As a cyclamen specialist, Schoneveld Breeding is globally known for its strong, rich-flowering Cyclamen persicum. Until now, the breeding company had not ventured into botanical cyclamen. That's about to change. With Cyclamen hederifolium Avalon, Schoneveld Breeding introduces an F1 hybrid winter-hardy cyclamen. "We want to show that we are strong in cyclamen on every level."
"We are cyclamen specialists," says breeder Stijn Megens. "We're well known for our strong Cyclamen persicum lines, but there are so many other species. We asked ourselves: what could we do with those?" Cyclamen hederifolium soon proved to be the most promising species to start a breeding programme with.
The first botanical F1 hybrid
The project has been running for about two decades but was on the back burner for many years. About ten years ago, Stijn and his fellow breeders picked it up again. "It's a niche product," explains area manager Dinja Lankhorst. "Avalon won't be a million-unit market, but we now see enough global interest to include this botanical cyclamen in our assortment."
Avalon is the first F1-hybrid botanical cyclamen. A plant that, thanks to meticulous breeding, offers uniform flowering, abundant blooms, and a balanced plant structure. "A botanical cyclamen is naturally looser and more open in habit than a persicum," Dinja says. "Compared to existing botanical types, Avalon is far more uniform and rich in flowering."
Predictable cultivation and flowering
Because hederifolium produces seed only once every two years, Stijn can make selections less frequently than he's used to. Still, he managed to breed Avalon to flower well already in its first year. "From sowing to flowering takes around 26 weeks," he explains. Avalon is particularly suited for sales from late summer into early autumn.
Avalon thrives in challenging garden spots, under trees or shrubs, say Dinja and Stijn. "It doesn't like wet feet, it performs best in well-drained soil," Stijn adds. "In places where other plants struggle, Avalon does remarkably well."
© Schoneveld Breeding
Sales in packs
Schoneveld Breeding positions Avalon hederifolium as a cyclamen for pack production. For growers, that means higher plant density and efficiency per square metre. And for consumers, it simply makes more sense, Dinja believes. "You wouldn't plant just one little cyclamen in the garden," she says with a smile. Avalon is a rewarding product; it naturalises and expands year after year. "The following year, you'll have a larger carpet of blooms than you planted initially."
A lush carpet of flowers
Avalon's flowering habit is another highlight. Stijn explains: "From the second year in the garden, Avalon produces an impressive flush of blooms first, with foliage appearing later. That means a lush carpet of flowers, without green foliage in between."
Currently, the botanical Avalon hederifolium is available in Light Violet. "White is on its way," Stijn says. "And I'm working on several deeper shades as well. There's plenty of beauty still to come."
Opening new markets
Avalon opens doors to new market segments for Schoneveld Breeding. "This product is particularly suitable for perennial growers," says Dinja. "Persicum and hederifolium are completely different types." She already sees global enthusiasm for the F1-hybrid Avalon. "But unfamiliarity can be a barrier," she adds. "That's why we're actively investing in trials and networks worldwide. To show growers everywhere that they can turn to Schoneveld Breeding as the cyclamen specialist, even for botanical types."
Schoneveld Breeding
Sluinerweg 15
7384 SC Wilp
Tel: +31 (0)571 27 17 17
[email protected]
www.schoneveld-breeding.com
