TULIPS FROM amsterdam
See the Tulips from Amsterdam
The tulips of Amsterdam are world famous. They come in all kinds of colors and during the flowering season the bulb fields look like an amazig color palette in the Dutch landscape.
Actually there are 3 area’s in The Netherlands were you can find the tulips fields, in the ‘Noordoostpolder’, situated at the North East part of the city Lelystad, in the ‘Kop van Noord-Holland’, an area from the North of Amsterdam and the most famous area: the “Bollenstreek”, situated in the south-west part of Amsterdam
The most important question
When is Tulip season in Amsterdam?
First of all, the tulip season means, when are the tulips blooming? In general, the season to see the tulips blooming in the fields is from early April to mid-May.
The time of blooming depends how cold the winter has been prior to the blooming season. If the winter has been very cold, the tulips will bloom later in April. The best period to see the tulips blooming is from mid-April to the first week of May.
In general the winters in The Netherlands are not that cold anymore, the first tulips start blooming early April.
You might see the first flowers blooming already at the end of march. These are the daffodils and those will fill the first fields with a lot of colors.
Where are tulips blooming in Amsterdam?
For sure you can find a lot of tulips in the city itself and the flower market in Amsterdam, however the tulip fields are not in Amsterdam.
The most famous area is the “Bollenstreek“, the area between Noordwijk, Hillegom and Lisse, the centre of this tulip area. Lisse is also home of the world famous flower garden, the Keukenhof.
The area is located in the south west part of the Amsterdam area
Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens located in The Netherlands. It is a popular tourist destination that is open annually from late March to mid-May, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.
the flower garden the keukenhof
The Keukenhof boasts over seven million tulip bulbs, and you will see them in all colors, sizes, and shapes. You will see traditional tulips like the Dutch tulips, as well as unique hybrids.
The Keukehof exists of different themed gardens One of the most popular ones is the Japanese Garden, which features a stunning bonsai collection and a traditional Japanese teahouse. The English Landscape Garden is also a must-visit, with its picturesque ponds, waterfalls, and winding paths.
You will also explore the various pavilions in the garden, each featuring different types of flowers. For example, the Oranje Nassau Pavilion showcases a variety of lilies, while the Beatrix Pavilion displays an impressive collection of orchids.
Important information to visit The Keukenhof
- Opening dates 2023: from March 23rd – May 14th
- Open daily from 8 AM – 7:30 PM
- Buy your tickets online to secure date and predetermined timeslot
- Best days to avoid the crowd: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Best time to visit for stunning photos: after 4 pm. It’s less crowded and you have advantage of the sunlight
How to get to the Keukenhof to see the tulips?
From Amsterdam there are shuttle busses running from the RAI (Amsterdam’s Convention Centre) to the Keukenhof. To get to the RAI, take the subway line M52 heading to Amsterdam Zuid (South). Get off at the Europaplein metro stop (it’s the second last station of that line). There you will find shuttle bus 852 which will take you to the Keukenhof directly. You need the buy a ticket online, the Keukenhof entrance is included.
The shuttle bus ©Keukenhof
Map bus stop ©Keukenhof
The shuttle bus 852 runs from 7:30 AM each day as long as the Keukenhof is open. The bus leaves up to 8 times an hour and it takes roughly 35 minutes travel time. The ticket includes the shuttle bus and the entrance ticket for the Keukenhof, total price € 36 per person. You have to select a time slot for the departure by bus.
Departure of the shuttle bus from Schiphol Airport to the Keukenhof
You can also take the shuttle bus from Schiphol Airport, this is bus 858. See the map for the location. Just leave arrivals hall through the main exit and keep left.
This ticket is € 31 and the travel time is about half an hour.
The shuttle bus from Schiphol leaves about 6 times an hour, the first one leaves at 7:30 AM.
The last buses back from the Keukenhof to Amsterdam RAI and Schiphol leave at 19:55 hours On the spot you have to decide at what time you want to take the bus back to Amsterdam or Schiphol
Map bus stop ©Keukenhof
CANAL CRUISE
Of course you cannot leave Amsterdam without boarding a canal cruise. Most cruises last an hour and are guided tours. There are also special cruises, such as evenings cruises with drinks and bites. Most ships have an open-air section. You can also do a tour in open smaller boats or even private boats, ideal for groups where full catering can be arranged.
About the tulips of amsterdam
It’s important to note that the exact location of the tulip fields can vary from year to year, as the farmers rotate their crops and plant different types of bulbs each season. Additionally, it’s important to respect the farmers’ fields and not trespass or damage any of the flowers. You can often see the fields from public roads or bike paths, or you can take a guided tour to see the tulip fields up close.
Some history about the tulips of amsterdam
Tulips have been associated with the Netherlands for centuries and are a symbol of the country’s culture and history. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its tulips.
