Toxic Tulips
Tulips are the second most prevalent flower cultivated in the Netherlands, favored due to the ideal growing conditions provided by the long, cool springs and moist, well-drained soils of the region (Mordor Intel).
Each year, the tulip season kicks off with National Tulip Day in January, where Dutch growers create a temporary display of over 200,000 tulips at Dam Square in Amsterdam to celebrate the start of the season, which generally lasts until April. This event marks the beginning of a period during which the tulip fields across the country bloom in a spectacular display of color, attracting visitors from around the world (Mordor Intel) (Tulip Festival Amsterdam).
In 2023, the Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most famous tulip and flower parks in the Netherlands, was a prime location for tulip viewing. The park is known for its vast and diverse displays, and despite some variability in weather, the tulips there bloomed profusely throughout the season. The park also hosts events like the Flower Parade, adding to its attractiveness as a visitor destination during the tulip season (Tulip Festival Amsterdam) (Endless Wonder).
Moreover, the Dutch tulip industry is not just about beauty and tourism; it's also a significant economic activity. The sector has been investing in technology and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and sustainability. For instance, Royal FloraHolland, a major cooperative in the Dutch flower market, has implemented advanced logistics solutions to improve the supply chain from growers to buyers (Mordor Intel).