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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13.3 Watering and cooling the flowers The bunches are then stored in the cold store for 30-60 minutes in cold water (1-5°C) or placed directly in the cold room at 1-5°C. Do not add any preservatives to the water as in some cultivars this will lead to longer necks. After watering, the flowers are stored upright in the cold store at a temperature of 1-5°C and a relative humidity of 90%. This last measure should only be adopted if there are no water deposits on the flowers. Botrytis spores can only germinate in water deposits and can cause so-called “fire” spotting on the foliage and flowers. If water deposits can not be avoided, the relative humidity level should be set lower. However, keep in mind that a lower relative humidity causes the product to dry out even more resulting in a decrease in flower and keeping quality. Cold stores equipped with a so-called Fylacel system are ideal for storage purposes. In these rooms the temperature is maintained at an even 1°C and a relative humidity of 98%, without water collecting on the plants. Storing the tulips too long in the cold room will affect the quality and keeping quality of the flowers. Therefore: never keep the flowers for more than three days in the cold store.