The challenges of propagating lisianthus

A lisianthus is not an easy flower. This became clear after talking with Jose van Egmond of Van Egmond Lisianthus. This Dutch based propagator company of lisianthus grows 100 different young plants in a 3.5 sized greenhouse. The propagation process takes between nine and twenty weeks. The difference in speed depends mainly on temperature -the warmer, the faster- but growers need to pay attention to many more aspects.

Jose, Jacqueline and Albrecht van Egmond

New way of cultivation

Over the last few years, crop protection became increasingly popular in horticulture, and also in propagating and growing lisianthus. "We are MPS certified and we minimize the use of crop protection products." More often, growers look at what the plants need. The lisianthus will grow better when removing the stress factors. However, delivering a uniform plant is a challenge, explains Jose. "Additionally, we continuously introduce new varieties which require different growing environments".

Competition and Market growth

Propagating a lisianthus is not easy. Therefore, Van Egmond Lisianthus has to deal with a limited number of competitors. "There are countries, like China and Israel, that tried to start up a propagation firm but they haven't succeeded yet. At the moment, we only have one 'competitor'." Besides that, the market is not expected to grow. This is because of the small number of seeds, difficult propagation processes and expensive cultivation processes. "When growing lisianthus, many investments, preparations, and high tech materials are required. Besides that. when a low-quality product enters the market, the entire chain might be affected and might suffer from loss of face."

Jose van Egmond

Sales

The plants are exported worldwide. "Everywhere in the world we have our agents that sell our products. Our special tailored 1,014-hole or 864-hole trays enable the transport of high volumes.

For more information
Van Egmond Lisianthus
Hoogeweg 12
2231 MS Rijnsburg
The Netherlands
T: +31(0)71-4050010
F: +31(0)71-4050019
Email: info@vanegmondlisianthus.com
www.vanegmondlisianthus.com