It's a Perfect Season for Alliums!

Ask a dictionary what the meaning of the word 'perfect' is, and it will give you a result like 'complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault'. Exactly that is happening this year for the Alliums that the world's largest grower, J.M. van Berkel, supplies to the All I Am label by Coloríginz: Perfection! There is no way to get around these eye-catching flowers this year, because the quality and the selection of varieties are at their absolute peak. Join in and get inspired.

All I Am Supplied by J.M. van Berkel

All I Am is a club of adventurous growers of niche flowers, such as Agapanthus, Amarines, Nerines, and Alliums. The label adopted Van Berkel's flowers in 2020, initially only the Spanish produce, but that was expanded after a short while with their Dutch flowers as well. Today, All I Am, represented by Teus Beekhuis, and grower J.M. van Berkel form a strong alliance to enhance the quality and awareness of the Allium cut flower.

Everyone who has been in the flower business for some years is familiar with the name J.M. van Berkel. The grower that has been around since 1957 is both a nursery and a trader in flowers and flower bulbs. Director and co-owner Sjaak van Berkel, his brother Sjon, and their team specialize in custom and just-in-time delivery of flowers to flower exporters. You find their products in a wide range of designs, from retail bouquets to floral installations.

Sjaak explains:

"We aim for continuity throughout the year, where every season has its own flowers. Our year starts in March with tulips, then in April-May we move to Alliums, followed by Gladioi in mid-June, to start Ornithogalum in July. Our Dutch flower production ends in October, after which work resumes for another year. This means we're always busy planting bulbs, cutting flowers, harvesting bulbs, planting bulbs again, and so on."

In addition to growing alliums in the Netherlands, Van Berkel has a partnership with a cooperative in Andalusia, the southwestern province of Spain. By growing various types of flowers there, his season is extended even more.

A Tremendous Season

Sjaak van Berkel is very happy with the way the Allium season is developing so far, although the weather in the south of Europe was not so favorable, with a lot of rain in March. But the tide has turned with the dry and mildly warm period in the Netherlands. The Alliums come out strong and beautiful. The fields are producing plenty of stems, and the quality has never been better.

Besides the positive news on this year's production, the demand for wild and natural bouquets is also on the rise. Just look at the assortment of summerflowers and the return of fragrant roses over recent years, and you will recognize the trend of a more natural look, feel, and smell. About that smell... There is a misconception that all Alliums have a sour (onion-like) smell. Sjaak says about this:

"An allium has the reputation of being a smelly flower, but there are so many that have a very nice and subtle sweet fragrance. Take Schubertii, or Cherry, Nighrum, Miami, or Pink Jewel. Very nice and sweet."

Sustainability

When you picture yourself walking around the open fields of Van Berkels nursery that are spread out in the vicinity of the warehouse, imagine that you are in pollination heaven. Bees buzz around everywhere, because Alliums are real bee magnets. Sjaak would really like to spread this good news more. He says:

"I ought to promote more that growing Alliums is good for the animals, especially for the bees. We grow out in the open air. Just look around you, there are bees everywhere! They are not dangerous or aggressive, they don't sting. Yes, I love that."

It's interesting to know that Van Berkel switched crops regularly, not to exhaust the soil. That's, of course, the advantage of having several different crops at their disposal.

The Assortment at All I Am

All I Am offers around thirty varieties of Allium that are grown by J.M. van Berkel, spread over several outdoor fields around their premises in the town of Hillegom, right next to Haarlem. Here are a few you must try this season:

Allium Pink Jewel

Do you love pink and you’re not afraid to let everyone know? Then, Allium Pink Jewel is made for you. Pink Jewel is the first Allium grown to have light pink flowers, which truly sets it apart from its cousins. If you’re ready to be pretty in pink, ask for Pink Jewel today.

The relatively large blossoms are star-shaped and float upwards from the slightly flattened umbel, making it look a little like the frosting on a strawberry cupcake. Its pretty pink petals with green hearts have a gentle grace which, combined with Pink Jewel’s sturdy stem, makes it a great starting point for delicate bouquets. You will be tickled pink to see this pretty flower in a wedding arrangement. A single Pink Jewel in a vase, however, would also be a real treat for those who appreciate unique varieties of flowers. It really is a gem.

