Since November 2021, BASF | Nunhems has been running a data-driven cucumber growing project under high-wire and LED lighting at its 's-Gravenzande site. Each year, the team takes a different approach to gather as much knowledge as possible from various growing conditions.
Over the years, the crops have been grown under different light intensities, ranging from 200 to 340 micromoles, using full LED systems. The trials have also explored both longer and shorter growing cycles, testing two or three production rounds per year. In 2022, for example, they experimented with a later planting date—December 9—due to the energy crisis at that time. One thing that has remained consistent throughout all years is the final planting density of 2.5 plants per meter. According to BASF | Nunhems specialists, maintaining this density is becoming increasingly important because of ongoing labor challenges in horticulture.
© BASF | NunhemsJaëlle Kuijpers and Rick Smulders, both Cucumber Sales Specialists at breeding company BASF | Nunhems
Season 2024/2025
In the most recent growing year, BASF | Nunhems carried out three cultivation rounds with planting dates on October 15, January 29, and May 21. The third crop cycle ended on September 15. The main variety in the first round was Hi Light, while Hi Score served as the standard variety for the second and third rounds.
Before starting, the team made detailed calculations using long-term average light levels and expected additional light input from the LED system. Based on these models, they forecasted a production of 357 cucumbers per square meter. The final yield reached 360 cucumbers per square meter, almost exactly as predicted. This result clearly shows how valuable well-founded planning and data-based cultivation strategies can be for achieving consistent, high-quality production.
© BASF | Nunhems
Season 2025/2026
For the upcoming growing season, starting on October 15, the goal is to achieve a fixed total amount of light per day, measured in micromoles. In practice, this means that sunlight and LED lighting together should provide a total of around 20 µmol per day during the first crop cycle. An intelligent lighting program, managed through the climate computer, will ensure a stable and consistent light level throughout the day.
The system also takes key parameters into account, such as maintaining a desired day length of 18 hours. With a total daily light input of 20 µmol, the crop has the potential to produce about eight cucumbers per square meter each week. Weekly measurements of leaf development will guide the pruning strategy, ensuring the plants remain balanced and productive.
By using these kinds of precise calculations, the specialists at BASF | Nunhems can provide growers with valuable insights and practical support, helping them optimize their crop management and achieve predictable, high-quality results.
© BASF | Nunhems
In the 1000-square-meter trial section, various existing varieties and a large number of new trial varieties are included. These include long, midi, and mini cucumbers for various regions. The greenhouse can be visited again by growers and advisors by appointment in the upcoming season.
For more information:
Jaëlle Kuijpers
Rick Smulders
BASF | Nunhems
[email protected]
Jaëlle: 06-42449393
[email protected]
Rick: 06-141175803
www.nunhems.nl
