Growing together: Forever Bulbs and its growers

The cultivation process

The cultivation process starts when our growers receive the planting material from Forever Bulbs. This material, corm or cormel (planting stock), is the result of our extensive breeding program and forms the basis for a successful harvest.

The growers follow a carefully planned cultivation process:

1. Preparation and planting: Between mid-April and mid-May, the starting material is planted. The growers themselves determine the optimal moment for soil preparation, fertilization, and planting, as they are fully aware of the local soil and climate conditions.
   
   
2. Growth: Throughout the summer, the plants receive attentive care. This includes irrigation management, crop protection, and monitoring plant growth. Our quality manager is closely involved in plant growth.

From early September, harvesting tests begin. Gladioli are extracted from multiple locations in the field, and the bulbs are measured and carefully examined. This happens several times until the bulbs are 'up to size'.

3. Harvesting: During the harvesting tests, the moment of 'bruising' the crop is determined. A few weeks after bruising, the bulbs are harvested by variety and immediately transported to the washing facility.
   
   

4. Processing: The harvested bulbs are washed, dried, and sorted by size at the grower's facility. The planting stock is replanted in the spring, and the bulbs are prepared for delivery.
   
   

Quality control

Quality is paramount at Forever Bulbs. Our quality manager, Jan Beemsterboer, plays a crucial role in this: “I assess all our bulbs for purity and quality. That involves more than just taking samples. It’s about every individual process the bulbs go through. By closely monitoring every aspect of the cultivation process, we maximize the quality of our gladioli."

To read more about why Forever Bulbs considers quality as the cornerstone of its business operations, check out our blog 'Integrated Quality Management: From Bulb to Flower'.

The foundation of our collaboration

Our growers are specialists in gladiolus cultivation, focusing on bulb production. Their autonomy in the cultivation process allows them to optimally utilize their years of experience and local knowledge. At the same time, the close relationship with Forever Bulbs ensures a constant exchange of knowledge and innovation.

Developing a sustainable, efficient, and high-quality partnership resulting in mutual growth, quality improvement, and risk reduction - that's what we strive for together. If you grow, we grow!

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