More than 110 participants from 16 different countries came together in July in Kraków, Poland, for the 54th Fleuroselect Annual Convention. For Fleuroselect members, this event offers an opportunity to reconnect with industry peers, visit member facilities across the world and explore local horticultural highlights. This year's edition was hosted by long-standing member Vitroflora and partner company Plantpol, who together co-curated the program.
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New members
Horteve Breeding (Netherlands/France). Based in Aalsmeer, Horteve Breeding specialises in the development of innovative ornamental plant varieties, with a strong focus on breeding for resilience and market appeal. Mainly operating under the name Hoko Breeding, their business cooperation with Kolster, their focus is set on Hydrangea breeding.
Indo-American Hybrid Seeds (India). Founded in 1965, this pioneering seed company is active in the research, production, and marketing of flowers and vegetables for domestic and international markets. Their plant products from seed and tissue cultures include Anthuriums, Chrysanthemums, Geraniums, Orchids, Zinnias, Marigolds and Cacti.
W. Legutko (Poland). Established in 1992, W. Legutko is a leading Polish seed company offering one of the widest range of bulk seeds worldwide with over 3.600 seed products, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
Loukykvet (Czech Republic). As a boutique flower farm located just outside Prague, Loukykvět began in 2016 as a cut flower supplier for local stores. Today, they are growing in 20 polytunnels and 3 heated greenhouses and focusing on selling seeds for cut flower suitable varieties, such as Cosmos, Zinnia or Antirrhinum. Their innovative packaging includes information on growing and sowing, helping their customers – mostly hobby and small scale growers – in getting the best results.
Honorary Membership awarded to Karol Pawlak
Karol Pawlak was awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of his contribution to the organisation. As owner/founder of Vitroflora and former long-standing member of the Fleuroselect Board, Karol has played a pivotal role in expanding the organisation's reach in Eastern Europe. With his enthusiasm and dedication, he has contributed considerably to the organisation's short- and longterm strategy. His leadership as Fleuroselect President from 2019 to 2023, combined with decades of experience in young plant production, has left a lasting impact on the organisation and its members.
2026 Gold Medals handed over to Takii Europe and Van Hemert & Co.
The 2026 Gold Medal winners were announced at the beginning of the year, but are traditionally honoured during the closing dinner of the Fleuroselect Annual Convention, which this year took place in the stunning atmosphere of the Wieliczka salt mines at 110 meters under ground.
© FleuroSelectAbove: Karol Pawlak accepts her honorary award, while in the below pictures representatives from Takii Europe and Van Hemert & Co. accept their Gold Medals
Wen Klopstra-Jiang from Takii Europe accepted the prize for Dahlia pinnata 'Black Forest Ruby' from Fleuroselect President Marc Driessen and Secretary General Ann Jennen. This seed-raised dahlia features rich red blooms and dark foliage, offering strong visual impact and excellent garden performance.
Rob van der Voort from Van Hemert & Co. collected the medal for Salvia splendens 'Estella Coral', a compact and early-flowering variety with large rose-colored spikes that attract pollinators and thrive in containers and naturalistic plantings.
Immersion in the Polish horticultural market at Plantpol
The convention program was kicked off with a visit to Plantpol, a Polish producer of ornamental plants. Owner and director Jerzy Starzyński welcomed delegates with an introduction to the company, followed by industry-related presentations, such as an overview of the current Polish ornamental wholesale market, and a guided tour through Plantpol's impressive facilities. These include their newly constructed greenhouse complex, which demonstrates modern cultivation technologies and sustainable growing practices.
The visit continued at the Fleuroselect trial field, specially cultivated in honour of the convention. This offered a perfect opportunity for attendees to view the entered varieties and for the Fleuroselect judges to evaluate the potential of these novelties.
Walk-through inspiration: The show gardens of Kapias
The day concluded with a visit to Ogrody Kapias, a horticultural highlight that combines a nursery, garden center, and over 4 hectares of themed show gardens. The delegates explored meticulously designed spaces such as the Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Corner, and Garden of the Senses.
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This destination exemplifies a strong combination of consumer inspiration, local production, and plant sales. Unsurprisingly, several Fleuroselect members spotted their own varieties proudly displayed in the garden center.
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