A century-long era comes to an end

In mid-April, a historic event for Klasmann-Deilmann took place at the Schöninghsdorf factory site: for the very last time, a train carrying black peat from local sites arrived at our factory. This marked the end of a century-long history: our company grew up on peat from the Emsland region, but now the local resources have been exhausted.

This moving moment was honoured during a small ceremony. Alongside Jannis Staelberg and Matthias Hermsen, managing directors of Produktionsgesellschaft Süd, managing director Damian Ikemann and Twist’s mayor, Petra Lübbers, had also come to accompany the train’s entry into the factory and to receive the final black peat in a fitting manner. Guests of honour were our shareholders Jochen Brandewiede, Petra Altevers and Bernhard Altevers.

However, the moment was of particular significance for our Schöninghsdorf team, which had made the extraction and production site a reliable factor in Klasmann-Deilmann’s success for decades. And so the applause was directed not only at the final train, but above all at the team.

Damian Ikemann paid tribute to the site’s importance for the region: “On this historic day, as we see this final train pass by, we are reminded once again of how deeply the tracks, the lorries and the raw material have bound us together. The Moorbahn was the link between Klasmann-Deilmann, the colleagues employed here, nature with its rich treasures, our home region of Emsland and the municipality of Schöninghsdorf. Our thanks go to the men and women who have remained loyal to us over many years and stayed with us virtually until the very last ‘train’. You have been a real asset to our company and to numerous nurseries. Without you, Klasmann-Deilmann would not be what it has been over the last 100 years: a reliable partner for our customers, suppliers and also the local community. Our thanks also go to the municipality of Schöninghsdorf, which has been our host for many decades and has worked with us in a spirit of trust.”

In his welcoming address, Matthias Hermsen once again recalled the site’s long history: “The former Heseper Torfwerke took over this site in the 1920s. At that time, the works already had fifty years of peat extraction behind them. Peat, Schöninghsdorf and Klasmann-Deilmann were inextricably linked for a long time. Schöninghsdorf will continue to exist, Klasmann-Deilmann will continue to exist, and the former extraction areas will be rewetted. Today marks the end of a long history, yet it also points to the future – the story for the community, the company and nature will continue.”

Jannis Staelberg spoke about the valuable black peat: “Schöninghsdorf – that wasn’t just peat. Our plant in Schöninghsdorf produced a special raw material that was processed into growing media and delivered unpackaged in whole lorryloads to nurseries, primarily in north-west Germany. Schöninghsdorf meant frozen black peat, which was particularly sought after for growing vegetables and herbs. In the broadest sense, this site was part of the food industry’s value chain. Despite all the criticism of peat extraction, we were sustained by the awareness that something good and meaningful was created from our products.”

Mayor Petra Lübbers also expressed her gratitude on behalf of the community for the long and fruitful partnership: “After 150 years, peat extraction is coming to an end here, marking the close of an era that shaped the former municipality of Schöninghsdorf – and today’s municipality of Twist – across generations. The past decades have not only transformed our landscape but also shaped our identity. The extraction sites have been transformed into agricultural land and, in recent years, into renaturalised moorland landscapes – valuable habitats that demonstrate that change also brings new opportunities.

We would like to thank Klasmann-Deilmann for being a reliable employer. Thanks to this, many families have been able to build a life here. Numerous employees have purchased land here, built houses and are deeply rooted in our community. This sense of belonging is the foundation upon which our community life still stands today. This day is not a full stop; rather, it marks the beginning of the transition from a past steeped in tradition towards new horizons.”

The site will continue to operate until the summer, before the gates close for good. Then the dismantling of tracks, machinery and buildings will begin, as well as the rewetting of the remaining areas. In the end, a large area will remain that is permanently dedicated to nature conservation and climate protection.

Der Beitrag Last train to Schöninghsdorf erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

From tradition to transformation

Azaleas are regaining their spotlight – and FlorAmor is leading the way. In this article, we explore how the company is reinventing this classic plant, from breeding to branding, and setting the course for a more modern and sustainable future.

FlorAmor brings together the breeding, production and marketing of azaleas under one roof. The company has deliberately chosen to manage its entire supply chain in-house. While this offers opportunities, the lengthy process of cultivating azaleas from cutting to flowering plant requires foresight and the right partners.

