In the dynamic world of floriculture, innovation and quality are the cornerstones of success. For florists and growers alike, forging strong partnerships can make all the difference. One inspiring example is the ongoing collaboration between Leen Middelburg Chrysanten (LMC), Royal Van Zanten, and the collective strength of Zentoo. Together, they are shaping the future of Chrysanthemum cultivation with the innovative Fabienne series, proving that teamwork truly blossoms into extraordinary results.
A Family Passion for Color and Quality
Leen Middelburg Chrysanten, a family-owned business based in Maasdijk, embodies a dedication to excellence. Led by third-generation Sander Middelburg, the company has cultivated a reputation for diverse and colorful chrysants for over fifty years. From humble beginnings growing vegetables, the Middelburg family shifted focus to Chrysanthemums - an industry where their passion for color and innovation continues to thrive.
.jpg?1752594155228 "Sander from Leen Middelburg Chrysanten with Chrysantemum Fabienne Purple and Fabienne Sweet")
Today, LMC operates modern greenhouses in Maasdijk and Made, offering a broad spectrum of chrysants, including Santini’s and spray Chrysanthemums, in an array of shades and shapes. “We’ve always valued diversity,” Sander explains. “That’s also the core of our collective efforts within Zentoo.”
Zentoo: Collaborating in Diversity
Leen Middelburg Chrysanten is a proud member of Zentoo, a cooperative of fifteen Dutch Chrysanthemum growers managing over 100 hectares of cultivation. Zentoo’s motto, The Colorful Collective, captures its essence: a united front offering a one-stop shop for high-quality, reliable Chrysanthemums.
Within this collaborative framework, Sander plays an active role in the assortments committee, a position he inherited from his father. The committee’s goal is to align supply with market demand, seasonal colors, and emerging varieties, advising fellow growers on what’s trending and what the future holds.
Fabienne: The Fruit of Collaboration and Innovation
The Fabienne series exemplifies the power of such partnerships. “A few years ago, we started developing Fabienne,” Sander recalls. “It’s a robust variety with full, large flowers and a sturdy, heavy stem. From there, we’ve created mutations like Fabienne Purple and, soon, Fabienne Sweet.” These new colors are the result of field mutations, testaments to the close cooperation between LMC and Royal Van Zanten, where testing and refinement occur hand in hand.
What makes Fabienne stand out? It's a combination of heavy stems, sizable blooms, excellent shelf life, and quick production cycle. “In summer, it takes about 58-59 days from cutting to harvest; in winter, around 65 days,” Sander notes. Such efficiency is essential for meeting market demands, especially around peak occasions like Valentine’s Day, where production ramps up to 130,000 stems per week.
Innovative Cultivation Techniques
Achieving optimal flower quality involves meticulous cultivation practices. Sometimes, strategic interventions and selective treatments are used to maximize flower size.
“We apply specific cultivation recipes - controlling climate, CO₂ levels, moisture, and light,” Sander explains. These tailored techniques are paying off, as Fabienne’s popularity continues to grow, paving the way for larger-scale production.
Royal Van Zanten: A Strategic Partner in Breeding
The collaboration with Royal Van Zanten is integral to LMC’s success. Regular visits—every two weeks—provide valuable crop guidance, advice, and brainstorming on varieties and plant materials. “We discuss improvements, new introductions, and broader market strategies,” Sander shares.
For him, the partnership is more than just operational; it’s strategic. “You need to think along with the breeder to develop strong, future-ready varieties. That’s how we grow together and stay ahead of the market.”
Royal Van Zanten's colorfast range of Chrysanthemums is particularly noteworthy for its quality. Click here to see their flowers possess colorfulness and practically unfading beauty.
Looking Ahead: A Flourishing Future
With the upcoming launch of Fabienne Sweet and new color mutations in development, the partnership between LMC and Royal Van Zanten promises exciting innovations ahead. Their shared commitment to quality, research, and collaboration illustrates how floral entrepreneurs can thrive when working together.
For florists, this story underlines an inspiring message: Success in the floral industry isn’t just about beautiful flowers - it’s about building relationships, sharing expertise, and investing in innovation. The Fabienne series is a testament to what can be achieved when passionate growers and breeders unite with a common goal.
A timeless reminder that by embracing collaboration and continuous improvement, we can all contribute to growing a more colorful, sustainable, and prosperous future.
