NL: Epicenter of the amaryllis bulb in ‘s-Gravenzande

The world of the amaryllis is small. Organizing an 'amaryllis day', such as happened in the past years with lilies, and which garnered a lot of international attention, is not really an option, but breeders still want to show what they have. This also applies to NL van Geest Amaryllis, who, in this time of year, has a full assortment and promising newcomers in blossom.

Ben van Geest

Clients from all over the world know the way by now, according to Ben van Geest, and even come over from India, Japan, America, and more. Van Geest is one of the big players in the field of breeding, and also one of the large producers of bulbs for dry sale: about 1 million annually. The entire Dutch production is about 3 million bulbs annually. Of the assortment (not just at Van Geest but in the entire market) is 60% red, 20% white, and the rest falls in the category 'sundry'.

One of the highlights of the year: the Mystica

Of course a lot of factors will be under scrutiny. Particularly the number of stems - minimally 2 - and the number of flowers per stem - preferably minimally 4 - are important. In the test garden more than 50 different colors and form varieties in full blossom can be enjoyed. A few varieties are a bit late because of the cold spring, but this has as advantage that there will be color till after Easter."

More or less experimental varieties are on display. They are at phase 6: the decision will be made which varieties will continue.

Showpieces from the garden of NL van Geest Amaryllis are for example the double flowered Amadeus varieties or the Yellow Star. Most of the dry sale is being produced here - "because this way you can guarantee the best quality". The company also produces part of the bulbs in Peru, that mainly end up in pots on the window sill.

The show garden is open to the public on Saturday March 24 from 8:00 am to 13:00 pm. The business sector is always welcome, but please make an appointment before hand (for the assortment dry sale/Amaranth Ben van Geest, 06-10493348 ben@nlvangeest.nl; for the assortment cut flowers Gerard van Geest, 06-51170558, gerard@nlvangeest.nl)

For more information:
N.L. van Geest
Ben van Geest
Monsterseweg 82
2691 JJ ‘s-Gravenzande
M: 06-10493348
E: ben@nlvangeest.nl
www.nlvangeest.nl