In the spotlights
Three years ago we welcomed the beautiful Florinca Arcadia to the FloraPodium. At the time, this was one of the first Florinca varieties, the improved version of the earlier Alstresia. The Florinca range has expanded considerably in recent years. Grower Together2Grow now has a number of beautiful varieties in its range, of which the 'Tinto' is the newest.
Together2Grow
Ten years ago, Together2Grow originated from two companies; BZ Alstroemeria and Van Veen Alstroemeria. Owners Bernard Zuidgeest and Fedor van Veen were full of ambition and found each other in the idea that you can achieve much more together than alone. After all, there was still a lot worth optimizing in the field of cultivation and commerce in a sector where developments are moving at lightning speed. In 2016, the companies merged and Together2Grow was born.
Florinca Tinto
The ornamental value of the Florinca is already high, but the 'Tinto' takes it one step further. The 'Tinto' is a true beauty with its double-coloured double flowers. Each flower branch has a large number of flowers, which all open one by one. The 'Tinto' is a chic, elegant flower that florists can use in many different ways.
She really comes into her own in a large modern bouquet. Because the flower is extremely strong and has a very thick, sturdy stem, it is also extremely suitable for use in arrangements for companies, both on water and in oases.
If you want to process the flower sprays in small arrangements or vases that is also possible. You can simply cut the branches and then process. Even then all the flowers will open.
Cultivation
Approximately 33 million stems are grown annually at three locations, together accounting for 8.8 hectares of cultivation area. Together2Grow strives to offer a high-quality full range of Alstroemerias and Florincas all year round. Every effort is therefore made to achieve this.
Florinca vs Alstroemeria
The cultivation method of the Florinca is the same as that of the Alstroemeria. The biggest difference is that the flowers are cut riper and therefore have a better vase life. Some varieties can be kept in a vase for up to three weeks! Florinca and Alstroemeria are perennial crops that can be cut year round. In the winter it takes about eight weeks until the branch can be picked, in the summer six weeks. This also depends on the species.
Rhizome
Florincas and Alstroemerias grow on a branche called a rhizome. These roots grow horizontally under the ground. New branches grow from these underground roots, which rise upright from the ground. Unfortunately, not only branches with flowers grow in the crop, flowerless branches also regularly emerge from the ground. These branches are removed so that the good branches get more light.
Soil cooling is used to reduce the growth of non-flowering branches and to prevent the crop from growing unnecessarily long. These are cold water hoses that run through the ground. It is however impossible to prevent flowerless branches from growing completely. Some types of Alstroemeria are also more sensitive to it than others.
Special leaf
The growth of the leaf is special with the Alstroemeria. It grows twisted. In autumn and winter the leaf is more perpendicular to the stem than in spring and summer. This also explains why the leaves can be damaged much faster at this time of year. With the Florinca, this problem is less, the leaf under the flower cluster often remains very beautiful, the rest of the stem does not need the leaf. The ornamental value really lies with the flower.
MPS
Together2Grow strives to grow as sustainably as possible. Together2Grow has an LED installation at almost all locations, with which they save energy and get a product with a better quality. They produce more than half of the energy that is used themselves. The heat that is released is completely used for greenhouses. The Alstroemeria and Florinca crops can be kept completely biologically free from aphids, trips, caterpillars and other pests.
Together2Grow is MPS A, MPS GAP, MPS SQ, MAPS Grasp, Global GAP and Sedex certified.
With these certificates they meet the FSI requirements.
Decorum
Together2Grow is affiliated with Decorum, they have also developed their own concept for this: 'Rich'. The Natural Romanticism trend is central to this special concept. It is all about romance and opulence in the interior. 'Rich' consists exclusively of Florinca varieties, which have been specially selected for the Decorum quality brand.
Cooperation
The relationship with breeders is also very important to Together2Grow. By working closely together, they can introduce new novelties every year, which are then exclusively available at Together2Grow. The wide range ensures that a wide spectrum can be supplied to customers, something for everyone!
FloraPodium, 24 March 2022
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