Piet Ravelingien is well versed in the industry. With decades of experience in azalea cultivation, he has witnessed the evolution of the sector: „In 1980, there were 100 million azaleas; now there are just 15 to 20 million. Orchids and other flowering pot plants have taken over the azalea’s market share. We are trying to do something about that. We can only achieve this if we differentiate ourselves, hence the breeding. Using genetics to improve the product is innovative, but it is especially important for the future.”

„Breeding and searching for new varieties is no easy task,“ explains Steven Engelen, Breeding & R&D Manager. „We have to be several years ahead of the consumer. Azaleas need to be pruned to encourage growth. This is done three or four times while they are here at the company. What we start today will only yield a finished product in one-and-a-half to two years.”

From cutting to flower

The main cultivation takes place in a 13-centimetre pot. The plant remains in this pot for an average of 18 months. During that period, a handful of cuttings in one pot grow into a fully fledged plant. „We pinch them back an average of three times to encourage the cuttings to branch out and provide new cuttings for ourselves. So, once you start pinching back, it becomes a self-sufficient cultivation process,” explains Piet.

Steven continues, “The cut cuttings are handled with care and placed in boxes in the refrigerator. We can store them there for several weeks. This allows us to solve the puzzle in a way that is feasible in terms of practical time management. When taking the cuttings, it is impossible to see the colour of the flowers, so it is important to take a structured approach and maintain an overview. Mixing up the cuttings is a costly mistake that becomes apparent 18 months later. In the meantime, that batch has also been topped three times, so it becomes an expensive mistake.”

Azaleas are naturally spring-blooming plants that require a period of dormancy in the cold to flower when the first signs of spring warmth appear. At FlorAmor, they control this natural process. „We mimic winter once the flower bud has developed. The plant is then placed in the greenhouse, where it opens as a result of the warmth. This enables us to work year-round, particularly as new varieties are being developed for this purpose. The season is therefore much longer than it used to be.“

Piet: „At two degrees, the plant goes into hibernation. That’s when you ‘stretch’ the winter, although we don’t do that indefinitely. Once the plant has experienced the minimum required cold, it’s fine. When you take it back out of the fridge and put it in the greenhouse, it starts to grow again at temperatures between seven and twenty degrees, and it flowers.”

Hortinno and Flandresse: Two brands, one strategy

Steven: „We want a more modern look for the azalea. We’re aiming for an international, prestigious product that flowers for longer and appeals to a wider audience. We need to move away from the old-fashioned image. The threshold of ‘winter care’ and reflowering, among other things, gives the azalea a reputation as a disposable plant. We absolutely must move away from that.“

They are translating this new, modern image into their own brand: Hortinno Home & Garden. „The range still includes traditional azaleas, but also our new, improved hardy indoor varieties. The new flowering types have larger, longer-lasting flowers and extend the plant’s life indoors. After the initial flowering period, the hardy variety can be given a new lease of life outdoors. This is a step towards a more sustainable product. The new indoor azalea is therefore a plant for the living room, patio, and even full garden soil.”

This fits in with the brand strategy of offering a total package. Piet: „By managing the entire chain ourselves, from breeding to commercialisation, we can also tell the story behind the plant. Our azaleas are of a quality that we develop, grow and market ourselves. That’s what sets us apart.“

Cultivation in containers

The substrate plays an important role in this story. „Open ground is a thing of the past. Nowadays, we grow everything in containers, so the quality and composition of the substrate is crucial. We want uniform results every time.“ Azaleas, rhododendrons, skimmias and euonymus are all acid-loving plants, but each species has its own sensitivities and requirements. Even within the azalea family, new varieties sometimes require a different approach.

Steven explains, „Up to 40% of the nutrients we provide to the plant flow out of the bottom of the pot. We recycle that water and the fertilisers it contains because we don’t want to waste anything. Cultivation takes place separately from the substrate, forming a closed circuit. Rainwater, which is the best quality, provides the necessary supplements. The first phase of cultivation, the cutting, always takes place indoors. The more extreme conditions mean we have to spend a little more time indoors than before, although it’s still important that the late summer is spent outdoors. This results in a stronger, more robust plant.“

Knowledge partner

When it comes to acid-loving crops, Alain De Witte of De Witte/Gravelart acts as Klasmann-Deilmann’s permanent knowledge partner. The soil handler can draw on decades of experience, both his own and that of previous generations. „Since 1968, our history has run parallel to that of Klasmann-Deilmann. First with peat directly from Germany, and later with finished substrates from Ingelmunster and Bruges. Those substrates are evolving, just like the raw materials we use to make them.

