In the spotlights
Kwekerij Leekade is a specialist in growing small-flowered Cymbidiums. This great product has a vase life of at least two weeks, but often the flower stays in the vase for no less than three to four weeks. We love the Cymbidium and would like to highlight one of the most beautiful varieties just before Christmas: "Margot". This white Cymbidium with a white lip really steals the show during these beautiful festive days!
Different varieties in different seasons
The history of the cut cymbidium goes back to 1900. In this period the English brought the first Cymbidium plants from the Himalayas. The Cymbidium is therefore originally a cold orchid. After the first varieties were crossed, more varieties and colors gradually emerged. Today there are more than 1,000 types of Cymbidiums, available all year round. The supply peak, however, is in the autumn and winter months. It is therefore a very popular product around Christmas!
The orchid is found in cool, but also tropical areas such as Nepal, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia and the Himalayas and depending on the species, it blooms in different periods; fall, winter or spring. For this reason, Leekade nursery grows several varieties with the same color, so that they can supply any color throughout the year.
Small-flowered Cymbidium
Cymbidium belongs to the cut orchid family. In addition to Cymbidium, the cut orchids include Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Cattleya, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium and Oncidium. The small-flowered Cymbidium has smaller flowers than the large-flowered Cymbidium and is therefore more elegant. The branch is less bulky and large and therefore easier to process in a bouquet. TIP: try and use single flowers in a tube for a stylish addition. This way you can also incorporate one flower in your bouquet or arrangement.
Winter Wedding
A fan of snow, cold days, a party and therefore a lot of fun? Then why not try a winter wedding; it might be just the thing for you! Wedding planners usually have more time in winter and all locations are styled in the most beautiful seasonal lighting. A winter wedding naturally requires a winter flower! After consulting with the grower, we therefore highlight the small-flowered Cymbidium ‘Margot’. A white cymbidium with a white lip. The Cymbidium is not pure white but has a light cream color. There is a yellow accent in the heart of the lip. With this product we have been able to make some beautiful winter pictures.
The cultivation
The Cymbidium season starts at Kwekerij Leekade mid-July and continues until the middle of May, so we can enjoy the most beautiful Cymbidiums almost all year round. The company is the only small-flowered Cymbidium grower fully MPS GAP certified. Jacco Vermeer and Simon Vermeer gave us an interesting tour of the company. This time no greenhouse with green buds, but one large color palette with beautiful flowering Cymbidiums.
Growing with data
Jacco Vermeer, the son of Simon Vermeer, joined the company in 2019. After graduating from college, he first gained experience at other companies before joining the family business. Jacco focuses within the company on cultivation, cultivation research and sales support. With a fresh way of looking and thinking, he tries to organize the cultivation in a different way. For example, he still has many plans to control the cultivation with the help of data.
Order by type and numbers
The small-flowered Cymbidiums have an elegant shape. The large-flowered Cymbidiums, on the other hand, are known for their bright and many different colors. Nursery Leekade does its best to cross the best of both worlds and grow small-flowered Cymbidiums with special colors. The past 20 years have been dominated by the expansion of the range. The range of nursery Leekade is now versatile. Since the arrival of Jacco in the company, they have also started to do their own breeding again.
The small-flowered cymbidiums are normally sold per mix, but are also available in a specific color at Leekade. As a customer, you have full control! The small-flowered cymbidiums can also be supplied in lengths of 30 cm up to and including 70 cm, although demand for different lengths is still small. Customers often do not know what the options are. As a grower, it is also difficult to get that information through the chain to the florist. In addition to color, it is also possible, for example, to purchase in smaller quantities; up to three branches per barrel. Ideal for florists who want to use smaller numbers.
The cultivation
Orchids take four years to start growing flowers and in order to get there, they need a lot of love and care. The older the plant gets, the longer and fuller the branches become. The amount of branches with flowers varies greatly per plant. For example, a young plant can have three branches and a ten-year-old as many as 14.
FloraPodium, 19 December 2019
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The nursery
Inspiration
