Surrounded by blooming alstroemerias in the Könst Alstroemeria show greenhouse in Nakuru, Kenya, Lars Schalkers and Bart Tesselaar are clearly in their element. "What you see here is the result of years of breeding," Lars explains. "You can immediately spot which varieties stand out." And there are many: strong types, virus-tolerant, and resilient under a wide range of growing conditions.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comLars Schalkers and Bart Tesselaar
Following last year's takeover, a refreshed logo and website, and an updated facility in the Netherlands, the company is clearly moving forward—but its foundation remains the same. Könst is still fully focused on delivering strong, reliable varieties and clean starting material.
Virus tolerance
"What's great about Könst is that our varieties - and with that the entire breeding process - are geared towards virus tolerance," says Lars. "We do our best to develop varieties that are truly 'grower-proof'. Of course, you can never entirely prevent viruses, but our varieties handle them well. That's our main focus and strength."
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The propagation process plays a key role in this, Bart adds. "The plants we supply always come from the lab, as 3 cm plugs. They're hardened here in Kenya before being shipped to the customer. We're strict about that. As soon as you start splitting plants, you increase the risk of viruses. We always supply clean material so that our growers can move forward with their crop for at least five years."
Colors and strengths
The show greenhouse - at the United Selections farm - displays a broad range of standard varieties, such as whites and pinks, well-suited for both bouquets and mono lines. In addition, there are smaller areas with just that specific color the market might be looking for. And everyone is welcome to come check out their favorite colors and varieties at the showhouse in Nakuru.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comLars with Purple Rain
One of the most eye-catching varieties this season is Purple Rain. "Ever since we placed it along the aisle here in the showhouse, people are noticing it more," says Lars. "The color is beautiful, the stem length is great, and the thickness as well. It always has five or more flowers—and it's already sold out for the year."
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comTestarossa
Testarossa is another newer variety with an intense color that's been well received. Libya and Corsica, which are similar in terms of stem length and thickness, are also performing well. "Libya is showing great results in trials in China. With cold winters and hot summers, it's proven to be a very heat-tolerant variety."
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comDubai
Among the bestsellers is the pink Dubai, which has been Könst's biggest for years. "There's always demand for Dubai," according to Bart. Another popular variety is Prestige, a white alstroemeria. And then there's the pink Debby. "Debby has thick stems, so she's perfect for the premium segment as well as for mono lines. Prestige is similar to Dubai: highly productive and suitable for both mono and mixed bouquets."
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"Then there's Bianca, which you can compare to Debby: thick stems and five or six flowers per stem. Both varieties perform perfectly for the direct market," says Bart. Yellow varieties are currently less in demand in Kenya. A standout white variety is Himalaya, an orchid-type. "It's a bit trickier in terms of growth, but once you've got it under control, it's truly the most beautiful white you can find," Bart adds.
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The interest in Könst's varieties was also clearly visible at IFTEX in Nairobi this past June, and during the many grower visits to the show greenhouse in recent months. "We're almost sold out for this year," Bart says with a smile. "So if anyone still wants plants, they'll have to act fast or wait until next season."
For more information:
Könst Alstroemeria
[email protected]
www.alstroemeria.com