In the beginning, it was forest soil. The humus layer from coniferous forests is acidic, airy, and permeable to water. Later, peat was added, which eventually led to ready-to-use substrates. The substrate requirements are considerable, which is logical for a plant that has to get everything it needs from one pot for one and a half to two and a half years.” Hannelore Verbeeck, R&D engineer for substrates at De Witte/Gravelart, adds: „The low pH and draining effect of the former forest soil can be found in peat. The origin of the peat, its hardness, structure and stability all play a role in this. And it doesn’t stop with peat. For over 15 years, we have been adapting compositions with coconut fibre and GreenFibre®. Tests with advisors proved its success. In fact, the ‘old’ azalea cultivation was already ahead of today’s sustainability story.“

Peat-free(er)

New substrates were being tested at FlorAmor 5–10 years ago, and interest in alternatives has increased ever since. „Our retail customers were asking for it,“ they say. „’No peat’ used to be the idea, but people now seem to be moving away from that. Cost and quality also play a role, as does the ban on chemical agents. For us, the goal is to use as little as possible. We have experimented extensively in this area. We know that it will be a year and a half to two and a half years before we see the results. This makes us a little cautious. Currently, 50% of our products are alternatives, which is positive.”

Alain: „The biggest challenge is controlling the acidity level. Over such a long period of cultivation, peat has just the right properties and qualities. You can’t change the substrate and expect the plant to remain unaffected. A substrate without peat has less buffering capacity in various areas, so you have to refine everything. It actually becomes a different type of cultivation.“

Piet: „Expectations are high among customers, who naturally want the best plants. Their concerns are our concerns, and we have made significant progress in recent years.“

Steven: „The company currently has rhododendrons growing in an alternative substrate. So we can do it! The peat-free option is available. It has been tested, and with sufficient additional guidance, it delivers results. Given the current quality standards, we realise that we cannot simply replicate the watering and fertilisation methods and that the pH factor requires particular attention. We are proud to have already taken many steps forward. This applies to peat-free (or peat-reduced) working methods, crop protection rules and energy efficiency, for example.“

Hannelore Verbeeck: „We have considered alternatives, but not with the intention of blindly replacing existing practices. Our choice is a vision for the future. We use raw materials that we trust and that will be available in the future. As a supplier, producer and grower, our goal is to reduce the footprint of each link in the chain. It’s not about replacing peat with an inferior alternative that requires more transport or has no security of supply.“

Piet: „That will only work if we work with the right partners. Partners who think along with us, share knowledge, and believe in innovation without compromising on quality.”

Der Beitrag FlorAmor’s vision for the Azalea erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

From plantation to substrate, everything under our own management

In order to own enough alternative raw materials, it is important to control the entire value chain. Klasmann-Deilmann relies on local teams for the production of coco in India. Reliability, quality, and availability are the focus.

“Everything to do with coco is handled by our team,” says Madura Amarasinghe, who is responsible for Klasmann-Deilmann’s coco production in Asia. “By working close to the source and keeping the processes under our own control, we can guarantee continuity and the highest quality.”

The coco fibers in Klasmann-Deilmann’s grow bags and other substrates are actually residues from coconuts that are carefully cultivated for food production. Klasmann-Deilmann’s production facilities in southern India are therefore located in the middle of coconut plantations. This means that the valuable coco fibers are delivered from within a maximum radius of 150 kilometers around the factory. This reduces transport costs, increases control over the supply chain, and strengthens cooperation with local suppliers. This network is of great importance for the overall production of the factories.

Coco production takes place at three locations in southern India. Most of the employees involved in this process live in the villages where the production facilities are located. This local anchoring ensures commitment, knowledge building, and stability.

Consistent quality and 20 years of experience

The factory in India is RHP and ISO certified and is considered the oldest RHP-certified site in India. With almost twenty years of experience in the production of coco as a raw material for substrates and growbags, the focus is on consistently high premium quality. A patented technology (Shakti Amla) enables control of the pH value of the raw material, which contributes to a stable and safe raw material. Exports are handled by the company’s own sales companies in more than 25 countries.

Availability requires forward thinking

Klasmann-Deilmann ensures a reliable supply through long-standing relationships with local suppliers, well-balanced inventories, and multiple production sites. This is because the availability of coco raw materials is seasonal. Coconut palms traditionally take three to five years to bear fruit, although there are now varieties that produce earlier. Harvesting takes place four to six times a year on average.

