Gloriosa grower Antoine Hoeijmakers welcomes us to his inspiring greenhouse in Maasbree, Limburg (NL). Although the cultivation, care and harvesting of gloriosas is delicate work – where he says the fingerspitzengefühl of women’s hands is crucial – the greenhouse has a very modern feel. Antoine knows the tricks of the trade and leaves nothing to chance. In his completely self-sufficient greenhouse, he makes optimal use of light, space and water. We feast our eyes there.
“We went looking for an exclusive product in which we could distinguish ourselves. With 1.5 hectares, we are the largest of a total of only three gloriosa nurseries in the Netherlands. And therefore have a strong position in the market.”
– Antoine Hoeijmakers, owner Glorious Gloriosa
A sustainable nursery
The gloriosa is a tuberous plant that evolves in 9 to 10 weeks into a beautiful, mature plant about 2.5 meters tall. Every week new sections are planted at the nursery, which grow into strong plants with up to nine buds on a branch. Because of this clever working method, new, fresh flowers can therefore be harvested every week. In this way Antoine creates a constant production. This is possible because the tubers double themselves after the plant has finished flowering. One tuber becomes a new cut flower, the other a house plant. In this way, the nursery is completely self-sufficient.
Sustainability is also central here. Using scales in each compartment, the amount of water the plants need is measured very precisely. This way they get water as needed and there is no waste. Other sustainable solutions include solar panels, insect netting, an electric loader and brand new LED lighting that reduces power requirements by 35%.
The cooperation between grower and importer
The partnership between nursery Glorious Gloriosa and Greenflor buyer Gerard began some six years ago at the auction in Aalsmeer. The relationship blossomed as fast as the gloriosa itself and has grown from a few buckets to a year-round purchase of about 10 carts a week. Today, Antoine sells his unique long stems, nearly a meter each, exclusively to Gerard and Greenflor. As such, they are not available on the clock in Aalsmeer.
Glorious Gloriosa is responsible for some 70% of Dutch gloriosa production. With a purchase of 30% of the trade, Gerard is the largest, most valuable customer. A unique collaboration that has led, among other things, to a new way of packaging and transport. With our complete assortment, Greenflor can now meet the needs of customers even better.
Greenflor’s gloriosa buyer
Gerard de Ruijter, co-founder of the well-known family business G. J. de Ruijter has been a true pioneer at the Aalsmeer auction for decades. His customer base consists largely of Dutch and German florists. Since 2022, G. J. de Ruijter is part of Greenflor Aalsmeer, making his cooperation with various growers now also an advantage for wholesalers around the world.
