Frans van Lierop, Dutch Gardens Grower

The Netherlands produces approximately nine billion flower bulbs each year. Most of these bulbs are grown on relatively small (by American standards) family farms of less than 100 acres. Family ties tend to be strong in Holland, and it is still typical for brothers, wives, children and grandparents to be actively working on the same farm. Land for growing bulbs has also become so valuable, that unless your family already owns bulb fields, it is almost impossible to enter the business.

With 375 acres in production, Frans van Lierop is currently the largest bulb grower in Holland. He and his four brothers operate the company, which was founded by their father 50 years ago. The third generation—six grandsons—is now entering the business, and the future looks bright.

In addition to running the business, Frans and his brothers are also actively involved in breeding new varieties of bulbs. One of their recent introduction, a tulip they named Red Hunter, was chosen by the Royal Horticultural Society in England to celebrate the organization's 100th anniversary.

The Lierop farm grows many of the fine daffodils, tulips, and specialty bulbs offered by Dutch Gardens, including Cummins, Taco and Zurel tulips.