Sustainability in every respect

Sustainability is also particularly important in coco production. Drinking water for the local population always takes priority. The water used in the production of coco raw materials is collected and reused in other crops. Energy consumption, working conditions, medical care, and personal development are also constantly in focus. The production facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art RO recirculation systems to ensure that wastewater has no negative impact on the environment.

Coco is a renewable raw material of global importance for high-quality substrate mixtures. By controlling the entire value chain, Klasmann-Deilmann underlines its role as a reliable and sustainable partner for horticultural businesses worldwide.

Author: Anita Bassie | ANIQ Projectorganisatie B.V.

Der Beitrag The entire coco supply chain under control erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Why the growing medium determines cultivation success

The production of forestry young plants has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. Container cultivation in trays, paper pots or Growcoon now allows for precise control of cultivation practices and high space efficiency in the nursery. At the same time, the demands placed on the growing media are increasing significantly. It is no longer merely a growing medium, but a highly functional system that plays a decisive role in root development, plant quality and establishment success.

Physical stability as the foundation of crop security

The challenge begins with the physical properties. A suitable growing medium must remain structurally stable throughout the entire cultivation period whilst offering a balanced ratio of water-holding capacity and air capacity. These parameters are particularly crucial in forest tree production, where young plants are often cultivated in small cell volumes. Excessive water-holding capacity quickly leads to oxygen deficiency in the root zone, whilst insufficient water storage promotes drought stress. The ability to re-wet is equally critical, as dried-out growing media can become hydrophobic and then find it difficult to absorb water again.

Precise nutrient control for different tree species

In addition to the substrate’s physics, chemical controllability plays a central role. Different tree species have distinct requirements regarding the pH value and nutrient availability. Conifers prefer rather acidic conditions, whilst deciduous trees tolerate a broader spectrum. At the same time, the nutrient supply must be precisely tailored to the respective stage of development. During the propagation phase, low salt levels are required, whilst as cultivation progresses, a tailored supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements, must be ensured. 

Renewable raw materials alter substrate dynamics

With the increasing integration of alternative substrate constituents, complexity continues to rise. Wood fibres, bark or green compost alter the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium. For example, they improve drainage and promote aeration, but at the same time can lead to greater nutrient dynamics and increased leaching effects. In many cases, nitrogen requirements also increase, requiring an adapted fertilisation strategy. At the same time, these components offer benefits for biological activity within the growing medium, for instance by promoting mycorrhiza, which plays a key role in the establishment of forest plants in the field.

This is precisely where Klasmann-Deilmann comes in with its growing media solutions. The targeted combination of raw materials such as GreenFibre^® wood fibres, TerrAktiv^® composted bark and other components results in structurally stable mixtures with defined air and water capacities. These enable reliable crop control even under changing weather conditions. At the same time, carefully balanced recipes ensure homogeneous nutrient availability and support the development of a strong, well-branched root system.

Forest tree nurseries report that such growing media really come into their own, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Improved drainage reduces the risk of waterlogging and root damage, whilst the uniform structure promotes consistent crop development. At the same time, the plants benefit from better adaptability after planting, which directly translates into higher survival rates.

In an environment where crop security, efficiency and sustainability are equally important, growing media thus takes centre stage in the production strategy. For modern forest nurseries, it is not merely a production factor, but a crucial lever for ensuring predictable quality and minimising risks.

Der Beitrag Forestry nurseries in transition erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Kwekerij Roos and Klasmann-Deilmann strengthen partnership

Kwekerij Roos is a prime example of a nursery that recognised the potential of high-quality, future-proof substrates at an early stage. Ronald Roos was one of the first growers in Boskoop to start using potting soil from Klasmann-Deilmann. This decision has led to a long-term partnership founded on reliable deliveries, quality and innovation.

Since 2019, Kwekerij Roos’s operations manager, Twan Kranenburg, has been overseeing production planning, potting and substrate recipes. The properties of the substrate are carefully and consciously composed. This involves considering the correct moisture content, the type and quantity of fertilisers, and the proportion of peat. While Twan acknowledges that the market is facing challenges due to uncertainty surrounding the availability of raw materials, he does not encounter these issues himself at Klasmann-Deilmann. „A relationship works well when you can rely on each other,“ he says. „You give what you can, but you deliver when you have to.“

Working together to develop the substrates of the future

Sustainability is at the heart of our collaboration. Kwekerij Roos now uses mixtures containing an average of 50% less peat, and is conducting pilot projects with blends containing 90–100% less peat. These projects require constant adjustments to the cultivation strategy, as the new mixtures react differently to traditional substrates. Klasmann-Deilmann is proactively contributing to the search for alternative raw materials, ensuring that the quality Kwekerij Roos delivers throughout the supply chain is not compromised.