Allium Magic

Allium Magic is one of those cut flowers that quietly does its job—adding structure, a touch of whimsy, and a clean spherical shape that works in just about any floral recipe. The flower heads are mid-sized, perfectly rounded, and made up of tightly clustered star-shaped florets in soft purplish tones. It’s not the flashiest allium out there, but it slots into arrangements with ease, especially when you’re looking to add movement without going over the top.

What florists tend to appreciate about ‘ Magic is its stem strength and vase life. The heads hold up well, even when things get busy at the shop, and they play nicely alongside both wild, gardeny styles and more tailored work. A good choice if you want something reliable but not boring, especially for that early-to-mid summer window when you're after a bit of geometric calm.

Allium Summer Drummer

Allium Summer Drummer is a spherical, tightly-packed flowerhead of small, pale purple flowers. They bring a touch of architecture to the vase. With its extra-tall stems and perfectly round heads packed with tiny starry florets, it’s a go-to if you're after something that holds its own in large-scale designs or minimalistic work.

The flower heads are a soft blend of purples and whites, and they dry down beautifully—ideal if you’re into that fading-to-dried transition in arrangements.

Allium Cherry

Allium Cherry leans into the softer side of the allium family, with flower heads that are more relaxed in form, somewhere between a globe and a gentle dome. The color sits in that dusty pink-to-mauve range, subtle but with just enough presence to warm up a mix. As a cut flower, it doesn’t shout. It hums quietly in the background, holding the shape and pulling tones together in that effortless way some flowers just do.

Florists tend to like ‘Cherry’ for its versatility. It works well in bouquets that lean natural or romantic, especially when you're trying to bridge bold blooms with airier materials. The stems are solid enough to handle some movement, and the flowers age nicely, both fresh and dried. It’s one of those in-betweeners that ends up being more useful than you'd think at first glance.

Allium Miami

Allium Miami has spectacular flowers that look like fireworks in a vase. It's a purple-red allium, with flowers like shiny stars. They grow in open, semi-round, loose flower heads. Miami looks a bit like Schubertii, but the flowers of this variety are somewhat smaller and slightly more compact. Because of the flattened shape of the flower heads, Miami seems to be reaching for the sky.

The striking purple flowers are placed upon thick, green stems and can reach up to 80 cm in height. Fireworks are fun, but Allium Miami – great smell, zero noise, longer lasting, and a lot safer – could be your pick any day of the week. Enjoy nature’s show!

Allium Spider

Allium Spider definitely breaks the mold. Instead of the usual tidy globe, this one throws out long, thread-like florets that give it a spiky, firework-like look, somewhere between wild and sculptural. As a cut flower, it brings energy and direction into the arrangement, almost like it’s reaching out. The color leans to silvery purple with a bit of metallic shine when the light hits it right.

For florists, Spider is more of a design tool than a filler. It’s great when you need texture that’s a bit unexpected or want to add some edge to otherwise soft compositions. Think contrast, movement, and structure in one stem. It’s a fun one to play with when you're building bouquets that aren’t trying too hard but still want to stand out.

Tips From the Grower

To recognize the best Alliums, Sjaak has a tip for wholesalers, florists, and consumers alike. He advises feeling how strong the stem is right underneath the flower. If it dangles, moves, or curls, the quality is not optimal. A sturdy, strong stem can carry the head very well.

Furthermore, Sjaak says:

"If you take an up-close look at the flower as a wholesale trader, we say that seeing a little fluff is good. On a scale of 5, we select the maturity stage between 2 and 3, because you must imagine that the flower is already 7 or 8 days old when it gets to the end consumer. Don't worry, they will open up fully."

The Stunner in Your Bouquet

Alliums are the pink elephant in the room that you do notice. There's no way around them. They stand out in any arrangement. And now the wedding season is upon us, the wide range of options gives event designers a varied choice of eye-catching Alliums, from cute to mega, in white, pink, or purple. So, broaden your view and go for it! You'll know where to find them at All I Am!

Product photos courtesy of Photostudio F-action (www.f-views.com) and Studio Royale (www.studioroyale.nl).