Villa Curcuma is a new company, set up in 2017 by father André and son Mike, next to their existing company Villa Gerbera where Mike joined his father in 2014. At some point they could buy a new greenhouse  bordering  to  their own greenhouses, and father and son decided that was a good reason to produce a new product in addition to their Gerbera cultivation. A new crop, an innovative product, but above all a product with a challenge.

There was a only one grower in the Netherlands that, in addition to their pot plant assortment, also cultivated cut Curcuma's. However, this did not fit within their business anymore. André and Mike didn’t want this beautiful crop to disappear from the Netherlands and decided to start growing this challenging product themselves. Pot plants are still grown by different growers in the Netherlands, but Villa Curcuma is currently the only nursery that produces this special flower as a cut flower.

The year 2017 was mainly a test year for the duo. A year in which they examined how this cultivation could best be bred. In March this year they officially started selling this beautiful flower. For the FloraPodium team this was a good reason to pay a visit to this new company. After all, we are always looking for special flowers with a special story. Mike received us warmly and gave us a nice tour through their wonderful company.

The special feature of Curcuma is that it is not the flower itself, but the bract that determines the ornamental value of this product. These beautifully colored leaves function as a "house" for the real flowers that grow on the sides. The real flowers bloom relatively short. This is clear to see on the photos.

Villa Curcuma currently grows seven different types of Curcuma. Attention is now mainly focused on improving the existing Curcuma species and thereby optimizing the process of cultivation. This is done by means of extra lighting and giving the right nutrition. In addition, diffusing screens are used to break the sunlight. This fabric dampens the sunlight and therefore increases the humidity in the greenhouse.

The company provides itself with energy by a cogeneration. A sustainable system in which all aspects of combustion are used. This is because natural gas is burned which releases CO2, heat and electricity. The CO2 is distributed in the greenhouse where the Curcuma's uses it to grow. With the released warmth they keep the greenhouse at temperature. Finally, the energy is used to light the greenhouse.

The crop spreading used, is 95% organic. The company is MPS GAP certified. An high quality mark that places a high priority on traceability of flowers and plants, safety and hygiene. Especially the crop protection products are strictly controlled.

Curcumas are propagated through tissue culture. In short, that means growing in the newest shoots of a plant on a sterile substrate. These shoots are constantly creating new growth points that you can cut. All these new growth points become a new plant.

A beautiful variety, striking  by the color and the beautiful contrasts between light and dark. That is why this exclusive strain is in the spotlight of FloraPodium this week. The ultimate goal of the company  is to put the widest possible range of high quality on the market.

We already know the Curcuma plant from the world of spices. It is the plant from which the spice of turmeric is extracted. The majority of this cultivation takes place in India but originally the plant comes from Thailand.

Turmeric is extracted from the roots of the plant. The plant itself grows above the ground. The lateral branches of the main root are harvested, peeled and steamed. If it is grinded, it can be used in, for example, delicious Indian dishes. In addition, turmeric also has a healing effect on our body and the brains.

The Curcuma is a tropical product with a long stem and a colorful extravagant flower! This plant originally comes from Thailand and therefore does not like the cold at all. As a florist you should never put this flower in cold storage!

The flower with its long sturdy leaves is of high ornamental value in a bouquet. You do not have to remove any leaves before putting the flower on water. Provide a clean vase and fill it with cold water. Cut the flower diagonally before you put it in the water. This way you can enjoy this bouquet of Curcumas up to 4 weeks.

FloraPodium, 18 April 2018