Supplier of quality and reliability to the international market

Kwekerij Roos supplies retailers, DIY stores and garden centres throughout Europe. The company is renowned for its consistent product quality, prompt deliveries and flexible service. Hibiscus and lilacs are the nursery’s distinctive specialities. With over 30 permanent staff and 15 hectares of cultivation space in the Netherlands and Poland, Roos delivers plants in optimal condition daily.

The reliable delivery of Klasmann-Deilmann substrates fits seamlessly into the nursery’s way of working. Improvements to the Klasmann-Deilmann webshop and specific delivery agreements make it easier than ever for Twan and his team to organise efficient planning and production. “For a number of substrate recipes, we can specify exactly what needs to be delivered in the morning or afternoon. That’s reassuring and gives us peace of mind,” he emphasises.

Shared motivation for sustainable entrepreneurship

Kwekerij Roos’s sustainable ambitions extend beyond the substrate. The nursery uses 100% recyclable, carbon-free pots and RHP- and RPP-certified potting soil. It also uses environmentally friendly crop protection products, plant enhancers and accurate water monitoring systems. Waste streams are separated and the greenhouses are equipped with modern energy screens. Furthermore, cultivation is completely neonicotinoid-free.

Kwekerij Roos’ collaboration with Klasmann-Deilmann proves that high-quality cultivation and reducing the CO₂ footprint can go hand in hand. We are working step by step towards a future in which quality, reduced environmental impact and supply security reinforce each other. Both companies fully support this approach.

Author: Anita Bassie | ANIQ Projectorganisatie B.V.

Der Beitrag Our collaboration is built on progress erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Klasmann-Deilmann at the Global Biochar Commercialisation Summit in London

In early March 2026, experts from industry, technology, finance and academia from around the world gathered in London for the inaugural Global Biochar Commercialisation Summit. The aim of this first-ever conference was to find ways to scale up the production and application of biochar worldwide.

Dr Sebastian Kipp represented Klasmann-Deilmann at the event and participated in the opening panel discussion about the conditions that companies need to meet in order to use biochar on a larger scale.

Biochar as a building block for permanent carbon sequestration

Biochar is considered a promising technology for the permanent sequestration of carbon. While many climate strategies focus on reducing emissions, biochar enables CO₂ to be removed from the atmosphere over the long term.

However, scaling up this technology is complex. The value chain involves numerous stakeholders, including biochar producers, energy companies, project developers, and buyers of CO₂ certificates.

The crucial factor is ensuring that the biochar actually ends up in a permanent carbon sink. Only when this condition is met can CO₂ certificates be generated and traded.

Horticulture as a previously underestimated player

Biochar is primarily considered in the context of agriculture in many discussions. Professional horticulture has played a much smaller role in industry perception to date. This is precisely the area in which Klasmann-Deilmann brought a new perspective to the summit.

„We are one of the few companies that can actually use biochar functionally, namely as a component of growing media,“ explains Sebastian Kipp. „Through our value chain, the biochar ultimately ends up in the soil, where it is bound for the long term.“

Great interest among potential customers

The perspective of an industrial user was met with great interest by the summit participants. “After we explained the quantities that could theoretically be used via substrates, there was a great deal of interest,” reports Sebastian Kipp. Numerous discussions with producers and project developers revealed that reliable off-takers are essential for establishing new production capacities.

Raw materials and global supply chains

Another key topic at the conference was identifying suitable biogenic raw materials for producing biochar. Although wood chips are currently commonly used, they are comparatively expensive.

Consequently, there has been an increase in discussion about the use of biogenic residues that have not been widely used to date. Large quantities of this type of biomass are available, particularly in regions such as Africa and India. Making greater use of these resources could reduce production costs in the long term and facilitate the development of new international production structures.

Prospects for use in growing media

Klasmann-Deilmann is working to expand the use of biochar in growing media even further. Trials are currently underway using larger quantities of TerraCoal in growing media for young vegetable plants. At the same time, the supplier network is being expanded to establish stable, regional supply chains in the long term wherever possible.

Discussions in London revealed that horticulture could play a significant role in the future biochar value chain. Using it in growing media establishes a link between biochar production and agricultural application, providing an additional method of long-term carbon sequestration.

