The Managing Director of the Trade Association, Royal Anthos, Mark-Jan Terwindt, explained that growers had little choice but to plant their flower bulbs late, on account of the continuous, heavy rains – in some cases not even at all. Poor weather conditions on and after planting are expected to impact yields further, thus creating substantial shortages.

“We’ve never experienced this before. It’s not just a bump, it’s unprecedented”, said Terwindt.

The Dutch Bulb sector fears the bulb deficit could be as much as 20%, but this is an estimate. The problems are sadly not limited to tulips, as crocuses, scilla, aconites, fritillaries and alliums will also have suffered.

Scarcity will inevitably drive up market prices – which the association says have already doubled, even tripled in some cases.