Tulips are the most famous Dutch flowers. Most of the tulips in the world are grown in Holland. 80% of these flower bulbs produced in Holland are exported all over the world. 2.000 different varieties of tulips are cultivated by 1.600 growers; in total 13.400 hectare. In the wild, tulips grow in the mountains around the Mediterranean and throughout Asia. Tulips were first introduced in Holland in the 16th century. Tulips caused history’s first economic bubble: Tulip mania. Shortly before the bubble burst in 1637, a single tulip bulb could be worth as much as a house! Over the course of the 20th century tulips have become increasingly popular. Tulips make up about half of all flower bulbs grown in Holland. The tulip has become a true Dutch icon, welcoming visitors from around the world.