The annual cyclamen trials of Morel in the Netherlands are in full swing. At a new location, at Plantenkwekerij P Mostert in ‘s Gravenzande, they are showing experimental, pre-introductions, new varieties, and existing and improved varieties on more than 2.000m2. The doors opened on October 25th and will remain open till November 10. FloralDaily paid a visit where Morel’s Eric Forschelen walked us through the colorful varieties.
John Mostert, owner of kwekerij P. Mostert and Eric Forschelen
These trials have multiple goals, Forschelen explains. “We use these trials to see how our France-bred varieties perform in the Northern European climate. In the two days before the opening of the trials, we examined everything with our breeding and sales team. This gave us an insight into which varieties we would like to continue or quit. Additionally, the trials enable us to get reactions from growers and the market. On October 25, we welcomed the first visitors.”
In week 29, the plugs were shipped from their breeding facility in France so that they would be ready for this event. But which varieties did they bring? Forschelen showed us some highlights.
New mini series – Macaron®
The newest series is a mini series, namely Macaron® – yes, that deliciously decadent French cookie. According to Forschelen, these series have a lot of similarities to that dessert: “I always joke that: Macaron comes in more than 1000 flavors, but they all look alike. That’s also with this is a mini-series. We have many different colors, but the size and flowering are the same. Next year, several growers will start producing the series on a small scale.”
Scented cyclamen – Absolu® de Morel
And when following your nose, you will find Absolu de Morel. It is said to be one of the first scented cyclamen varieties and was introduced last year. So far, the growers and trade are very positive about this variety. “When introducing a new variety, it is always important that the market starts reordering. And they are doing so, All the growers who grew it for the first time, will grow it again and are even increasing the numbers.”
Sterile cyclamen – PETIT MOULIN®
Petit Moulin is another highlight. Special about this double flowering variety is that it has no stamen, making it a sterile variety, meaning that it will maintain its flowers for a longer time. “We once did a competition within our team in France about who could keep the flower on the plant the most days. We reached 120 days. On average, the flowers remain on the plant for 100 days.”
The Morel team.
Standalone – Bisous®
Bisous is a standalone variety. “It is a variety that does not fit our series, but we found it so special that we introduced it. And it is particularly popular in the UK. The original combination of flamed flowers with silvery foliage is what makes it so special.”
Mini Crispino®
Mini Crispino is another special range with a different appearance due to the fringed flowers. “For this series, we see that they are particularly valued in the Eastern European countries.”
Mini Abanico®
Also, expansions of series are presented, like Mini Abanico. “We had only Magenta available. But now three new colors have been added, namely Violet, Salmon red and red.”
Double-toned flower – Indiaka®
And of course Indiaka. It is a variety that has been on the market for several years now. Special is the two-toned flower which gets the best color distribution when it is planted in week 25. “When it is planted too early, the white part will be too small, and when planted too late, it will be too large.” According to Forschelen, the demand increased significantly for this variety. “As the color is so different, it stands out and therefore attracts the eye of the consumer. To boost the demand, we ran a consumer campaign in Germany and Scandinavia last year and with success as the market saw an increase in demand.”
Standalone – Tuxedo®
Another standalone variety is Tuxedo. The dark flowers with silver leaves are what makes this variety so special. Michael Perry, also known as Mr. Plant Geek, named this variety.
Peat-free cultivation
As peat-free production is becoming increasingly demanded, particularly in the UK, they also showed a trial with peat-free grown cyclamen. In the picture, you see the regular cultivation with peat; on the left peat-free cultivation with the same nutrients used as in the normal cultivation and on the right peat-free cultivation with 50% extra nutrients used. “As you can see, when growing cycamen peat-free, it is necessary to use more nutrients. Otherwise, the plants stay too small. With the additional 50% nutrients, we do not see a difference between regular and peet-free cultivation.
And of course, there were more varieties on display, like the pre-introduction Curly® Red exp.:
Eager to visit these trials?
Please contact Eric Forschelen on +31 6 30 22 08 02.
Trials in Frejus, France
Can’t make it to these trials? No worries, from November 13-17, they will also organize trials at their facility in Frejus in France.