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1. Keukenhof is a platform for the Dutch floricultural sector. Its focus is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs of the 100 participating exhibitors and participants which allows them to showcase their bulbs, flowers and plants.
2. In 1949 a group of 20 leading flower bulb growers and exporters decided to use the estate to exhibit spring-flowering bulbs, which put Keukenhof on the map as a spring park.
3. A year later, in 1950, the gates were opened and the park was an instant success. It saw 236,000 visitors in the first year alone!
4. Depending on the year and weather patterns, the best chance to see the flowers blooming at Keukenhof is usually the last two weeks of April and the first week of May.
5. 2019 will be the 70th edition of Keukenhof, under the theme “Flower Power”.
6. The Netherlands produces nine billion flower bulbs a year and it accounts for 90% of global trade in flower bulbs. The biggest of these in export are Tulips.
7. During the 17th century, the Tulip caused a phenomenon called “tulip mania” when it became a coveted luxury item which resulted in the price of Tulips skyrocketing.
8. In 1937, some single tulip bulbs were reported to have reached a price equivalent to 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman. Buyers revolted and a sudden price collapse soon followed.
