Interview with Divine Flowers: the candy shop for carnations

Divine Flowers is a 100% Dutch company, with two locations covering a total of 4,2 hectares. We grow 135 different cultivars, making us a candy shop for carnations in almost every colour and shape. Environmental awareness is central to our operations: we use geothermal energy, solar panels, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems to meet our energy needs. By 2025, we will be certified with MPSA and MPS GAP, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.

What are the characteristics and benefits of this flower variety?

Carnations are incredibly hardy and can withstand heat both in the field and in the vase, where some varieties can last up to a month. As the second most cultivated flower in the world, carnations have a rich history as a popular choice for both funerals and weddings.

How do you ensure sustainability in the growing process?

We grow 90% of our flowers organically, and for the remaining 10%, we use environmentally friendly plant protection products that do not harm nature. Our closed cultivation system purifies and recycles water. Carnations are naturally robust and attract few pests, which helps to further reduce the need for chemical treatments.

What would you like florists to know about your product?

We are the only grower in the world using LED assimilation lighting, which allows us to extend our production period from April to the end of November. Our carnations are harvested daily to ensure they are at the perfect stage of ripeness when they leave our facility. Additionally, we have low heating costs and offer top-quality flowers that are environmentally sustainable.

Carnations are an eco-friendly choice due to their exceptional strength, making them ideal for bouquets. However, they are highly sensitive to ethylene; hence, they should not be placed near citrus fruits or bananas. Our flowers are pre-treated to extend their vase life.

Do you have any unique cultivation techniques or methods that make your flowers stand out?

Yes, we cultivate carnations in the world’s most advanced greenhouse for carnations, which includes heating, energy screens, and misting systems to create optimal growing conditions. Our cultivation process is carefully monitored, both visually and through the use of a climate computer. This technology allows us to produce an average of 320 carnation stems per square metre over nine months.

What are the key factors that influence the quality and quantity of the harvest?

Harvest timing, specifically picking at the right stage of ripeness, is critical to ensuring quality. Our carnations grow up to 60 cm in height, and the lower part of the plant is preserved to promote strong shoot formation. We rotate our crops every one to two years to maintain consistently high quality and production.

What inspired you to become a grower?

An eye for selecting good varieties and staying ahead of market trends is crucial. We are actively involved in visiting breeders, such as during Dianthus Week in Colombia, to select new, potentially successful varieties. We work closely with our partners to ensure we stay ahead in the market.

How many flowers do you produce annually?

We produce around 13 million carnations annually, with our primary markets being Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands. Our target audience mainly consists of wholesalers who supply florists.

Trade Marketeer

Olga is mainly focussing on Trade relationships, connections and campaigns
for our range of products, mostly introductions. With a special focus on
Cut Chrysanthemums and the Eastern European market.

BLOG AUTHOR:

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Publication: 1^st of October 2024

What challenges do you face during cultivation?

One of the challenges we face is ensuring the completeness of our assortment. We are constantly searching for unique varieties, but we sometimes encounter difficulties when certain new cultivars are unavailable.

How do you adapt to changes in demand and customer preferences?

Our assortment is very diverse! We are always on the lookout for special varieties that set us apart from other growers. Although these can sometimes be more difficult to cultivate and may yield lower quantities, they offer unique flowers that are attractive to florists. We prioritise quality over quantity and are willing to take risks to differentiate ourselves in the market.

ARTICLE BY BLOOMROOM BY DÜMMEN ORANGE I WWW.DUMMENORANGE.COM

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