Interview with Kisima, Craig Oulton

We operate a 30-hectare flower farm on the slopes of Mount Kenya, situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters, making us the highest farm in the region. Our mission is to uphold the highest standards in quality while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, driving us to consistently elevate quality to new levels.

"Kisima" means spring (or well). True to our name, we collect and reuse all our rain and spring water.

We are deeply committed to social welfare, reflected in our extensive programs, and we are proud to have received the Gold Accreditation from the Kenya Flower Council.

We strive to stay at the forefront of quality, sustainability, and social impact. We embrace the challenge of growing difficult crops or varieties, as it aligns with our passion for excellence. Our flowers are grown 100% in soil – the fertile soil of Mount Kenya. In addition to roses, we cultivate a variety of summer flowers to enhance diversity.

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

We take great pride in our soil. All our flower waste is carefully composted in multiple dedicated areas. In these compost sites, worms play a vital role by breaking down the waste. The liquid produced during this process, affectionately called “worm juice,” is an exceptional natural, fermented fertilizer.

We use this natural compost and fertilizer to maintain the biodiversity of the soil in our greenhouses, ensuring healthy root development, which, in turn, helps our flowers and plants thrive and bloom beautifully.

Another key advantage of our farm is its unique location. Nestled in a valley, we benefit from ideal temperatures: night temperatures never drop below 7°C, while daytime temperatures remain stable at 26–28°C. These perfect conditions allow us to grow stunning roses of the highest quality.

How do you ensure sustainability in the cultivation process?

Our mission is to be an environmentally and socially sustainable flower producer, and our greatest strength lies in our team. Every step we take – from water management and integrated pest management to data analysis, soil temperature monitoring, water saturation management, forest programming, natural composting, and social community development – is executed with care, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. We never take shortcuts.

We invest heavily in training and developing our staff. Our team comprises 450 dedicated employees, 90% of whom are permanent, and 96% are women. Each variety we grow receives tailored care, managed through an advanced scouting system using smartphones to monitor and address potential issues. By staying watchful, we ensure that diseases never enter our farm.

Our proud and passionate team manages these processes daily, contributing to our shared vision of sustainability and quality.

What are the features and benefits of the Snowstorm rose?

Snowstorm is a pure white rose known for its strong, straight stems and excellent foliage. It is completely thornless, making it a standout choice. This variety is easy to grow and thrives in Kenya’s diverse weather conditions. Additionally, Snowstorm is naturally resistant to diseases and pests, ensuring consistent quality and reliability.

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

It’s essential for us to stay connected with the younger generation and understand their preferences. We maintain strong communication with Fresco, who keeps us updated on the latest trends and variety developments. We have a clear understanding of where our flowers are sold and the specific preferences for color and flower type in each market.

We frequently visit Europe to engage with our buyers, ensuring we stay attuned to their needs and preferences. This ongoing dialogue inspires our search for new ideas and drives innovation in everything we do.

What inspired you to become a grower? What key skills and knowledge are essential in this field?

Our passion is what drives us forward. Like any grower, we experience highs and lows, but we always find solutions. We see ourselves as both environmentalists and growers, combining these roles seamlessly.

Our work is like solving a jigsaw puzzle – every day presents new challenges, but we consistently find a way to piece it all together. One of the things I truly enjoy is being out in the field, connecting with the plants, animals and people, rather than spending the entire day behind a desk.

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Publication: 27^th of March 2025

What would you like to tell florists about Snowstorm?

Snowstorm is a long-lasting, pure white rose with exceptional uniformity. Its leaves maintain their vibrant color for an extended period, and its head size is notably larger than other roses grown in Kenya. What makes Snowstorm truly unique is the way it blooms – opening slowly and captivatingly, creating a sense of anticipation and beauty. In addition, it is an ideal choice for weddings and grand events.

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

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