Vol. 43

Title:
The History of the Flower Bulb Industry in Washington State

Authors:
Charles J. Gould and Gary A. Chastagner

pp: 275-279

Abstract:
Washington State has been the major producer of iris, narcissus, and tulip bulbs in the United States for many years and ranks only behind the Netherlands and Great Britain in the acreage of these bulbs in the world. Why has this state been so successful?

Several factors have contributed to this success They include good soil, intelligent and creative farmers, scientific research assistance, and especially a very favorable climate. The cool, moist winters in western Washington encourage root growth which produces larger, better quality bulbs than those grown elsewhere in the United States while the warm, dry summers facilitate digging and proper curing. The cooler spring and summer weather in this area also helps to control certain diseases which cause severe losses in warmer climates.

The question is often asked as to how Washington bulbs can compete with the cheaper and more plentiful bulbs from overseas The answer is quality. Washington bulbs produce flowers that are larger, have

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