"The great thing about cyclamen is that there are so many varieties—enough to serve the whole world. For every season and climate, we have a suitable series," says Suzanne Spelbrink of Schoneveld Breeding as we walk through the greenhouse. It's Open Days at the breeder's site, and for three weeks, customers from all over come to Wilp to explore the PlantXperience, now in full bloom.
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Cultivation advisor Hassan Hadid in conversation with John Mostert from Plantenkwekerij P. Mostert
A burst of color
The show greenhouse is an explosion of color. From white to pink, red to blue, it's all on display. Staff guide growers through the greenhouse, showing the latest innovations alongside well-known cyclamen varieties such as Djix, Dragon, and the "showpiece" Illusia. The Gaultheria Ciao Bella is also in the spotlight.
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"Showpiece" Illusia 
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Gaultheria Ciao Bella
Something for everyone
What appeals to one grower may not even be on another's list of options. Location plays a big role, Suzanne explains. "Southern European countries like Italy and Portugal prefer large-flowered cyclamen such as the Leopardo. It's also very heat-resistant, ideal for the Southern European climate. In Northern Europe, growers often prefer smaller cyclamen, and in Asia, they're really looking for specialty varieties like Djix and Dragon."
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The new blue cyclamen Dragon 
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Large-flowered cyclamen Mammoth in Dark Violet
Cultivation support
Many of Schoneveld's international staff visit the main location in the Netherlands during these weeks to show their customers the cyclamen and gaultherias in the greenhouses where it all begins. They also advise growers to achieve the best results. Throughout the year, they often travel to growers worldwide to provide cultivation support.
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Cultivation advisor Herbert van Gijtenbeek explaining to a visiting grower 
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Trade Fair
The first week of November is the busiest, as customers from outside Europe arrive, Suzanne says. "During trade fair week, most growers and customers are already in the Netherlands, so they take the opportunity to visit us. Additionally, we'll be exhibiting at the Trade Fair for the first time in four years."
Retail
The doors are open not only for growers or young plant producers but also for retail. "It's especially valuable for retail to visit us as a breeder. We know better than anyone what plants need and how they should be cared for—a story that garden centers can pass on to the consumer," Suzanne concludes.
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The Schoneveld Breeding Open Days can still be visited in weeks 44 and 45 at the PlantXperience in Wilp. At the Aalsmeer Trade Fair, Schoneveld Breeding will be at stand 11.6.
For more information:
Schoneveld Breeding
Sluinerweg 15
7384 SC Wilp
+31 (0)571 27 17 17
[email protected]
www.schoneveld-breeding.com
A look at Schoneveld Breeding’s Open Days
