Bringing back Tulip Bulbs as souvenirs

Warning: this was a long time ago.

I recall that there were 2 clearly marked kinds of bulbs: those that could be imported to the US, and those that could not.

As long as you buy those that can be imported, you should be ok. But again, this was a LONG time ago....

Some will claim that their bulbs are legal to take to the USA. However, they must have a metal tag that shows up in a scanner. Half of my bulbs ended up being taken away by US agricultural inspectors at JFK. Buyer beware!

She may be shocked at the price and potential US Dept of Agriculture issues upon return. And...those bulbs may not have been grown in the Netherlands. They could have been grown in WA's Skagit Valley and shipped to Holland.

I looked into this in 2013, and the price was the deal-breaker for us.

I found the blog where the limit of 12 is mentioned.

And then I found the US customs website page that confirms it:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/600/~/importing-plants-and-plant-products

Look under "plant propagation" and you will see that you can bring in up to 12 items (i.e., individual,bulbs) to be inspected by CBP at the airport. More than that and they have to go to the nearest Ag inspection station, which could be far away.

12 bulbs would probably be 1 or 2 packages. They must have the proper photo sanitary certificate for bringing into the US and Canada. She must declare them but would just go through the regular line, probably to get referred to another officer who will handle the inspection. Or maybe they will just look at the package and wave her through.

Instead of the headache of trying to bring tulip bulbs, another nice gift would be a Delft plate, especially if it could have their name & year married in the design.

In 2014 my husband & I brought home 6 packages of bulbs, with 10 bulbs per package. We bought them in Amsterdam at the flower market. We were careful to get bulbs marked for export. I can't remember the price but they weren't expensive. We had no trouble getting them through customs.

They made great thank you gifts for neighbors & souvenirs for our kids. As for the blooming -- a couple of varieties were spectacular, some more average. But it was fun & I'd do it again.

We saw tulip bulbs packed like that at Schiphol airport. Not the cheapest place to buy tulips for sure, but I would hope the airport stores know what's required at U.S. customs.

Why bother with customs , carrying them with you etc . when you can get bulbs from the Netherlands right here in the US . Lots of catalogs with many varieties of bulbs at reasonable prices and delivered at the right time for planting in your growing zone . For catalogs you only have to google : " dutch tulip bulbs " and you will have your pick of them that way.

Doesn't make nearly as nice a wedding gift from the Amsterdam cousin though... ;-)

BTW, there has been a similar question before; might be worthwhile to check the replies in that forum thread.

I would agree with the idea of a Delft plate or vase, etc. That is something that would easily move with the couple over time. Also, you don't mention where you live, but I live in Houston and tulips don't do well here because of the heat. If they do bring tulips make sure that they will grow where you live.

Hi lg, i visited the Keukenhof Gardens a few years ago and asked about bringing bulbs home. They told me that they order their bulbs from Queen Flower Bulbs. I placed an order when I got home and they arrived in good shape. In fact, the flowers were really beautiful until the deer in my neighborhood had them for lunch! Enjoy your trip!

http://www.queenflowerbulbs.com/spring-flower-bulbs.html