Dutch grower Future Flowers takes pride in cultivating some of the most exquisite calla lilies. With a collection of no less than seven varieties of these lilies, Future Flowers is the only such grower in the Netherlands producing callas all year round.
This grower’s callas are known for their flexible stems, which makes them popular with florists. The wide range of its Zantedeschia varieties offered also guarantees that Future Flowers can cater to its customers' various needs and preferences.
History of the Nursery
Coen and Eric Jansen started growing callas in 2001 on a small-scale company in Naaldwijk, South Holland. More than ten years later, Coen entirely handed over the baton to his son Eric, now the nursery's owner and director. From the start of the flower cultivation business until 2016, Future Flowers was a specialist in growing the white variety Calla Crystal Blush.
In 2017, the calla producer acquired a larger nursery in De Lier. Now, through modern cultivation techniques, the grower can simulate a climate that allows callas to be produced all year round.
Working with breeders Dümmen Orange and Kapiteyn, the range of calla varieties in the company portfolio, also grew from one type to a much wider range. During this moment, the callas were increasingly being sold directly to the exporter. In the same year, however, Future Flowers joined the growers' association Decorum, the group of like-minded growers who sell their best flowers and plants under the joint Decorum brand.
Eric:
“Collaboration within the group is central here. We can learn a lot from and with each other. The collaboration with several Decorum growers has become slightly more intensive since 2021 through the appointment of a joint salesperson and the commissioning of a logistics distribution center at Royal FloraHolland Rijnsburg.”
Eric reveals that he is proud of the nursery’s ability to produce top-quality callas all year round, even when there have been some challenges. He is, however, keeping his eyes open to growing the calla flowers abroad in the future, especially, in the winter months for example in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Which Are the Varieties That Future Flowers Grows?
Future Flowers’ callas, Eric reiterates, are available in numerous varieties. And the company attaches great importance to their production.
The calla lily varieties include:
1. Calla Zazu
Calla Zazu is a soft pink Zantedeschia, that is perfect for expressing love and creating a romantic ambiance. Its delicate hue easily blends with white and pink tones in bouquets. Such is the quality that makes it ideal for special occasions. Be it a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a gesture of affection, Calla Zazu's gentle loveliness speaks volumes about the occasion.
2. Calla Crystal Blush
From the start of the company, it has been familiar with this topper among its callas. This variety is small-flowered and has always been a household name not just in the nursery, but also popular with the customers, particularly due to its wide applicability. The Calla Crystal Blush is a definite must-have for every florist!
3. Calla Captain Ventura
Calla Captain Ventura is a stunning off-white variety with a medium-sized calyx. The flower works as an eye-catcher in exclusive flower arrangements for decoration, mourning, and weddings. And did you know that Ventura is a popular girl's name in Spain and means ‘good luck’? That shows just how much this flower has a beautiful meaning!
4. Calla Odessa
It may not have yet been achieved by many growers anywhere in the flower world, but with Calla Odessa, Future Flowers has grown a black-colored variety. This variety, the grower says, is beautiful and a bit mysterious, and the company prides itself in its unique qualities, which also include a relatively small calyx and a flexible stem. This calla can be used in many special creations.
5. Calla Rudolph
Rudolph, who doesn't know him? The little chap who steals the show during the Christmas period. Calla Rudolph does just the same as well, with its beautiful aubergine color. Even outside the Christmas period, Calla Rudolph is still awesome. The combination of calyx size, deep purple color, and stem strength makes this variety suitable for varied flower arrangements at different parties and celebrations.
6. Calla Captain Odeon
This is a flamed calla with a warm color, especially in the fall season when the flower comes out showcasing its own rich hues, especially when used in a colorful autumn bouquet! Under optimal conditions, the flower is usually orange in color.
7. Calla Gold Medal
Future Flowers has been growing this beauty for several years, and it has, accordingly, taken a favorite position within the company’s assortment. The ochre-yellow Calla Gold Medal is a cheerful flower that brightens up many spring bouquets. Of course, this type is highly sought after around Easter, but the company, nonetheless, grows it with great pleasure all year round!
Special Calla Tip From Eric
When using calla lilies in a vase, use minimal water as they don't consume much. This helps the callas last longer.
Photos by Peter van Delft and Future Flowers (@futureflowersbv) unless otherwise noted.
