The team of Morel Diffusion.
Something for everyone
These special varieties, together with Morel's regular and experimental varieties, form a lovely sea of colors at their new trial location Preesman Potplanten in 's-Gravendeel. The trials that took off yesterday attracts growers and traders from all over the world. "Every country has its own preferences, so the trials is a great opportunity to show what we have and what we are working on. We try to have something for everyone. At least 27 "solutions" that are in the catalogue and the experimentals in addition", says Huisman.
The Smartiz Fantasia. The edges of the flower petals in the Fantasia line are white. According to Huisman, the introduction of the Fantasia put Morel on the map since 2005.
And of course, the Victoria could not be missed this year. The crown of the Victoria is one of the typical Morel things. The flower has a white base color and a sharp, fringed edge with a fuchsia color. These flowers also have a bright center in the same color as the crown. Morel names all cyclamen with these properties 'Victoria'. This year, Morel introduced three new Victoria varieties; Halios Victoria 50 Rose with eye, Latinia Victoria 50 Rose with eye and Metis Victoria DecoMix evolution, which is showcased on the picture.
Improving series
The set-up at the trial location ranges from small to large varieties and are divided in their six series; Smartiz (smallest), Metis, Tianis, Premium, Latinia and Halios (largest). Each series has its own characteristics, colors and lines. At the trials, the varieties that are currently in the catalogs are on display and are compared to their new varieties that are being trialed. "As a breeder, you always want to improve the existing series. So, together with the opinion of the growers and traders, we decide to continue with a new variety or not."
The Halios and Halios HD series.
Extending season of one-potsize growers
This year, Morel showcased their whole Halios HD series. HD stands for High Density and combines the Halios varieties of a new genetic line, which results in a plant with a compact habit and large flowers. "With this line, the growers of the Halios series that are bounded to a certain pot-size can extend their season with the same colors. They will start with the HD varieties and shift towards the regular Halios varieties when after the first couple of months."
Morel Breeding team checking and comparing the new with the existing varieties.
More special varieties
The bulk of the cyclamen presented at the trials are Morel's regular and the experimental improved varieties. However, the special varieties are catching the eye of many of the trial visitors and are therefore taking in more space each year. "Growers often add a special series to their existing regular colors. In this way, they want to attract the attention of the end consumer towards the cyclamen and seduce them to purchase the regular colors too." Huisman receives requests for special varieties from growers increasingly more often and during the trials, they can show the growers and traders the specialties they have and the ones they are trialing.
Below some existing special varieties that are being received well by the growers and traders and some special varieties that are being trialed and of which Huisman foresees a bright future:
Metis Origami Silverleaf Decora. This cyclamen variety has a special type of flower and Silver leaves. The consumer can also put this variety outdoors.
Morel is also trialing an Origami variety with green leaves.
Metis Lilibelle Magenta. This variety is also being trialed. It is a combination of the Fantasia (the white edges) and Victoria (the crow).
Another special variety that is being trialed is the Tianis Funflame. Special about this variety is the changing color of the flowers. The flowers turn darker when the temperatures decrease. According to Huisman, the reactions from the trade are positive. "As part of our trials, one Dutch grower is already cultivating it and the reactions he receives are positive."
Abanico Magenta is a variety that is already in the catalogue. According to Huisman, the demand for this variety increased sharply over the last years.
Pipoca Mix. The unique feature of this variety is that some of the
buds retain acid/yellow green colour that softens when the flower blooms. On top of that, the blooming flowers are long lasting. Next to a plant, the flowers can also be used as cut flowers.
Halios Curly Litchi Rose has fringed petals with two colors; intense rose with a light rose edge. This variety is currently being trialed and will be introduced in their next 2018-19 catalogue.
Trials
This week, till November 3, the trials in 's-Gravendeel are still open to visitors. Next week, from November 7-10, they will again open their doors and can be visited (appointment needed). In this week, the FloraHolland Trade Fair, where Morel Diffusion has a booth too (Stand 2.16), is also being held and they therefore arranged free shuttle busses from the FloraHolland Trade Fair in Aalsmeer to their trial site in 's-Gravendeel. Click here to book your free shuttle. Afterwards, from November 7 to 18, the trials will be in Frejus, France, where more varieties will be on display.
Click here to register for the trials at www.cyclamen.com.
For more information
S.A.S. MOREL Diffusion2565, Rue de Montourey
83600 Fréjus
France
Email: morel.diffusion@cyclamen.com
T: +33 (0)4 94 19 73 04
F: +33 (0)4 94 19 73 19
www.cyclamen.com