What kind of company is Kuivenhoven?
Kuivenhoven has been a truly family run business for more than 100 years. Based in Poeldijk, a town in the Westland growing region, Kuivenhoven specialises in cultivating potted plants. Their seasonal range includes varieties such as Campanula, Helleborus, Dipladenia, and Poinsettia. These plants are available throughout Europe in garden centres and various retail outlets. Unfortunately the Poinsettia’s not being sold to the UK market.
What does Kuivenhoven cultivate?
Approximately fifteen seasonal products are cultivated year-round. The main products are the Addenda® Campanula and the Helleborus from the Helleborus Gold Collection®. The 10.5 cm potted Poinsettia also plays a key role in the November assortment. The range additionally includes plants such as Sedum Spot On, Senetti, Gazania, and Dipladenia.
Where do the young plants come from?
Young plants are sourced globally, with mother plants located in various countries. Some of the young plants are sourced from Africa, as well as from the Netherlands and other European countries. Helleborus cuttings are propagated via tissue culture in a laboratory.
What are your most popular products?
The bestsellers are the Campanula and Helleborus, which by far sell in the largest volumes. Additionally, Poinsettia, Gazania, and Dipladenia are also very popular.
What is the cultivation process for the Helleborus?
The cultivation process for Helleborus begins early in the year, when cuttings are potted. At this point, these cuttings are about a year old. The plants are then grown outdoors, where they must continuously adapt to changing and sometimes extreme weather conditions, ultimately strengthening the plants. As the nights grow colder, the plants start to form flowers. During the day, the sunlight provides the energy the plants needs to develop the growth of the flowers.
What is the most challenging aspect of the cultivation process?
Since Helleborus is cultivated outdoors, the weather poses the greatest challenge, as we know this is an uncontrollable factor. Extremely hot summers are particularly difficult; plants must be covered to protect them from the burning sun and heat. Strong winds are also a concern, causing damage to plants if blown over. Towards the end of the year, cold nights are essential for optimal flower development. In short, there are plenty of challenges, in growing these plants.
What makes Kuivenhoven exclusive?
Kuivenhoven is one of the select growers honored to cultivate Heuger®’s Helleborus, the owner of the exclusive Helleborus Gold Collection®. This brand is only cultivated by a carefully chosen group of growers, ensuring consistent, high-quality plants due to their extensive expertise.
What does Kuivenhoven do in terms of sustainability?
Kuivenhoven has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives. Over 700 solar panels have been installed to sustainably generate a portion of their energy. The company is also working on developing a geothermal installation to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower CO₂ emissions. In addition, Kuivenhoven is researching new genetics to develop plants that require fewer growth regulators and pesticides. Trials are underway to see if certain plants can thrive at lower ambient temperatures. Finally, Kuivenhoven conducts continuous soil testing to optimize growing substrates with more sustainable components.