Der Beitrag Scaling up biochar: the role horticulture can play erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

In professional horticulture, substrate choice has become a strategic decision. Growers are balancing agronomic performance with supply security, technical performance and increasing sustainability expectations. Within this evolving landscape, coir-based growbags remain a central cultivation method for fruiting vegetables and soft fruit production.

The new range of Growbag COCO from Klasmann-Deilmann represents a technically refined and carefully sourced solution within this segment. Rather than introducing a fully new concept – as recently done with their Growbag ADVANCED based on woodfibre -, the company here continues to build on established coir cultivation practices, placing particular emphasis on customised coir blends for different crops and requirements but also on high-quality raw materials from own manufacturing and consistency in the production process.

For many growers, the difference between coir products lies not in the material itself, but in how it is prepared and blended. Chemically, growers can select between washed, unwashed or buffered material depending on crop sensitivity and fertigation strategy. While unwashed or standard washed coco is widely used for crops such as tomato and pepper, experience shows that more delicate crops, including strawberry, often benefit from RHP certified buffered coir raw materials. Moreover, Klasmann-Deilmann’s premium raw material Shakti Amla®, a pH stabilised coir, provides another innovative constituent to reach an additional level of stability and yield performance.

Physical composition is equally decisive. Growbag COCO can be produced using varying ratios of coir pith, coir crush and coir fibre. The most common mixes combine pith with crush fractions in either standard 0–15 mm or finer 0–7 mm grades. The proportion of crush directly influences the air–water balance: higher crush content increases air capacity and reduces water retention, resulting in a drier substrate that requires more irrigation during the day but allows faster dry-down and easier generative steering at night. Homogeneity of the substrate mix within the growbag and within a growbag batch is essential to ensure predictable irrigation behaviour and consistent crop development in the greenhouse. 

Jan Vanoverschelde, Product Manager Growbags at Klasmann-Deilmann, emphasises that this consistency is central to professional cultivation. “Coir as a raw material is well known in horticulture. What matters for growers is the reliability of the mix, the stability of the chemical properties and the ability to configure the bag exactly to their cultivation system or offering good standards for every crop. That is where quality control and sourcing make the difference. Hence why Klasmann-Deilmann bases all its manufacturing processes on the strict RHP quality scheme for professional growing media.”

Growbag COCO is available in a wide range of formats, with lengths up to 120 centimetres, widths 20 centimetres and heights up to 15 centimetres. Plant holes can be pre-cut in the foil for easy transplanting of planter blocks, while plug systems can be accommodated with drilled holes in the slab. Dripper openings and diamond-shaped drainage holes can be integrated according to customer specifications, ensuring that irrigation and drainage remain fully aligned. The plastic cover, typically white on the outside and black on the inside to optimise temperature control and root-zone darkness, is available in different gauges with varying UV stability depending on crop cycle length.

Beyond technical configuration, supply security plays an increasingly important role. Klasmann-Deilmann has direct and exclusive access to extensive coco raw materials in India and Sri Lanka. Through its partnership with Shakti Cocos since 2020, the company operates with two specialised modern production facilities, securing long-term availability of high-quality coir. Its own activities in the countries of origin support quality assurance and contribute to raising standards for responsibly produced coir.

Growers working with Growbag COCO value the predictability in practice. Installation, saturation and rooting follow a clear and reliable process, allowing integration into existing greenhouse systems without fundamental changes to daily operations. Production results are reported as stable, with healthy root development and yields comparable to other established substrates.

As commercial horticulture continues to professionalise and supply chains are scrutinised more closely, coir remains an important substrate option. With Growbag COCO, Klasmann-Deilmann focuses on securing premium raw material access, maintaining strict production standards and offering growers the flexibility to adapt the substrate to the specific needs of their crops and cultivation strategies.

Der Beitrag Crop steering starts in the substrate: Inside the new Growbag COCO erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Acquisition of US manufacturer VelociGro strengthens innovative capacity in young plant cultivation

Klasmann-Deilmann has acquired VelociGro from US investor Ospraie. VelociGro is known as a producer of innovative gel plugs. With this takeover, Klasmann-Deilmann secures important patents and expanded expertise in the development of forward-looking solutions for young plant production. The relevant contracts have now been signed.

“We are experiencing a profound transformation process,” says Moritz Böcking, Managing Director of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. “Our customers expect solutions that meet ecological requirements, are economically viable and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production systems. This is exactly where we come in with the acquisition of VelociGro: we are specifically expanding our portfolio with technologies that offer our customers even more performance and crop security.”

