"Gerbera United is more than just a nursery. It's a fusion of passion, innovation, and sustainability," shares FM Group in part one of their series on biological crop protection at Gerbera United. Since 2009, three growers — Dick Kooij, WP van den Berg, and later Gijsbert Verboom have combined their strengths to bring an impressive assortment of gerberas to market. With more than 150 varieties, ranging from germinis and large-flowered gerberas to pastas, spiders, and piccolinis, Gerbera United has grown into one of the most forward-thinking gerbera producers in the business.
© Gerbera United
But what really sets this nursery apart is its view of the future. "If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll fall behind. So we choose progress, sustainability, and flowers that feel just as good as they look," says Dick Kooij, one of the three directors and a biologist at heart.
Three locations, one vision
Gerbera United operates across three sites in the Netherlands: Moerkapelle, Zevenhuizen, and Nootdorp. "At one location we focus on minis and piccolinis, at another on large-flowered varieties. And in Nootdorp we have our technical hub — logistics, processing, everything runs smoothly and at high speed there," Dick explains. Technology is the backbone of this setup: a buffer system connects Zevenhuizen and Nootdorp, ensuring fast and reliable deliveries through smart integration.
Technology, nature, and craftsmanship
For Gerbera United, balance is the key, not just between people and machines, but also between technology and nature. "Sustainability isn't a buzzword here," Dick emphasizes. "It's woven into everything we do. Our technical innovations help us achieve more with less energy, water, and inputs. At the same time, we constantly look at what nature itself can offer to keep our crops healthy."
Pioneering for color and continuity
Innovation doesn't stop with growing techniques. Gerbera United has also reshaped the market through its assortment. In collaboration with breeders, they introduced exclusive lines like piccolinis, pastas, and spiders, once niche products, now must-haves for florists looking for something unique. By building long-term partnerships, working with direct sales, and positioning themselves strategically, they created a stable supply. "We've really built something that pushes the market forward. And because we keep innovating in both varieties and techniques, our flowers stay exciting," Dick says.
© Gerbera United
Did you know...
Gerberas at Gerbera United stay on the same plant for more than three flowering cycles? That long cultivation period requires stable conditions in the greenhouse — exactly what biological crop protection helps to achieve.
A greenhouse that lives
Step inside Gerbera United and you'll find nature at work. Beneficial insects crawl over the leaves and move from flower to flower. Above and below the canopy, a unique balance is maintained, with natural allies keeping the crop healthy. "We recently hosted a group of German florists," Dick recalls. "We showed them how natural enemies work. Seeing it live, a parasitized aphid, a predatory mite in action, really changed their perspective. Suddenly they understood why there might be a little bug on a flower. It's not scary or dirty, and it's not a mistake, it's proof that you're growing with respect for nature."
Passion for an honest product
For Gerbera United, biological crop protection is not a passing trend but a deep conviction. Dick speaks with clear passion about maintaining a greenhouse in balance. What drives him is the mix of craftsmanship and responsibility, growing flowers with respect for people, nature, and the market.
"Ours is a long-term crop, which means there's always some pest pressure, and always biologicals at work. Getting that balance just right brings challenges and requires investment. But in the end, it makes our flowers stronger. And more honest. At the end of the day, I want us to be able to say: we did this right. No doubts, no discussion."
For more information:
Gerbera United
T: 0795931252
[email protected]
www.gerberaunited.nl
FM Group
[email protected] 
www.fmgroup.fm
