Gypsophila, the humble flower with thousands of tiny white blooms clustering into fluffy clouds, is much prized for its delicate beauty. Often cradling other flowers or sprinkling some magic in bouquets and arrangements, in which they seamlessly blend with others, Gypsophila easily transforms floral compositions into fairy tales. Based in Eldoret within Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County, Ole Engai Growers Ltd is one of the growers cultivating this flower as part of its assortment.
Representing a success story in Kenya's floriculture space, this grower demonstrates just how innovation and strategic partnerships can fast transform a young floricultural enterprise into a world-class flower producer. Their collaboration with Chrysal, the market leader in post-harvest treatment technology for cut flowers, has been instrumental in ensuring this grower’s premium summer flowers, particularly Gypsophila, reach international markets in optimal condition.
Expect some useful care tips from both Chrysal and Ole Engai, and design ideas along the way while reading this article.
Humble Beginnings and Fast Growth With Sustainability at the Core
Ole Engai Growers Ltd was started in 2022, specializing in summer flowers. From a modest 10 hectares back then, the grower has quickly expanded to managing 23 hectares of cultivated production area, less than three years later, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Located within the Rift Valley, the grower benefits from the ideal settings of the highlands of West Kenya, situated at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level, which provides ideal climatic conditions for cultivating top-quality flowers. The equatorial location ensures their flowers receive sufficient sunlight year-round, with an average of 10 hours of continuous sunlight daily, which surpasses other regions without seasonal variations or schedule changes.
Despite being a relatively young operation, the massive development and organizational structure achieved by the grower is commendable, a demonstration of Kenya’s flower sector’s potential, when combined with proper planning, optimal growing conditions, and strategic partnerships. Since their establishment, all 400 employees have been hired from the local community. They first got comprehensive training, hence creating a sense of ownership and pride as they feel part of the grower's every step of development. This approach, which contributes to local economic development, also ensures a skilled, dedicated workforce keen on their success, according to Maina Makori, the farm manager.
Ole Engai Growers’ sustainability practices are also top-notch. They feature advanced irrigation and water collection systems to cut consumption and minimize impact on nearby resources, recycling and composting initiatives to decrease external waste, as well as employing biological controls and integrated pest management strategies instead of chemical pesticides to protect the environment, staff, and local community. Such sustainable practices ensure long-term viability while maintaining ecological responsibility.
Production Portfolio and Breeding Partnerships
An established summer flower grower, Ole Engai Growers has a diverse portfolio that includes Gypsophila, Eryngium, Delphinium, Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw), and Dianthus among others. Their strategic partnerships with renowned breeders, including Danziger, De Ruiter, and Ball SB, ensure access to the finest varieties and latest genetic innovations in summer flower production.
Their product range reflects their knowledge of quality and market trends, with summer flowers from their farms being renowned for their finest qualities. They, for instance, feature vibrant colors and perfect shapes and sizes, ranging from a variety of large, elaborate blooms to smaller yet equally stunning flowers. This diversity allows the grower to serve multiple market segments while maintaining year-round production schedules that meet market demands and patterns.
Working With Chrystal's Floral Products to Guarantee Gypsophila Longevity
As noted, the grower specializes in summer flower production, with a key focus on sales to retail and wholesale customers in Europe and the Middle East. Their distribution strategy integrates both direct sales and the clock auction, providing flexibility and market diversification that enhances revenue stability and customer relationships. The partnership with Chrysal, the market leader in post-harvest treatment of cut flowers, is therefore a crucial component of their quality assurance strategy.
Chrysal's complete and flower-specific range of products covers all specific needs of growers, wholesalers, florists, and consumers, thus, they are an ideal partner for quality-focused flower operations. Their products guarantee that flowers maintain their quality from harvest through international transportation to the end consumers. For Ole Engai, this range of post-harvest products is used on their Gypsophila.
Care Tips From the Grower to Your Floral Design
For Ole Engai, Gypsophila is one of their signature floral products, and their success with this delicate flower shows the effectiveness of proper post-harvest care using the right post-harvest treatment products. Chrysal supplies all the required products. Gypsophila, a perennial native to Eastern Europe, and whose name is derived from the Greek words 'gypsos' and 'philios' (meaning 'gypsum' and 'loving,' respectively), thrives in calcium-rich, alkaline soils, making the highland conditions of Kenya particularly suitable for its cultivation.
For growers, Chrysal offers specialized flower care products including Chrysal AVB (a post-harvest conditioner for ethylene-sensitive summer flowers), Chrysal OptiGyp, and Chrysal RVB Clear. The AVB treatment, applied at 2ml per liter of water, is specifically designed for ethylene-sensitive summer flowers and helps maintain quality during the crucial post-harvest period. These professional-grade treatments enhance the flowers' natural characteristics and ensure their optimal performance throughout the supply chain.
Through a few steps, florists and floral designers can also significantly maintain their Gypsophila flowers. The flowers should first be hydrated, then the stems immersed in a solution of water and Chrysal Professional 2 or Chrysal Professional 3. These professional-grade preservatives provide enhanced water absorption and help maintain the flower's bright and fresh appearance for extended periods. They are essential for florists who need to maintain flower quality during storage and display periods before final sale to consumers. Notably, florists should ensure to provide their customers with sufficient flower food sachets and share these care tips to support their flower longevity at home.
Gyp as the Staple Flower for Weddings
For wedding designers, Gypsophila—also known as baby's breath—offers a versatile and ethereal touch to various wedding elements. Its delicate blooms can be crafted into cloud-like installations that float above reception tables or dance floors, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Consider using Gypsophila to line ceremony aisles, adorn arches, or as minimalist bouquets for bridesmaids. Its neutral hue complements a range of color palettes, making it suitable for both modern and rustic themes.
To ensure Gypsophila maintains its fresh appearance throughout the event, proper care is essential. Upon receipt, hydrate the stems in a solution of water mixed with a professional floral preservative like Chrysal Professional 2 or 3. This enhances water absorption and prolongs the flower's vitality. Store arrangements in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight and ethylene-producing fruits, to prevent premature aging. Regularly changing the water and recutting the stems every few days can further extend the freshness of the blooms.
By integrating these care practices, wedding designers can confidently incorporate Gypsophila into their floral designs, ensuring that the delicate beauty of the blooms enhances the wedding ambiance from start to finish.
Gypsophila care for consumers represents the final link in the quality chain, where proper handling significantly extends the flower's beauty. After purchase, the flowers’ stems should be recut and any leaves likely to be submerged in water removed, as they can promote bacterial growth. The flowers should then be arranged in a clean vase with fresh water and Chrysal flower food, a nutrient-rich solution that helps keep them vibrant and fresh for longer.
The vase should be placed in a cool location, away from direct sunlight and fruits that release ethylene gas, which often accelerates the flower's aging process. With these care tips, one can maximize the lifespan of their Gypsophila and truly enjoy their flowers for longer.
Header image by @peek_a_bloom_flower_farm.
