With an ambition to continuously compete at the top and be among the best growers in the industry, by producing the highest quality flowers, practically anything is possible at Oudijk Gerbera, a specialist in growing top-quality mini Gerberas. Not only is this grower’s focus on quality, but also continually works to ensure innovation and sustainability. The grower innovates in all the processes; seeking to smartly and quickly produce all its varieties to the satisfaction of the customer.
Oudijk Gerbera, the Gerbera Specialists
So, when I visited the Oudijk Gerbera facility in Moerkapelle, South Holland, I expected much. And yes, the grower and the entire team delivered as per my expectations and even exceeded what I had envisioned. Speaking to Laurens Oudijk, the operations manager, I could see why this family-run flower business ticks all the boxes when it comes to Gerbera cultivation. So, here’s how my conversation with Laurens went.
Tell us about your company and its core values.
"Oudijk Gerbera is a family business with seven hectares dedicated to growing Gerberas and Germinis for almost fifty years (2025). My brother Dirk-Jan and I run the business, where we specialize in cultivating 82 varieties of Germinis. In 1975, we made the transition to growing Gerberas. After more than fortyvyears of cultivating vegetables, this was an exciting and daring step. Gerbera cultivation was on the rise at that time! We are proud to be running this beautiful business as the third generation.
Our core values are reliability and quality. We deliver 90% of our production directly to our regular customers, such as wholesalers and exporters. Our customers appreciate our customized service; they can order by the bunch. We offer three packaging options: boxes, buckets, and the more exclusive diamonds packaging. Our seasonal mixes are very popular, with over 10 different colors and seasonal mixes that cater to the needs of florists."
Why did you choose this specific flower variety?
"The cultivation of Gerberas stems from the tradition of our father; starting out with growing roses. However, due to the higher risks of rose cultivation, I and my brother fully transitioned to Gerberas. This flower has a versatile color palette and is often the focal point of the bouquet. The variety in our assortment provides more stability and certainty in the market."
How do you ensure sustainability in the cultivation process?
"We cultivate organically as much as possible and have recently installed insect screens to be able to cultivate organically year-round. Thanks to dehumidifiers, we save 30% on energy, and with LED lights, we have reduced our electricity consumption by 50%. Our greenhouse is already cozy due to the colors of the flowers, but it becomes even more inviting with the presence of about 40 chickens roaming around the space. The chickens are not only fun to watch, but they also play an important role in crop protection. They peck away harmful insects, contributing to our organic cultivation. Every morning, our rooster cheerfully greets us when the lights turn on, giving us a pleasant start to the day."
What would you like to tell florists about your product?
"Gerberas are delicate flowers, especially the petals, so handle them with care. They need sufficient water in the vase, but a drop of chlorine can extend their vase life. Our Gerberas have strong stems and do not need to be wired."
What should a florist know about your product?
"We offer the largest assortment of Germinis, with a focus on quality. Each color in our assortment has been carefully selected based on flower quality. If a variety does not meet our standards, we take the loss and replace it. This way, we build our quality brand in the long term."
Do you have unique cultivation techniques and methods that make your flowers stand out?
"Our modern greenhouse is optimized for gerbera cultivation, which is reflected in the color and quality of the flower and stem. We use self-propelled harvesting carts that quickly transport the flowers to the processing area to maintain freshness. We harvest the flowers daily, ensuring a constant supply of fresh flowers. Our packaging, such as the "diamonds" packaging, is specially designed to offer florists maximum choice and flexibility."
What are the key factors that influence the quality and quantity of the harvest?
"Crop protection is essential, with a focus on organic methods. We want to maintain the biological balance in the greenhouse by introducing natural enemies against pests on a weekly basis. Additionally, we strive to achieve energy-neutral cultivation."
How do you adapt to changes in demand and customer preferences?
"We cater to the needs of florists by offering packaging options and color mixes that match the seasons. An example of this is the introduction of the Pomponi line, new varieties that are well-received by florists. Currently, we have 12 different varieties in our assortment."
Who are the breeders that you work with?
"Our breeders are HilverdaFlorist, Dümmen Orange, and Schreurs."
What inspired you to become a grower?
"From a young age, we have had a passion for the greenhouse and everything that grows and blooms within it. It gives us satisfaction to walk through the greenhouse and see the flowers grow. It makes us happy when customers are pleased with our flowers, and that happens often."
How many flowers do you produce annually?
"We produce approximately 1 million flowers per week, which amounts to more than 50 million per year. Around peak times like Mother's Day, this number can reach up to 1.3 million flowers per week."
Oudijk Gerbera is a Decorum grower. And as is common knowledge, the Decorum brand is all about quality, innovation, and sustainability. You cannot be a Decorum grower if your products do not meet the required standards. You now realize how much effort Oudijk Gerbera puts in place to guarantee you the highest quality Gerberas and Germinis! So, I also asked Laurens to tell me more about their collaboration with Decorum, and also other parties.
Laurens:
"Our collaboration with other parties is mainly about sharing knowledge and jointly selling the best top-quality products! Since 2014, we have been a member of Decorum. Decorum is the A-brand of more than fifty Dutch growers. As growers, we work together to build a brand that stands for quality, innovation, and sustainability. Through this collaboration with other Decorum growers, we combine our strengths by constantly working on renewal and improvement.
Only the best products from each nursery are sold under the Decorum brand, which makes our products so unique. Decorum is the most progressive flower and plant brand in the Netherlands. With hundreds of innovations annually, the Decorum assortment is always innovative and surprising. In addition, Decorum growers invest in sustainability. These range from geothermal energy to solar panels, and organic pesticides to the most advanced cultivation techniques."
Well, with that you, definitely, have more insights about Oudijk Gerbera, and the grower’s unique floral products. If you need some Gerberas and Germinis for your designs, then you definitely should check out this grower’s assortment which offers virtually endless options.
