September.

Limburg: The Southern Edge

The Netherlands’ southernmost province has a distinct character, with rolling hills unusual for the flat Dutch landscape.

Specialty Ornamentals Limburg’s slightly warmer climate and varied terrain allow for cultivation of more temperamental species. Ranunculus, anemones, and specialty foliage plants thrive here.

Christmas Flowers The region has become known for poinsettia production, with greenhouses timed to produce these festive plants for the holiday season. Amaryllis bulbs for forcing are also a specialty.

Drenthe and Groningen: The Northern Frontier

While less famous than southern regions, the northern provinces contribute significantly to Dutch flower production.

Hardy Bulbs and Perennials The cooler climate here suits certain varieties particularly well. Alliums (ornamental onions), Dutch iris, and cold-hardy lilies are regional specialties.

Wildflower Production Increasingly, these regions focus on native and naturalistic flowers for ecological landscaping and sustainable gardens.

The Auction System: The Heart That Pumps

No discussion of Dutch flowers would be complete without mentioning the auction houses, particularly Royal FloraHolland. Though not a growing region itself, the auction system connects all regions to global markets.

Located primarily in Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk, and Rijnsburg, these massive facilities process millions of flowers daily. Growers from every region send their blooms here, where they’re auctioned using the famous “Dutch auction” clock system, with prices starting high and dropping until a buyer presses their button.

Visiting Holland’s Flower Regions

Best Times to Visit:

• Late March to mid-May: Peak tulip season in the Bollenstreek
• Late April: Keukenhof Gardens at their most spectacular
• June-September: Summer flowers in North Brabant
• Year-round: Westland greenhouse tours (by appointment)

Flower Routes: The Bollenstreek offers mapped cycling routes through the fields. The 40-kilometer “Blooming Bicycle Route” passes through the heart of the region, while shorter routes accommodate casual visitors.

Flower Festivals: The Bloemencorso (Flower Parade) travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem in late April, featuring elaborate floats covered entirely in hyacinths, tulips, and other spring bulbs.

Sustainability and the Future

Dutch flower growers increasingly focus on sustainability. Westland’s greenhouses use geothermal energy, capturing CO2 for plant growth, and employing beneficial insects instead of pesticides. The Bollenstreek has implemented water management systems to prevent runoff and protect groundwater.

Breeding programs work to develop disease-resistant varieties that require fewer inputs, while research into LED lighting and vertical farming promises to make year-round production even more efficient.

From the iconic tulip fields of North Holland to the high-tech greenhouses of Westland, from the dahlia fields of North Brabant to the innovative polders of Flevoland, the Netherlands’ flower regions each contribute their unique character to the nation’s floral tapestry. This small country’s outsized impact on global floriculture stems from centuries of expertise, constant innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you’re a gardener, a flower enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Holland’s flower regions offer an experience unlike any other in the world.