At three locations in 's-Gravenzande, the Netherlands, Valstar Plantenkwekerij grows begonias, pot chrysanthemums, potted roses, celosias, poinsettias in the winter months, and other cold cultivation. The season for begonias and pot chrysanthemums runs from January to November at the location on Steenenburchweg, and from November to January, the same greenhouse is full of paprika plants, where it once started.
Celosias, begonias and pot chrysanthemums
Jack Poot, who has been working at the plant nursery for several months now, shows us a thing or two in the greenhouse where spring has now also arrived. A sea of begonias, pot chrysanthemums, and celosias color the greenhouse in cheerful hues. The begonias and pot chrysanthemums are already ready for sale and will be delivered from week 7 to week 44. The celosias start in week 14, and the asters in week 15. The celosias are a real summer product, so this season ends earlier, but Jack is happy with how they look at the moment: bushy, with lots of green and nice buds.
Slow
As soon as everything is available, Jack expects a peak. At the moment, trade is still a bit tame. "It's a bit of a dull patch towards Easter at the moment; not everyone is in the mood," he notes. "But the first—mainly pink and white—begonias and potted chrysanthemums will leave at the end of this week for English Mother's Day. Once the frost stays out of the story, the plant business will pick up. But it's the end of March by now; you would think the trade would loosen up. Yet there still remains some caution, including from the consumer."
But according to Jack, that is also what makes the trade fun. He once started as a line driver, has worked for many years at various companies in the plant sector, and dares to call himself a connoisseur. "There is always something happening, and if there is no demand, it means it is the calm before the storm. That keeps the work in this sector dynamic."
For more information:
Jack Poot
Valstar Plantenkwekerij
Tel: +31683354575
jack.poot@valstarplant.nl