© ZON
In the greenhouse of grower Ralph Steegh in Wellerlooi, the Netherlands, the first greenhouse-grown cauliflowers of the season have been harvested. The produce was sold through the auction clock at ZON. The cauliflowers stand out for their compact size. Steegh opted for mini cauliflowers, creating a specialty product after harvesting larger greenhouse cauliflowers in the previous season.
Steegh first cultivated cauliflower in his greenhouse a year earlier. With labor and energy use in mind, he decided to adjust his cropping plan, moving away from a greenhouse fully dedicated to tomato production toward a more diversified system. "I started auctioning yellow courgettes at ZON, and that's how the conversation about greenhouse-grown cauliflowers began."
The grower cultivates the cauliflowers on substrate in gutter systems. "That was also the case during the first season. The crop performed well, but harvesting the larger heads was somewhat challenging. Logistically it required quite a bit of work. On the advice of ZON, I switched to mini cauliflowers and turned it into a specialty product. I also saw potential in that approach."
According to Steegh, harvesting the smaller heads is easier to manage. The mini cauliflowers are packed six per crate in tomato boxes. "By producing mini cauliflowers, I'm no longer competing directly with conventional outdoor cauliflower production."
© ZON
Staggered harvest
In total, Steegh cultivates mini cauliflowers on 8,000 square meters of greenhouse area. The acreage was determined in consultation with ZON. During the first season, he tested five varieties on the advice of his propagation supplier.
"That approach helps spread the harvest over time. In the end, I dropped two varieties because I didn't find the quality good enough. I continued with three varieties that also perform well when harvesting smaller heads."
The grower again uses staggered sowing dates and three different varieties to spread the harvest period. "Greenhouse cauliflower allows us to grow through the winter with relatively low energy demand." Harvesting is expected to continue until mid-April. After that, the gutters will be prepared for tomato cultivation. "We will start planting tomatoes there on May 11."
In another section of the greenhouse, Steegh grows yellow courgettes and tomatoes. His regular tomato crop, covering 3.5 hectares, has already been planted and is expected to be harvested from mid-April, immediately after the greenhouse cauliflower harvest ends.
"We hope this new crop will attract enough interested customers." The grower has already received positive feedback following the start of the auction sales.
For more information:
ZON
Venrayseweg 102
5928 RH Venlo
Tel: +31 77 323 9999
[email protected]
www.royalzon.com
