"Growing Maldonado on a larger scale this year"

One of the three branches of the Dutch pepper nursery Litjens can be found in Velden. Here Marc Litjens is growing the red Enza Zaden variety Maldonado on 5.5 ha. Last year, Maldonado was tried out in between the Maduro breed. Marc: "It performed well in total production as well as in quality and fruit weight. This made us decide to grow Maldonado on a larger scale this year."

The Maldonado planting dates are 8th and 9th of December. The sowing date is October 23rd. Litjens is growing Maldonado on a 4-stem system. "Maldonado is a light-sensitive breed so control occurs based on the amount of light we have. On dark days I stay low in daily temperature and on lighter days I set it high," says Marc.

Especially striking about Maldonado according to Marc is its continued growth. "Compared to Maduro, Maldonado is steadier in growth and setting. It is also more labor-friendly. In addition, the rapid coloration is a positive attribute. Maldonado is larger, but because it also has thinner flesh, it is lighter than Maduro." In terms of weight Maldonado comes out in the middle segment. Maduro and Maranello are in the higher segment. "Because I grow Maldonado next to Maranello now, I have two weight classes when it comes to red peppers. This gives a bit of flexibility."

The first setting requires some attention. If it’s dark weather, you need to be careful. It the light is there, setting is no problem. Marc: "Maldonado easily drops flowers if you go too quickly when it’s dark. When the first setting has taken, it continues to set very easily." From the second setting Marc tops at 10 cm to prevent shoots as much as possible. "We remove double fruits during topping as much as possible to keep the plant load from getting too high. The fruit weight then remains more regular and that results in better quality fruit." Marc tops every 14 days, at the same time as fruit reduction.