passion for breeding unique varieties
Alain’s journey into Cymbidium breeding began early. He explains, “It’s a long process—bringing a new variety to market takes about eleven years.” Despite this, he remains driven to create unique options, experimenting with new crosses annually. This dedication results in regular novelties in his collection, showcasing craftsmanship and passion in every bloom.
What is breeding?
Breeding involves fertilising two Cymbidium plants, which leads to the development of a cigar-shaped swelling. After nine months of growth, this is harvested and germinated in a lab. Thousands of seedlings emerge, showcasing diverse traits inherited from their ancestors.
“Every seedling is a gift that unwraps itself,” Alain notes. It takes three years for these seedlings to bloom, and up to three more years to evaluate them for growth, bloom quality, color, yield, and longevity. Once a promising variety is identified, it is sent back to the lab for cloning. This ensures the offspring have the same characteristics as the original plant. Alain collaborates with local Dutch laboratories to support this intricate process.