With 33 different varieties, Lugt are the world’s biggest Lisianthus grower accounting for 25% of all Dutch produced Lisianthus. White dominates at 30% of their production but new varieties are constantly under review with over 300 trials run annually to develop new and improved varieties!
And not only do they grow one of the best premium varieties, they prioritise environmental responsibility too by using 100% LED lighting; a move that cost a fortune but not only resulted in an energy reduction of 40% compared to traditional methods but actually produced stronger plants, bigger flower heads and an even more eco-friendly operation.
Not that their responsibilities ended with lighting. A closed-loop water system; whereby rainwater is cleaned by osmosis and reused after filtration, ensures no pollutants reach the environment whilst an innovative air purification system called “The New Growth Method” refreshes air within the greenhouses without energy-wasting ventilation and reduces energy consumption by another 20%.
Like most leading growers in The Netherlands, they prioritise renewable energy sources and purchase green energy when necessary, but their preference is to use their own green energy sources. Which includes capturing waste heat from energy production and stored for later use, while excess CO2 is recycled for plant growth and when needed purchased as a waste product from the oil industry.
What’s more unused electricity is returned to the grid, minimizing waste and there’s a two-year plan to be completely fossil fuel-free as they transition to geothermal energy sources, helped by solar panels on their rooftops to further reduce their environmental footprint.
But while the state-of-the-art Monster based nursery may be ‘cutting edge’ in terms of growing techniques never mind housing an experience centre for education, schools, workshops and industry events, this is a company steeped in history and family values.
Founded in 1918, it was current MD Marcel van der Lugts grandfather who started the business, back then growing vegetables. In the 60’s they moved into flowers, initially cropping the highly scented Freesia and in 1992 launched a range of Lisianthus as a summer month crop.
By 2007 the family firm of three brothers and their sons realised where the emphasis should be, and the switch was made to produce a year-round supply of superior Lisianthus which has taken top awards in all the major grower competitions.
Now it’s a global operation with Lugt Lisianthus supplied to florists across the globe looking for the best quality, vase life and colour range.
Why not take a look at their full collection, be inspired and keep up to date by visiting them at www.lugtlisianthus.com/en or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
