No markets, no tourists: Perfect storm slams tulip growers

Just two weeks ago, Brent Roozen was anticipating a great season for daffodils and tulips. Growing conditions were perfect and orders for field-cut flowers were strong.

Social distancing and the national obsession with toilet paper and thermometers have changed the picture – not to mention the Governor’s March 23 order closing non-essential businesses and keeping Washingtonians at home for two weeks, to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Ninety percent of the Washington Bulb Company’s wholesale and retail flower orders have been cancelled. Only northwest Safeway and Albertson’s store...