This week FloraPodium is at the IPM Fair in Essen. Together with Rosebrandt, FloraPodium will present the Dutch Rose. Rosebrandt is a platform that gives the Dutch quality rose a face. It is collaboration between Dutch rose growers and breeders.

FloraPodium wanted to get to know one of the rose growers that is connected to this platform. We therefore visited Ger, from grower Semp Spray roses in Kudelstaart. This week his spray rose 'Giselle!' is in the spotlight.

In the spotlights

Semp spray roses is a specialist company that stands for quality. At the moment they grow fifteen varieties of spray roses. Every rose has its own cultivation method. One rose needs a lot of leaves to produce beautiful buds, while another variety settles for less leaves. In terms of nutrition and lighting, every type of rose has its own needs. There are new varieties on the market ever year of which Ger has several test beds. Although it is not always easy to keep growing these rose, this is exactly what Ger gives energy. New varieties of cultures that present a new challenge and have to find their way into the market.

Giselle!

One of the fifteen varieties grown by Semp is 'Giselle!'.  This beautiful full pink spray rose is in the Florapodium spotlight this week. 'Giselle!' is bred by breeding company Schreurs. Schreurs breeds both Roses and Gerberas. All varieties of Schreurs can be recognized by the exclamation mark at the end of the name.

According to Ger, this is a crop with a lot of energy, which is evident in the way 'Giselle!' sticks out The special thing about 'Giselle!' Is that it has a deep pink color, a very nice thick stem and many buds. Ideal to use in a beautiful bouquet. But also, for example, to put in a wreath or to incorporate it into bridal work. The rose is perhaps the most important flower in all parts of the world. All colors of roses have a different meaning. Pink stands for happiness, gratitude and purity. Above the other species with her thick and high stems. "That also gives me energy", says Ger. Although we visited the company in the winter and there is less light in the nursery, 'Giselle!' is a rose that has found its way even in winter conditions.

A lot of water is needed

A spray rose needs fresh water both during growth and on the vase. If you break a stalk in half and it is moist inside, the rose has had enough water. Foreign roses that are imported are sometimes kept dry for three days. This does not always benefit the quality. The Dutch rose can make a distinction here in quality, because the flower has a short transport and is always on water during this process. As a result, the rose often has a longer vase life.

There are fewer and fewer roses grown in the Netherlands. Competition from abroad is increasing and many Dutch rose growers have moved their business to Africa. In addition to Africa, many roses are also grown in Ecuador. Fortunately, there are nurseries such as Semp that represent the Netherlands in the global market for roses.

Winter

The cultivation of a Dutch rose is generally difficult in winter. There is little light and heat to let the rose grow, so some growers choose to add extra heat and light. Despite these extra measures, it is difficult to grow the roses at full strength. Because the production is less and the energy costs are high, growing in the winter is a costly process.

In addition, the rose yields much less than before. The price is determined by supply and demand on the clock and a grower depends on this for the price he receives, also in the winter. These extra costs will therefore have to be compensated with the production in the summer. The summer production is much higher and the costs are lower. The demand is also much greater in this period, for example due to the wedding season. Now that the days are lengthening in the Netherlands and spring is just around the corner, Ger immediately notices a change in production of his roses.

Durability

Roses are very sensitive to diseases in the crop. Many rose growers feel the pressure of the sustainability trend on their choice in the use of pesticides. Semp uses biological control. In this way they try to burden the environment as little as possible. The water is also recirculated using an UV disinfector. By means of light, the bacteria are removed from the water so that it can be reused.

FloraPodium, 24 January 2019