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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2.4 Stage determination The cold period may be started once stage G is reached and the treatment at the intermediate temperature has been completed. Unfortunately, no fixed date can be given for this period, as it depends on the stage development in that particular year and batch. A wide range of factors play a role in the development, such as weather conditions in the previous growing season, the time the bulbs were lifted, the temperature treatment after lifting, cultivar characteristics and bulb size. Use stage examination to determine whether or not the flower has developed fully. To do this, carefully cut open a bulb. Take out the apical meristem without damaging it and examine it with a binocular microscope (magnification of 25 to 30 times), or, if the flower has developed, a 10-x magnifying glass. The following botanical terms are used internationally for the flower’s organs: P = perianth (petals) A = anther (stamen) G = gynoecium (pistil) The numbers indicate the various stages. Plus and minus signs after the stage indicate the transition between the stages.