Fusarium remains one of the most persistent challenges in gerbera cultivation. Present in virtually all growing environments, the pathogen cannot be fully eliminated, regardless of the substrate used. Instead, growers focus on managing conditions that can slow its development and reduce its impact on plant health and yield. According to Kyrylo Gliuza, Sales Manager at Begrow, this is where substrate structure plays a decisive role.
"It doesn't matter what kind of substrate you're using; Fusarium is present anyway," he explains. "But when the balance of water and air is correct, Fusarium develops much more slowly. That is exactly what growers are trying to achieve."
© Begrow
A technical focus on substrate balance
Begrow's standard gerbera cubes were developed with this precise balance in mind. Based on extensive grower feedback and on-site trials, the cubes are engineered to provide uniform water distribution while maintaining sufficient air porosity in the root zone. This balance is critical in preventing anaerobic conditions that can accelerate pathogen pressure.
"Based on the feedback from growers, our cubes show a very stable balance between air and water, and that is why the results are positive."
The approach aligns with a broader trend in flower cultivation, where growers are increasingly prioritizing root-zone management over chemical interventions. Rather than claiming elimination of disease, Begrow positions its cubes as a technical tool that supports healthier root development and more controlled crop performance over time.
© Priscilla Heeffer | FloralDaily.com
Kyrylo with the cube working for Gerberas at GrowTech Antalya, Turkey this year
Comparable performance without the added cost
In recent years, some gerbera growers have shifted toward smaller-format propagation solutions, such as one-by-one centimeter dice cubes combined with plastic pots or additional rockwool layers. These systems are often promoted for their increased air content around the roots.
"Growers say there is more air in those systems, and that's why they are trying them," he notes. "Those solutions are almost twice as expensive as the standard cubes traditionally used for gerberas."
According to Begrow's trials and grower comparisons, the company's standard gerbera cubes deliver similar air–water performance without the added expense. "Based on testing and what growers are seeing in practice, the results are more or less the same. Our standard cubes are already perfectly balanced for cultivation, without requiring a more expensive system."
© Begrow
Awareness still a key challenge
Despite positive technical feedback, Begrow remains relatively unknown among parts of the European flower-growing community. Kyrylo believes this lack of awareness is one of the main barriers to adoption.
"A lot of growers simply don't know that we exist," he says. "They don't know our cubes, so they continue buying more expensive products they are familiar with."
In sharing some of their background information, he adds that they are a Ukrainian family business, and operates openly on the EU market. Begrow currently runs two production facilities, one in Ukraine and one in Turkey, serving customers across Europe and beyond. In North America, they collaborate closely with their partners Global Hort.
Flowers as a segment
While Begrow produces substrates for a wide range of crops, including vegetables and medicinal cannabis globally, flowers (particularly gerberas) remain a central focus in the European market.
In addition to gerbera cubes, Begrow also supplies slabs and cubes for rose cultivation, another segment where root-zone balance and uniformity are critical.
As the flower industry continues to optimize production efficiency and disease management through substrate design, Begrow's strategy centers on education and visibility rather than radical product claims.
Growers interested in learning more or discussing substrate solutions directly with Begrow can schedule meetings at upcoming trade shows, including Fruit Logistica in Berlin and SIVAL in France, where the company will be present to engage with flower industry professionals.
For more information:
Begrow
Kyrylo Gliuza, Sales Manager
[email protected]
[email protected]
begrowsubstrate.eu
North American region:
Global Horticultural
www.globalhort.com
