Könst Alstroemeria
Stef has varied functions at Könst Alstroemeria and is involved at different moments in the process. Do you have a question about the Alstroemeria? Then Stef would love to answer it! His personal favorite is the Florinca White Pearls.
Könst Alstroemeria
- Less than 0.5 acres
- 100 species
How did you get into the field?
As a college student, I helped out on the nursery and showroom for several years on weekends and vacations. After finishing my studies (not horticulture related) I started working full-time in the nursery.
Over the years progressed to a wide range of duties that included sales, marketing, IT and production planning. As a result, I am involved in many different moments in the "life" of a species.
What makes this field so special for you?
How many different parts in the chain work together to finally get a bunch of flowers on the table. From suppliers of technology, soil, pots, etc. to logistics and trade.
Can you describe your role and/or outline your involvement in the process?
- Reviewing the new selections (new species)
- Assist in adjusting production planning
- Sales to growers in Germany, Belgium and Spain, among others
- Marketing (photography, print development, online marketing, organizing trade shows).
What are you most proud of?
How far our products spread around the world. Our flowers (and plants) are spread to the far corners of the world.
What has changed or had the greatest impact in recent years?
A lot has happened in recent years. With corona, we saw internationally that the Alstroemeria was suddenly seen as a potential sustainable alternative to other flowers.
What do you think the process of growing or breeding will look like in 10 years?
The process of breeding will not change much in the next few years. Perhaps marker technology will allow a little more targeted breeding. But the fundamental process of crossbreeding will still take place.
What you do see, for example with the advent of the Florinca types, is that special forms of Alstroemeria are getting more and more attention. These types will increasingly have a complementary place within the Alstroemeria assortment.
What do you think makes the Alstroemeria so special?
The relative ease of production, and the long vase life.
What would you tell a florist about the Alstroemeria?
Display a ripe flower next to the raw product on the shelves to show how the flower opens.
What is your favourite Alstroemeria and why?
White Pearls. Fine flowers piled on the flower stems, extremely long vase life. One of our best appreciated varieties!
How do you like to see the Alstroemeria?
I like Alstroemeria best in a large mono bunch. With the large flower crowns, you don't need many branches for a well-filled vase.
What ambitions do you have for the Alstroemeria?
I hope that in the future the spider and double-flowered varieties will grow in popularity. And with the sustainable nature of Alstroemeria, I hope it can maintain a strong position in the market in the coming years.