Sirekit Mol, with the striking poinsettia Harlequin
At the Autumn Trials, at Beekenkamp Plants in Maasdijk one can see the new varieties. “These and other trials have different purposes; to present the assortment, to compare with others, but also – which we find extremely important – to thoroughly know our genetics." Far more can be seen of the special varieties, which are bred by Moerheim for the market, and their own line of Princettias, a plant with a complete different genetics which is available in different colours and blooms earlier than the regular poinsettias.
Novelties: "A new star is born"
There are numerous novelties, “one of them is the Astro, which grows fast, is easy to cultivate, gives a full plant with a beautiful V-shape. The latest is something growers pay attention to, because a V-shape means: that it can be sleeved easily. In general the plants are grown in a pot size of 13 cm.”
What is also different is the Harlequin, a poinsettia which has more frizzled leafs. Or the Centauri Red (which, blooms early); or the Saturnus Red (with bright berries in the heart). Many varieties have astronomical names: Saturnus, Solar, Charon...
The assortment grows
Beekenkamp Plants consists of a breeding and propagation sector of vegetables and ornamental plants, Beekenkamp packaging and Deliflor chrysanthemum. Worldwide, there are now over 2200 people working for the company, breeding and propagation on over the 80 ha and producing more than 1,7 billion young plants each year. The breeding sector grows steadily, and so do the poinsettias.
As well as poinsettias, numerous novelties of celosias were presented.
Hillenraad
In the top 100 of Hillenraad Beekenkamp Groep rose one spot this year, from number five to number four. “Of course we are very proud,” says Sirekit, “But what made us extremely happy was that we were appointed by the council to family business of the year!”
For more information:
Beekenkamp Plants B.V.Sirekit Mol
Korte Kruisweg 141
2676 BS Maasdijk
E: smol@beekenkamp.nl
www.beekenkamp.nl