This is how it works for the hydrangea. "There is an additional requirement here that the cutting needs to take root in an "airy plug", says Bryan Koornneef, cutting specialist at Dijk van Dijk hydrangeas. "We spent a lot of time looking for the right proportions in the plug, while at the same time the requirements in the field of sustainability are becoming stricter."
The combination of paper and the right substrate ensure optimal growth of the unrooted hydrangea cuttings. It is also important that it is produced with machines that can do this as “airy” as possible.
The work is never finished, there is always room for improvement. "Just now," says Rico Scheffers (son of, and co-owner of OptiPlug), "we received two new types of paper. Two types, which we think are even better and more sustainable for use in some crops. Creating a sturdy material that nevertheless leaves everything - roots, food, air - permeable and easily degradable, remains a challenge."
By using nine complete lines, OptiPlug is now one of the larger providers of plug plants. OptiPlug works with various soil mixtures from different suppliers. This allows them to choose the right mixture together with the customer. The wide choice of trays is also a big advantage of OptiPlug.
Dijk van Dijk is a major player in the hydrangea market. In addition to its own production, new varieties are cultivated and they supply about 6 million cuttings per year. They find their way to fellow Dutch growers and growers throughout Europe. In recent times, Dijk van Dijk, a family company that dates back to the 1920s, has also been in the spotlight with a striking advertising campaign, in which Robin van Dijk, donning a cap and beard, figures as master breeder.
For more information:
OptiPlug
2671 DR, Naaldwijk
T: +31 174 752444
E: info@optiplug.nl
E: info@dijkvandijk.nl