The 2025 chrysanthemum season is just around the corner. Traditionally considered an autumn product, chrysanthemums are now appearing in stores as early as weeks 20-23 in some countries, explains Leon Hunting, Sales Manager at Brandkamp, a German breeder and young plant grower of several bedding plants as well as in pot and cut chrysanthemums. So, what's trending and new this season? And what challenges are growers facing, and what are the expectations for 2025? He explains it in this article.
Leon Hunting at the IPM Essen 2025 in Essen, Germany.
Chrysanthemum market
Before exploring best sellers, novelties, trends, and challenges, how has the demand for chrysanthemums evolved? With Brandkamp's chrysanthemums distributed worldwide, the company has good insights into market developments. Hunting: "Over the years, the demand for both pot and cut flower chrysanthemums has remained steady in many countries, and we are seeing increased interest from China. Despite stable demand, market dynamics have shifted—particularly in Germany, where chrysanthemums are now sought after earlier in the year rather than just in autumn."
Top sellers
Among their top sellers, Branfountain (Multiflora) and Pemba (Pot) remain favorites, he continues. "These varieties are highly valued for their exceptional quality and reliable cultivation. Pemba, in particular, stands out due to its ease of cultivation and the availability of seven different colors, offering a variety of mix-and-match possibilities."
In the cut flower category, Kibo is highly sought after. "This variety is prized for its pure white blooms and ability to flower until November 1st without darkening—an essential trait for many countries. In recent years, there have been successful efforts in painting this flower, which is an important feature in some markets."
Clockwise: Trinidad, Borneo, Kreta, and Arona
New varieties
For those looking to refresh their assortment, Brandkamp is expanding its range with numerous new varieties. "The Flashlight series (Pot) provides striking color accents and versatile design options. The color spectrum includes pink/white with Trinidad and Borneo, red/yellow with Kreta, Naxos Fire, and Arona, as well as yellow/red with Catalina. With Branduo (Multiflora), bicolor multiflora chrysanthemums offer stunning color combinations. Following the successful debut of the Candy and Sweet varieties last year, we have expanded the family this season with Cookie and Sugar."
Osaka, Xian Purple and Ceylon Cooper
Their cut flower assortment has also been broadened. "It now offers even greater flexibility and variety. The variety Osaka, with its pure white blooms and long-lasting green center, stands out as an elegant addition. Additionally, new color variations of well-known varieties, including Xian Purple, Adana Red, and Ceylon Cooper, now complement the popular Xian, Adana, and Ceylon series. Many of our varieties can be cultivated both as spray chrysanthemums and disbud, ensuring versatile use."
Emerging trends
According to Hunting, current trends in chrysanthemums are the growing popularity of special colors, particularly bicolor and strong-colored varieties.
Trialing and testing new varieties
Growers face significant challenges, including rising costs for heating and plant protection, as well as climate-related difficulties such as hotter summers. To address these issues, Brandkamp rigorously test its varieties for resistance against thrips and white rust through an external company. "Additionally, we conduct internal tests every year to evaluate cultivation performance, including trials with reduced heating and full-sun exposure."
Optimistic outlook for 2025
Expectations for the 2025 season remain positive, with a projected increase in chrysanthemum sales. "The key challenges align with those faced by most growers, making innovation in breeding essential. Our goal is to develop varieties that provide solutions to these challenges, ensuring a promising future for the industry. With continuous advancements in breeding, we are confident that chrysanthemums will continue to thrive in the coming years."
For more information:
Brandkamp
[email protected]
www.brandkamp.de