You know that spring is well and truly here when Norfolk's tulip fields burst into bloom.

Eastern Daily Press: Blooms stretch into the distance across the fields Picture: Chris BishopBlooms stretch into the distance across the fields Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Acres and acres are now ablaze with red, yellow and purple, with flowers stretching almost as far as the eye can see in ruler-straight rows.

But the colourful crop nodding in the breeze is not being grown to adorn vases and table settings.

Eastern Daily Press: A sign warns against drone flying Picture: Chris BishopA sign warns against drone flying Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Instead, the bulk will be composted, with the bulbs saved to be supplied to major supermarkets and garden centres, for gardeners to plant out in the autumn.

Terrington St Clement-based Belmost Nurseries is the nation's biggest tulip grower.

Eastern Daily Press: Bright purple blooms in ruler-straight rows Picture: Chris BishopBright purple blooms in ruler-straight rows Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

It also raises daffodils, peonies, sweet williams and gladioli on more than 500 acres of land around King's Lynn.

With some of the rows still yet to come into flower the tulip fields look set to dazzle for a few more weeks.

Eastern Daily Press: Part of the field is a vivid red Picture: Chris BishopPart of the field is a vivid red Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Row upon row, in a cascade of colour Picture: Chris BishopRow upon row, in a cascade of colour Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Workers in the distance across the fields Picture: Chris BishopWorkers in the distance across the fields Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The tulip fields, near King's Lynn, as the flowers come into bloom Picture: Chris BishopThe tulip fields, near King's Lynn, as the flowers come into bloom Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The tulips are being grown for their bulbs, which will be supplied to supermarkets Picture: Chris BishopThe tulips are being grown for their bulbs, which will be supplied to supermarkets Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)