Over the last years, the demand for osteospermum has increased in Europe, and this is particularly due to the increased range of colors and type of culture this plant requires, explains Andrea Lazzeri, global product manager of Italian breeding and young plant company Lazzeri. They also see the demand increasing and recently introduced added new varieties to their osteospermum series Leonardo. And to see how the new varieties perform at different growers in the south and center of Italy, Lazzeri visited them recently.
Leonardo
The Leonardo series was introduced after five years of research back in 2013, after introducing several bedding plants such as Pelargonium, Petunia, Calibrachoa, Verbena, etc., explains Lazzeri. They started with 9 varieties and introduced 5 varieties in 2021 and another 5 in 2023. Currently, they have 19 varieties. “The series is now covering a wide range of colors, which are innovative and trendy. Two of the varieties even have a special effect as the plant blooms flowers with different shades of colors.” But there is more that makes this series special, Lazzeri continues. “There are several characteristics that make this series so special, which are regularity, homogeneity, and excellent branching of individual varieties that result in significant plant growth and volume. Another feature is that they flower simultaneously (a window of ca. ten days), which is very important in packing/shipping. And last but not least, the grower can combine different colors in one container. Currently, we have two combos, but we are working for more in the future.”
Demand
The Osteospermum increased in popularity among growers over the last years. “This is because of the large range of colors on the market but also because of the type of culture this plant requires; a cold culture, so less need for heating.” Lazzeri supplies rooted (RC) and unrooted (URC) cuttings all over Europe, and also they have seen the demand increasing and particularly in the last few years. “This is because of our quality and that we expanded our color range.”
Long production and supply
Another advantage of the Leonardo series is the long sales period. “We have two peaks For the sale of cuttings; one in the fall, for those who plant for an early March bloom, and one in January for those who want a bloom from early May, so a product that allows for long production and supply.”
Breeding continues
Lazzeri already has 19 varieties in the Leonardo series, and they continue breeding. “We really believe in this product; the color in early spring is amazing the plants require low energy production. That’s why we continue with our breeding.”
Photo impression of Lazzeri’s tour
On the left Andrea and Umberto Cameli. On the right Leonardo Compact White.
Leonardo Compact White in the greenhouse.
On the left: flower size of Leonardo Compact White. On the right: Leonardo Compact Yellow with Eye.
Leonardo Compact Yellow with Eye
On the left: Claudio Mercuri with left Leonardo Compact With and Leonardo Compact Purple Bicolor. On the right: Dario with Leonardo Compact Purple Bicolor.
On the left: Virgino Torsini with Leonardo Compact White. On the right: Rooting system of the Leonardo series.
On the left: Silvia Bonini with Leonardo Compact Magic Magenta and on the right Valentina Pezzetti of Company Saracino with Leonardo Compact White.
Leonardo Compact Magic Magenta in the greenhouse.
On the left: Flavio Castelli with Leonardo Compact Magic Magenta. On the right: combos of Leonardo series.
Leonardo series on its way to delivery .
For more information:
LAZZERI SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA A R.L
Tel.: +39 0473 246246
Email: info@lazzeri-agricola.com
www.lazzeri-agricola.com