When you think of the Netherlands you may think of tulips, but with 1000 hectares planted per year, the hyacinth is one of the country’s most important bulb crops. Potted bulbs come out of cold storage and bloom quickly with sufficient warmth and light.

The Hyacinthus symbolises peace and power and originated in Western Asia: Turkey, Syria and Lebanon. Around 1560 the plant was brought into cultivation in Austria. In the 17^th and 18^th centuries the hyacinth could only be found among affluent flower lovers; fortunately, the plant is now available to everyone.