THECOMMERCIALGREENHOUSEGROWER
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FEBRUARY 2017
10
•
C
YCLAMENREVIEW
suitable varieties -mainly
minis –has given growers a
valuable addition to the
options for use of glasshouse
space in the summermonths.
The long-running trend to
progressivelymilder autumns
has helped, too.
For both growers and
retailers the arrival of outdoor
cyclamen has been especially
welcome in its short season,
which is otherwise dominated
by pansies and violas. In
yearswhen the trade for
these is affectedby the
persistence of summery
weather until well into the
autumn, the availability of
cyclamen that will sell well
regardless is a bonus. This
was the 2016 experience of
Roland andMichael Smith at
theirMeadowCroft Garden
Centre inEssex. And in
Hertfordshire, Bryants
Nurseries, wholesale
suppliers to retailers over an
extensive surrounding area,
likewise foundbrisk demand
among their clientele, selling
out earlier than expected.
As for all mass-market
products the downward
pressure on price exertedby
buyers for large retailing
chains hasmade itself keenly
felt. Speed in production
cannot solve all growers’
problems inmaking a profit
despite a low unit price, but it
does help. Output per sq
metre of glasshouse space is
an important factor, but
Goblet ShineWineRed, first variety in its series.
Outdoor trials atMorel’s basenearNice inSouthernFrance, seen inmid-November.