“Klasmann-Deilmann and Ospraie share a common vision for the horticulture of tomorrow,” says Hunter Baldwin, the CEO of Velocigro. “Nurseries need efficient, competitive and sustainable solutions.”

“With the support of Ospraie Ag Science, Hunter and his team developed a scientific idea into a commercial product. VelociGro created the Gel-Plug, and we believe Klasmann-Deilmann is the logical successor to distribute this technology worldwide”, says Jason Mraz, Co-Founder and President of Ospraie Management.

At the heart of the acquisition of VelociGro is a patented gel plug technology for young plant cultivation. The gel plugs are made from natural, compostable materials and provide a consistent, sterile and reliable environment for germination and early plant growth. The products are particularly suitable for seedlings and can be used in all common cultivation methods – right up to modern indoor cultivation systems.

“With the gel plugs, we are expanding our portfolio with an innovative product that bridges the gap between classic substrates and highly specialised solutions and offers great potential for young plant cultivation,” says Sebastian Kipp, Director of Innovation at Klasmann-Deilmann. Extensive trials in various crops – from vegetable seedlings and ornamental plants to specialised crops – have shown that germination rates, root development and crop homogeneity are always at least on a par with established systems and in many cases even exceed them.

“With VelociGro, we are underlining our commitment to actively shaping the development of modern cultivation systems,” says Damian Ikemann, Managing Director of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. “We can now combine patented expertise with global production and distribution capabilities. Klasmann-Deilmann will scale the new solutions and make them available internationally.”

In a first step, the gel plug technology will be introduced in selected pilot projects with major international customers. At the same time, an interdisciplinary team is working on production capacities and integration into existing product lines and consulting concepts.

Der Beitrag Klasmann-Deilmann acquires patented gel plug erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

In an industry where precision, quality and timing are crucial, soft fruit growers across Europe and beyond are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to remain competitive. One such innovation is the Growcoon: a biodegradable plug known for its flexibility, benefits for the root zone and ease of use.

The Growcoon is not a rigid container, but a flexible, open mesh structure made of biodegradable materials. There is a suitable Growcoon for every tray, every gutter system and every hydroponic float plate. Its conical shape creates an air buffer between the tray and the root ball, which optimises oxygen supply. It decomposes completely over time and leaves no residue, so it does not need to be removed before planting. Crucially, the Growcoon integrates into the substrate rather than enclosing the root ball.

Free choice of growing media – tailored to your crop

In contrast to preformed plugs or paper pots, the Growcoon offers complete flexibility in terms of loose-filled growing media. This is particularly suitable for crops with sensitive roots, such as blueberries, which thrive better in loose, aerated mixtures. Young plant growers can tailor the growing media precisely to the crop, climate and irrigation. This improves plant quality and reduces losses.

Easy handling – even in the early stages

The structure of Growcoon allows for earlier sorting and transplanting of young plant plugs. The root ball remains completely intact even with slow, incomplete rooting, which enables automation. As the Growcoon avoids root entanglement in the root zone, the plants can be stored for longer without losing quality – ideal for better logistical coordination.

Developed for modern horticulture

Growcoon is available in standard tray sizes, including 104- and 288-cell trays, and can be inserted manually or with an automatic dispenser. Large-scale operations benefit from clean workflows, minimal substrate waste and lower labour costs.

As a grower of soft fruit young plants, you naturally want to supply your customers with the vigorous and healthy plants. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries that are hardy and quickly enter the yield phase. Growcoon gives your plants a kickstart so you can deliver or plant them earlier.

If you would like to find out what Growcoon can do for you, request a free trial kit:

A ‘berry’ good start with Growcoon

Together, we will then determine which Growcoon model is best suited to your cultivation system.

Der Beitrag Sustainable propagation with a system: Growcoon for soft fruit young plants erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.

Horticulture Guido Sonneville masters the Art of Timing and Substrate

Behind the spectacular bloom of a hydrangea lies a meticulous process shaped by generations of horticultural knowledge, careful substrate choices and precise planning. At Horticulture Guido Sonneville in Destelbergen, Belgium, these plants spend up to eight months in cold storage—an invisible but crucial phase in their development. This story takes you into a world where roots matter more than flowers, and success is measured in subtle variations of soil and timing.

Five thousand carts of plants disappear into cold storage in November. They endure up to eight months of cold temperatures, as delivery to the forcing facility continues until June of the following year. Between those two moments lies a story of experience, precision, patience—and just the right substrate.

