Many growers put poinsettias in the greenhouses around the summer months, as it is a fast-growing and relatively easy to grow plant. But of course, this requires heating, so the question remains whether this is still profitable with today's high energy prices.
At Dutch grower, Kwekerij van Os in Poeldijk, this is not a problem for the time being, as the gas price is still fixed for some time. But in the current situation, even this no longer provides 100 percent certainty. "We can still continue, but it's up to the government. They can still overrule the fixed pricing because if the gas runs out at some point, it's gone. So it is still exciting every day," says owner Nico van Os.
Of course, gas prices are a factor in almost every sector that needs heating and will also cause uncertainty for many growers. But then there is the question of whether the product you supply can still be profitable. With poinsettias, this is undoubtedly the case, according to Nico.
"It depends on how much it will cost. You might sell three quarters on orders at a fixed price, but you always have some products left, and of course, you bring that to the open market and the auction, and if that doesn't go well, your average will go down regardless."
While you can keep some products cool for a while, this is not possible with poinsettias because there is a clear lower limit in terms of temperature. "You can't keep poinsettias cold like you can other products. For instance, if we don't have gas for a week, we wouldn't be able to continue, especially if it's around November or December."
Nico indicates that he won't be looking for an alternative to the plant, and he will continue to grow the mini poinsettia which will be available again this year from week 43.
For more information:
Kwekerij van Os
Wateringseweg 25
2685 ST Poeldijk
+31 6 53 70 69 21
info@nicovanos.nl
www.nicovanos.nl