Can I bring tulip bulbs from the Netherlands to the US?

Question

Are there any restrictions? Do the flower bulbs need a special stamp? If so where can i buy them? Without paying hiked up tourist prices at the airport?

Answer 1

You'll need to get them from a grower that can get the proper certification from the USDA to allow them to be brought into the U.S.  As many Dutch bulb growers ship to the U.S. on a regular basis, it shouldn't be a problem.

Your other alternative would be to order bulbs from Dutch-descendant growers in Washington state, of which there are many in the Skagit Valley area!

Answer 2

Almost all spots in the netherlands that you can find tulips bulbs will actually have a section of bulbs you can buy that are ok to travel with, it won't be hard to find them because they are clearly displayed and marked. However, these bulbs are common, boring and overpriced!  Believe it or not most bulbs that you can buy in the states actually come from the netherlands.  The best way to buy these is through a catalog of some sort.  You can google dutch bulb catalogs and get one sent to you for free and the prices will be much better then buying in a store.