Cut flower grower ventures into patio roses

Zuurbier has more than 50 years of experience in the production of cut roses - the company has been growing them on 48 hectares in Kenya since 2001 - and is now adding patio roses to its assortment. Last August, Zuurbier started the production in their greenhouse in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands, and they will put 12 patio varieties from Select Breeding on the market. A total of 27,000 plants in pot sizes 19 and 21 cm are now growing in the greenhouse and the first ones are being auctioned at the Royal FloraHolland this week.

Marja Oudhuis and Rosaline Zuurbier

0.5 ha greenhouse
"At our processing location in Aalsmeer, we still had a greenhouse available that was previously used as a breeding and show greenhouse. We were looking for a suitable crop for this greenhouse and came across the patio line of Select Breeding," says Rosaline Zuurbier. "It is the perfect crop for this greenhouse and it makes our rose hearts beat faster."

Growing with the season
"The advantage of growing patio roses is that this crop can be grown along with the season," Rosaline explains. "We started growing them in August, then we prune them in December. Eventually, they will grow into a thoroughly hardened rose that is suitable for outdoor use. In the coming 4 to 6 weeks they will leave the greenhouse and we will again start from scratch. In total, the process takes about 11 months."

12 patio varieties from Select Breeding
Zuurbier's greenhouse currently grows 12 varieties of patio roses from Select Breeding. "The range caught my eye because they have many different colors that are very similar in appearance. In addition, they have good resistance to fungi and pests because of the hard shiny leaves."

Growing the patio rose is entirely new to Zuurbier, so they are very happy with the help of Michael de Geuse of Select Breeding and fellow growers. "Select made the planting material and Michael came regularly to take a look in the greenhouse and kept us informed about the do's and don'ts. Furthermore, we are also very happy with the support of our fellow growers who also helped us."

Good expectations
The first roses are being auctioned this week at the FloraHolland auction and Rosaline is very curious about the market response but has high expectations. "The patio rose is a product that is highly appreciated because it is already blooming on the shelves. The consumer can enjoy the plant immediately without having to put in too much effort. So, a plant that really suits today's consumer."

And Rosaline is already looking forward to next year. "We already know that we will definitely continue to grow the patio rose next year. Based on this year's market response, we can fine-tune our assortment for next year and we will get better and better at growing this product."