Guido Sonneville (61) walks between the rows of hydrangeas in Destelbergen. Together with his wife Rita (62) and son Thomas (30), they run a business now in its fourth generation. “My grandfather started the business after the First World War. He watered everything by hand and delivered plants in Merelbeke with a dog cart. Today, we produce one and a half million hydrangeas per year and export them across Europe and beyond.”

This scale-up demands precision at every level. The substrate, in particular, plays a key role when plants are stored for months without a drop of water.

Different Soils, Different Roots

“We use different substrates because we grow in different ways,” Guido explains during a tour. “Plants in container fields with foil grow differently than those in pots on open ground. In the sandy soil around Destelbergen, hydrangeas develop a thicker root system. That sandy soil gives them a little extra. When we grow in container fields, we need to compensate for the lack of sandy soil by adapting the substrate.”

Bart Claessens from Klasmann-Deilmann adds: “In open ground, sandy soil draws moisture from the pot base. In container fields, fine and heavy substrates can cause oxygen deficiency at the roots. A lighter mix is better here.” The Sonneville family tests new substrates actively. “In recent years, we’ve run trials with peat-free substrates. Keeping all other variables constant, the differences become clear—both in colour and in leaf quality.”

Bart agrees: “You can spot the dividing line instantly. Plants in heavier, compost-rich mixes are darker. It’s a vivid example of how hydrangeas respond to substrate composition—and how cultivation changes entirely with just one variation.”

Collaboration Since 2003

The search for the perfect substrate brought Guido to Klasmann-Deilmann in 2003. “Over the years, we’ve tested many combinations. Adjusting the mix with more or less white peat, more or less clay—it’s a continuous process of fine-tuning.” Bart adds: “Guido and Thomas use a rather unique mix compared to others—lots of compost and loamy clay. It’s quite traditional and suits hydrangeas well.”

Guido explains: “Hydrangeas grow large and tall, so we need stability in the pot. The substrate must hold moisture throughout the cooling period.” Bart continues: “The last plants of a season can spend eight months in cold storage—no leaves, no evaporation. If the substrate dries out, root tips will be damaged. We need a structure that holds moisture long-term. That’s the challenge.”

From Pink to Blue

Hydrangeas are known for their striking colours, and that’s no accident. Guido points to a field: “We’re ‘bluing’ these plants by changing the soil’s pH—not through the substrate, but by adding aluminium sulphate to the water. It’s how we turn pink to blue. White stays white, and red stays red.”

“But the plant leaves here without flowers,” adds Thomas Sonneville with a smile. “What matters most is the root system. The fewer flowers at this stage, the better.” It may sound counterintuitive, but the flower buds are already visible in autumn—if you know where to look.

Timing is Everything

The root system is crucial because hydrangeas are incredibly timing-sensitive. It takes nearly two years to grow from a cutting in February to a blooming plant, but there’s just a one-month window to ensure optimal branching. “Between 15 June and 15 July, we top all the plants,” Guido explains. “This creates a beautiful, full shape. Some varieties are topped once, others twice, but after that, there’s no more structural adjustment possible.”

Cooling must be just as precise. “Hydrangeas need at least 40 days of cooling—about 1,000 hours. This can occur naturally or in refrigerated storage. We prefer to control it. From October, they go into the refrigerator, where we add ethylene gas to trigger leaf fall. The result looks like a tiny Christmas tree without needles.”

From there, the international market takes over. “Scandinavia prefers compact varieties because of high energy costs. In Turkey, size matters—they like mass and volume.”

Back to Basics

While peat-free alternatives are gaining attention, Guido reflects on the past. “My grandfather made his own substrate: azalea soil, cotton, and manure, layered and rested over winter. But those were different times. He also watered everything by hand!”

Today, the family continues to experiment with innovations like Growcoon. “Anything that strengthens the root system is worth exploring.” Thomas, representing the fourth generation, sees this blend of old and new as essential. “We have loyal customers who trust our knowledge. But that doesn’t mean we can stand still. We always have to think ahead.”

That foresight is measured in years, not months. “It takes two years for decisions about substrate or cuttings to show up in flowers,” says Guido. “So we watch market trends and plan ahead. But we’ve learned one thing: healthy roots in the right substrate are always the key.”

Der Beitrag The Art of Hydrangea Cultivation erschien zuerst auf Klasmann-Deilmann.