In this section, you will find the growing methods in use, the growing techniques, crop protection, disease control and variety choice of tulips, hyacinths and narcissus.

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1.8 Intermediate temperature For prepared bulbs, a temperature of 17ºC is maintained after Stage G is reached. This encourages the hyacinth to enter the stem elongation period. In spite of the fact that the flower-formation period is over, the intermediate temperature still has an effect on flower quality; at a temperature of 17ºC, this effect is definitely beneficial. An intermediate temperature lower than 17ºC is inadvisable due to a sharply increased risk of Penicillium and a somewhat negative effect on the quality of the forced hyacinths. The risk of green or desiccated florets at the top of the flower cluster increases, a problem which encourages the development of blind florets and bud rot. For unprepared hyacinths, the intermediate temperature starts four weeks before planting, at which time stem elongation begins. If planted after 15 December, a temperature of 25ºC is maintained instead of 17ºC until planting; this is done to prevent root formation and subsequent Penicillium attack. The following cold period will however, have to be extended by 1-2 weeks.