Balanced substrate key in long-cycle gerbera cultivation

At a time when growers are increasingly focused on consistency and plant health, substrate choice remains a crucial factor in gerbera cultivation. According to Kyrylo Gliuza, Sales Manager at Begrow, and Dmytro Yakymakha, CEO, the discussion among growers today is less about switching materials and more about reliability over time.

“From what I hear from growers, stonewool is currently considered the most sustainable option for gerberas,” Kyrylo explains. “There are organic substrates available, but they often don’t maintain the same properties over a full cultivation cycle of three years. With stonewool, what you buy is what you still have after those three years.”

Focus on balance and plant health
For longer cultivation cycles such as gerbera, maintaining a stable root environment is essential. Dmytro highlights that growers report a consistent balance between air and water in Begrow substrates as a key advantage.

“Our blocks are described as more balanced in terms of air and water,” he shares. “That balance is important, especially when dealing with Fusarium. Growers are constantly fighting this disease.”

According to Dmytro, this balance directly impacts disease development. “If the substrate is too wet, problems can spread faster. With the right balance—not too much air, not too little—you can slow down the spread significantly.”

He adds that this principle is widely recognized in the industry. “You see developments in the market aimed at increasing air content in substrates, but often at a higher cost. The idea remains the same: achieving the right balance for healthier plants.”

Market developments in gerbera
Looking at the wider market, Kyrylo sees ongoing development in gerbera cultivation, although profitability varies by region. “It depends a lot on local pricing,” he explains. “For example, I’ve heard that in parts of France, prices differ significantly between regions, which affects margins for growers.”

He also points to continued investment in the Netherlands. “We see new greenhouses being built for gerbera production, which shows confidence in the crop.”

Begrow is currently active in many markets including the Netherlands, France, the U.S. and Canada, with Germany identified as a potential growth market.

Limited need for system adjustments
When transitioning to Begrow substrates, Dmytro emphasizes that major system changes are generally not required. However, he notes that cultivation decisions remain highly situation-dependent.

“Every greenhouse is different,” he says. “Climate conditions, growing strategies, and irrigation setups vary, so any adjustments are always the grower’s decision. At most, there might be some fine-tuning in irrigation, but there’s no universal rule.”

A smaller but stable segment
Despite its importance, gerbera remains a relatively small segment within Begrow’s overall portfolio. “The main reason is the length of the cultivation cycle,” Kyrylo says. “Gerberas typically run for about three years, while crops like vegetables or cannabis have multiple cycles per year. That drives volume in those sectors.”

Still, flowers remain part of the company’s focus. “We are working with both roses and gerberas,” he adds. “Even if it’s not the largest segment, it’s an important one.”

As growers continue to seek stability in long-term crops, Kyrylo believes the fundamentals remain clear: “When you have a substrate that is consistent and well-balanced, you give the plant the best possible conditions. And that’s what ultimately makes the difference.”

For more information:
Begrow
Kyrylo Gliuza, Sales Manager
[email protected]
[email protected]
begrowsubstrate.eu