Van Zyverden, Inc., is a third-generation, family-owned company that has operated for over 100 years as one of the largest wholesale distributors of bulbs and plants in the North American market. The company ships hundreds of millions of bulbs and plants annually across the United States and Canada. Van Zyverden focuses on connecting home gardeners with high-quality planting stock. By blending decades of experience with modern distribution methods, the company ensures that dormant bulbs and roots transition smoothly from farm to planting bed.
The Range of Van Zyverden Offerings
Van Zyverden’s inventory is structured around distinct planting seasons, allowing gardeners to plan for color throughout the year. The categories are defined by their planting time, which dictates when they will bloom. Spring-planted bulbs, also known as summer-flowering bulbs, include favorites like Dahlias, Gladiolus, and Begonias, which are placed in the ground after the danger of the last frost has passed and produce blooms from summer into the fall. Other unique spring-planted items include tropical-leaning tubers and corms such as Caladiums, Cannas, and Elephant’s Ears, which offer dramatic foliage and texture.
Fall-planted bulbs require a period of cold dormancy, or vernalization, to trigger their spring bloom cycle. This category includes familiar spring flowers such as Tulips, Daffodils (Narcissus), Hyacinths, and Crocus, which are planted in autumn before the ground freezes. The company also supplies bare root perennials, which are dormant plants shipped without soil, such as Hostas, Peonies, and Astilbe. These perennials return and multiply in the garden year after year. Specialty items, such as pre-chilled Amaryllis kits, provide options for indoor winter blooming.
Ensuring Quality: Sourcing and Packaging Standards
Sourcing is a primary focus for Van Zyverden, as the quality of the planting stock determines the final bloom. The company operates within a global network, maintaining facilities in the United States and Holland, to ensure a consistent supply from specialized growers. This extensive reach allows them to select stock that meets measurable criteria before distribution to the North American market.
The size of the bulb, often referred to as its caliper or grade, is a significant quality metric, correlating with the amount of stored energy available to produce a robust flower. Larger, heavier bulbs contain more carbohydrates, which translates to a higher probability of successful blooming and substantial flowers. Before packaging, bulbs undergo inspection to check for damage, disease, and minimum size requirements. Specialized packaging maintains the dormant state during transit and on retail shelves. This often involves breathable mesh bags or netting that permits air circulation, regulating temperature and preventing moisture buildup.
Essential Planting and Care Guidance
Successful gardening with bulbs and bare root stock depends on adhering to specific horticultural principles, particularly concerning timing and soil conditions. For fall-planted bulbs like tulips and daffodils, planting must occur after soil temperatures have cooled but before a hard freeze sets in, typically around 50°F. Spring-planted stock, such as Dahlias and Gladiolus, should be held until the danger of the last killing frost has completely passed for the planting zone.
A reliable rule for planting depth is to bury a bulb two to three times its height, which insulates it from temperature fluctuations and anchors the flower stalk. For example, a two-inch tulip bulb should be planted four to six inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward. Bulbs should also be planted at least twice their own width apart to prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients and moisture.
Well-draining soil is the most important physical requirement for virtually all bulbs and bare roots, as waterlogged conditions cause the planting material to rot. Gardeners with heavy clay soil should amend the area by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to a depth of at least 12 inches to improve porosity. After planting, a thorough initial watering settles the soil and eliminates air pockets. Subsequent watering should only be done if the soil becomes noticeably dry. Applying a layer of organic mulch helps maintain a consistent soil temperature and conserves moisture, which aids in establishing a healthy root system.