Keukenhof Gardens — Guide
Three months, forty gardeners
Every one of Keukenhof's 7 million bulbs is placed by hand each autumn, planted fresh for a spring display that lasts only about eight weeks.
Every one of Keukenhof's 7 million bulbs is placed by hand each autumn, planted fresh for a spring display that lasts only about eight weeks.
More than 100 Dutch bulb growers donate stock to Keukenhof each year — a team of roughly 40 gardeners then hand-plants all 7 million bulbs across autumn, racing to finish before winter.
Video via YouTube — “How 7 Million Flowers Are Planted At Keukenhof Every Year”
Getting continuous bloom across eight weeks takes more than just planting on time.
Over 100 Dutch bulb companies donate stock to Keukenhof each year, a mutually promotional arrangement dating back to the garden's founding.
Early- and late-blooming varieties are planted together so the display stays colorful across the full eight-week season rather than peaking once.
All 7 million bulbs must be in the ground before the first hard frost, giving the 40-person team a fixed autumn window.
The garden opens as a showcase for Dutch bulb growers and exporters, on a site historically used as a hunting ground.
As soon as the spring season ends, the previous year's bulbs are dug out and the beds prepared for replanting.
The 40-strong gardening team plants all 7 million bulbs across roughly three months, working through autumn weather.
Keukenhof opens to the public for its short spring window, the payoff for a year of planning and planting.
Keukenhof opens for roughly eight weeks each spring — check exact dates ahead of time, since the window shifts slightly year to year with the weather.
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