Make Time for Tulips

Predicted Cut flower tulip value to rise in 2025

Several years of poor growing seasons and sub standard bulb harvests have lead to a predicted breaking point in tulip bulb production for 2025. Bulb suppliers and growers should expect a scarcity in bulbs and a subsequent increase in the value of cut flower tulips.

Why will there be a shortage of bulbs? During the last several bulb harvest seasons, bulb growers have been pressured to meet industry demands by dipping into the following season’s bulb supply. This is why we sometimes see smaller bulb sizes replacing the larger bulbs we all hope to use. But, after two years of dipping into those supplies, the growers are exhausting their “out.” It will take several years of good seasons for the bulb industry to recover.

The Good News:

While concerning, this news is not all bad. It means that growers can and should demand higher prices per stem for their flowers, and that the tulip’s place in the industry will inevitably be elevated, at least for the period of time (several years) during which we hope the crops will recover and the volume of bulbs we’ve come to know will return to the marketplace.

While the scarcity of tulip bulbs will discourage some growers from working with them, the higher value of the flower will encourage others to stay the course. Savvy growers will take a broader look at the industry and notice that a scarcity of cut roses has also plagued the flower marketplace this year, driven by extreme weather events in the southern hemisphere. This news has significant implications for major holidays like Valentine’s Day. And Valentine’s Day is prime time for winter tulip forcing.

Lower your Start Up risk by learning now

What does this all mean for flower farmers who are thinking about learning tulip forcing? Well, for one it means that it may be a very good idea to start learning and practicing bulb forcing THIS winter before prices increase next year. New forcers can lower the financial risks associated with incorporating a new crop in their businesses while the cost of goods is lower. That experience will inform how much or how little they’d like to invest in tulips next year when the prices are higher.

Curious about our course and support for bulb forcing education? Learn more and view a trailer for our filmed content here.