Hem Genetics is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. With 25 years, Hem Genetics is a “youngster” among the seed companies, but well-known (amongst others) for its genetical dwarf varieties in bedding plants. Their innovative genetics, in combination with recent investments in “state-of-the-art” breeding facilities and seed storage, has led to a solid base for a thriving future.
Hem Genetics is originated 25 year ago from Hem Zaden, a company that supplies flower seeds worldwide for the amateur market. In this segment, Hem Zaden is one of the oldest and largest, if not the largest supplier in the world. At that time, owner and former director of the company Mr. Jan Singer wanted to supply the professional market as well and appointed two experienced men from the seed industry: Jan Sijm (breeding) and Ruud Westenberg (sales).
But how does a new company break into a market when thousands of varieties are already available? Hem Genetics introduced genetical compact varieties like Petunia, Geranium, Salvia and Ageratum which didn’t need any or few (chemical) growth regulators, which led to less labor, lower costs and better sustainability. For example, the Petunia Limbo/Mambo series were a breakthrough and are still a bench mark in the global seed industry.
But beside compact genetics, Hem Genetics is also searching for unique genetics in a wide range of annuals, perennials and herbs, which for example led to a new series of tall double-flowering snapdragons (Antirrhinum DoubleShot) recently awarded with the AAS Gold Medal for garden ánd container performance.
The company based in Hem (close to Enkhuizen) is still run by the Singer family. Frank Singer is director (his son Maarten will be soon at “pole position”), and former director Jan Singer (80 years old) is still around to drink a cup of coffee and have a chat with everyone.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hem Genetics, the entire team has been out on a weekend trip to Den Bosch.
This cheerful ambiance will likely be extended next week, when Flower Trials are starting again. Breeders from all over the place show their latest innovations and of course Hem Genetics will participate as well.
The Hem Genetics Flower Trials can be visited from Tuesday 13 until Friday 16 June at Takii in Kudelstaart (The Netherlands).
For more information:
Hem Genetics
Hemmerbuurt 98, 1607 CL
Hem, the Netherlands
Tel.: +31(0)228 541312
Email: [email protected]
www.hemgenetics.com