The popularity of tulips in Amsterdam can also be attributed to the country’s history of tulip cultivation and trade. In the 17th century, tulips became so valuable that they were used as a form of currency, and a single bulb could be sold for the equivalent of thousands of dollars. This period, known as “Tulip Mania,” has become a fascinating part of Dutch history and continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.
Today, visitors to Amsterdam can enjoy the vibrant displays of tulips in the Keukenhof Gardens and explore the city’s flower market and shops that offer a wide range of tulip varieties.
Did you know this about tulips
Tulips are a special flower for several reasons:
Variety: Tulips come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are over 3,000 varieties of tulips, and they can be found in almost every color of the rainbow. This variety makes them a popular choice for gardens, floral arrangements, and decorative displays.
Symbolism: Tulips have long been associated with love and passion, and they are often used to express feelings of romance and affection. Different colors of tulips have different symbolic meanings, with red tulips representing love and yellow tulips symbolizing friendship.
History: Tulips have a fascinating history, particularly in the Netherlands, where they were cultivated and traded as a valuable commodity in the 17th century.
Durability: Tulips are a hardy flower and can last for several days after being cut. This makes them a popular choice for floral arrangements, as they can withstand transportation and display without wilting or drooping.
Easy to Grow: Tulips are easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. They can be planted in the fall and will bloom in the spring, providing a burst of color after the winter months.
How do tulips grow?
Tulips are typically grown from bulbs, which are planted in the fall and will bloom in the spring. Here is a general overview of the growing process:
Soil Preparation: Before planting, the soil should be prepared by removing any weeds and adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality and drainage.
Planting: Tulip bulbs should be planted in the fall, ideally 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. The bulbs should be planted about 6 inches deep and spaced about 4-6 inches apart.
Watering: After planting, the bulbs should be watered thoroughly to help settle the soil around them. Watering should continue throughout the fall and winter, as long as the soil is not frozen.
Dormancy: During the winter months, tulip bulbs will go into a period of dormancy. They do not require much care during this time, but the soil should be kept moist.
Growth: As the weather warms in the spring, the tulip bulbs will begin to sprout and send up shoots. The shoots will eventually grow into stems with leaves, and the tulip flower bud will develop at the top of the stem.
Blooming: Depending on the variety, tulips will bloom in the spring for several weeks. After blooming, the flowers will begin to wilt and should be removed to allow the plant to focus its energy on producing new bulbs.
Bulb Care: After the flowers have faded, the leaves should be left to die back naturally. This allows the plant to store energy in the bulbs for next year’s growth. In the late summer, the bulbs can be dug up, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant them again in the fall.
Overall, tulips are relatively easy to grow and provide a beautiful burst of color in the spring garden. With proper care, tulip bulbs can produce flowers for several years.
Why are the tulips cut off after blooming?
Tulips and many other flowers are typically cut off after blooming for several reasons:
Aesthetics: After a flower has bloomed, it will begin to wilt and fade. This can detract from the overall appearance of the plant or garden. Removing the faded flowers can help to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Encourages New Growth: Removing the spent flowers can help to encourage the plant to produce new growth and flowers. This is because the plant will direct its energy towards producing new blooms rather than producing seeds.
Prevents Seed Production: Allowing flowers to go to seed can be beneficial for some plants, but it is not desirable for tulips. If a tulip is allowed to produce seeds, it can divert energy away from bulb production, which is how tulips reproduce. Removing the flowers before they go to seed helps to ensure that the plant will continue to produce bulbs for future growth.
Disease Prevention: Leaving dead or dying flowers on the plant can create a breeding ground for disease and pests. Removing the flowers can help to prevent the spread of disease and keep the plant healthy.
Overall, removing the flowers after they have bloomed is an important part of maintaining the health and appearance of tulips and many other flowering plants.
Facts about the tulips of amsterdam
Tulip cultivation is an important industry in the Netherlands, and it has a long history in the country. Today, the tulip industry continues to be a significant contributor to the Dutch economy, with an estimated value of around 600 million euros per year.
The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest producers of tulips, and it is estimated that around 2 billion tulips are grown in the country every year. The majority of these tulips are grown for the export market, with the Netherlands exporting around 1.7 billion tulip bulbs annually. Top export destinations including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Video about the tulips and flower fields
Interesting things about tulips
Tulips are part of the lily family and are related to onions and garlic. The bulbs are edible and were eaten by the Dutch during World War II when food was scarce.
The word “tulip” comes from the Persian word “toliban,” which means turban. This is because the shape of the tulip flower was said to resemble a turban.
Tulips continue to grow after they are cut and placed in a vase, sometimes up to an inch or more. This is why tulips can sometimes appear to bend or droop over time.
CANAL CRUISE
Of course you cannot leave Amsterdam without boarding a canal cruise. Most cruises last an hour and are guided tours. There are also special cruises, such as evenings cruises with drinks and bites. Most ships have an open-air section. You can also do a tour in open smaller boats or even private boats, ideal for groups where full catering can be arranged.
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