In the 18th century, the fan was used as a communication tool among the elite. At that time not everything could be said, especially for the women who were under strict rules. On love, everything should be done behind closed doors. By using the fan, discreet love messages could be sent to potential lovers.

Even during a party or ball, the fans were seen as important communication tools during the various dances. In addition to the body language of the woman, she was able to convey important messages.

• • Keeping the fan close to your heart: "You have won my love".
• • Fan half open on your lips: "You can kiss me".
• • Cover your eyes behind the opened fan: "I love you".
• • Slowly closing the fully opened impeller: "Promise that you marry me".
• • Open the impeller completely: "Wait for me".
• • Cover your left ear with the opened fan: "Do not reveal our secret".

We were given a tour from Gijsbert. Gijsbert started as a student at the company. Now he is a proud manager at Gerbera United. He has shared all the tricks of the trade with us. And there are quite a few! Gijsbert rightly makes the comment that it is great to walk through a greenhouse full of Gerberas. The flowers all have their own shapes and colors. It is really a sight for sore eyes to see all these colored flowerbeds in the greenhouse.

Multiplication
Gerberas are multiplicated by breeders, with whom Gerbera United has close contact. These breeders are constantly working on developing new varieties, which means that Gerbera United can continue to innovate the range. These species must of course meet strict requirements and are first thoroughly tested.  Shelf life, diameter and length are important among other things to determine whether some  species are suitable as a cut flower.

The plants
At Gerbera United a plant will last at three years. A gerbera plant produces year-round flowers but it is in spring when it produces more as there is more natural light.  However, thanks to the lighting in the greenhouse the plant does have the same quality of flowers all year round.

The plants grow in pots with stone wool. The advantage of stone wool is that it’s clean so the chances of diseases are diminish. Watering is also easier on stone wool as it holds water well, but it also allows it to drain. In addition the roots develop more quicker  on stone wool which provides more strength.

Gerbera
The gerbera is a flower that doesn’t smell and belongs to the plant genus Asteraceae. Originally they come from Tropical climates such as in Asia, Africa or South America. The gerbera is therefore a real summer flower. That means that she needs a lot of light and heat in order to grow well. At Gerbera United they do everything to create ideal living conditions such as  temperature, proper humidity and of course water! 

MPS GAP
The company is MPS GAP certified. The MPS-GAP certificate has been specially developed for companies that supply wholesalers and retailers. The company must adhere to production requirements concerning traceability, environment, safety and hygiene. The biggest challenge is to deal well with the pesticides. More and more there is biological contamination and the number of resources that you can use for diseases, pests or other discomforts, is getting smaller and smaller. Yet Gerbera United continues to be a pioneer to in developing biological processes. 

Care tips
Gerberas have hairy stems. To prevent bacterial growth in the vase, Gijsbert advises to add always a drop of bleach into the water. Of course a clean vase is also very important.  Cut flower food can be added to the water if the Gerberas are processed in a mixed bouquet.

On our question if it is still necessary to put the Gerberas on wire before they are processed, Gijsbert’s answer is; "No, that’s no longer necessary. Over the years, the varieties have become stronger through good breeding. The stems are sturdy enough to be processed without wire." 

FloraPodium, 31 January 2019