If organic flower gardening is finally becoming more of a mainstream choice than a quirky hobby for outliers, the flower bulb industry is one of the last horticultural segments to transition to organic growing methods. Suite101’s Jamie McIntosh interviewed Jeroen Koeman to find out why organic gardeners should seek out USDA certified organic tulip bulbs.
Conventional Tulips vs. Organic Tulip Bulbs
Koeman grew up in Holland, where, according to the Eco Tulips website, 25,000 acres of tulips are grown each year using conventional growing methods. Only about 25 acres are used for organic tulip growing. Even Koeman’s family still runs a huge non-organic tulip farm.
Koeman says, “They know it is possible to grow without pesticides, but they don't switch. I asked my brother, ‘Why not?’ His answer was clear and short: ‘Because there is no demand.’ When nobody is asking for organic bulbs, growers can't afford to switch because it costs more to grow organic, although it's only a couple of cents, which is insignificant to the customer.”
About one year ago, Koeman’s wife, Keriann, introduced Koeman to green and natural living concepts. When Koeman began to research organic tulip bulbs, he learned of Wilbrord Braakman, a grower who has 18 years of experience growing organic tulips.
Eco Tulips Mail Order Bulbs
Eco Tulips imports premium Dutch tulip bulbs straight from the grower to their facility in Brightwood, VA. Although organic bulbs cost a bit more, Koeman says, “Our prices are very competitive.” He argues that the quality of organic tulips is worth it, because, “The key to a higher quality bulb is the soil. Tulip bulbs grown in organic soil can absorb a wider variety of nutrients, which makes them stronger and more resistant to pests and diseases. Organic tulip bulbs will last longer in your garden,” which makes the higher price worth paying.
Tulip Varieties
New varieties of mail order bulbs appear every year in catalogs and online, so it’s difficult for gardeners to choose the best tulips for their gardens. Koeman recommends three favorites for the spring landscape.
“The Triumph tulip ‘Leen van der Mark’ is our customers’ favorite. This tulip will make a fantastic impression in your garden with its bright red petals, whose edges initially will be creamy yellow, but ultimately turn white.”
“The Darwin Hybrid tulip ‘Lalibela’ is our grower Wil Braakman's favorite. This giant flowered beauty has one of the largest flowers in the Darwin Hybrid group. Braakman said, ‘I never saw a tulip with such a big flower and beautiful glossy color.’”
The Triumph tulip ‘Roussillion’ is a new variety proudly presented by Koeman. It is his favorite, or actually his wife's, as “the hot pink petals are irresistible.”
AIC101
Jamie McIntosh - Jamie has written hundreds of garden articles for the web, and is your guide to Flowers on About.com.
