Kees de Graaf and Rick Minck at the IPM Essen 2018.
Market for yellow callas
Yellow is a classic color of calla lilies and according to De Graaf, the demand for callas in this color increased over the years and is still increasing. "In general, the market asks for bright colors and particularly for Spring and Easter yellow is very popular. However, growing a calla lily with a bright golden yellow color seems to be quite a challenge during that time of the year. "In order to get the bright golden yellow color, light is essential. Grown under limited light and without HID, the color of most of the yellow varieties available on the market is not as bright", explains De Graaf.
Callafornia Gold
The Callafornia Gold, in contrast, can produce bright golden yellow flowers in times when light is limited. "The color is more saturated golden yellow." On top of that, it is a compact variety. "Creating a compact yellow is another challenge that many breeders are encountering. Growers prefer naturally compact varieties, such as Callafornia Gold. Compact varieties are easier to control, need very little PGRs and the plants will have a longer shelf- and consumer life.
On the market
In order to put a new variety on the market, several seasons are needed. So, in 2018, the bulbs of Callafornia Gold are available in limited number worldwide, but in 2019 the availability will be much better.
For more information:
Dümmen Orange
Email: calla@DummenOrange.com
www.dummenorange.com