Eufloria Flowers
Eufloria Flowers has been a premier grower of various roses for over seven generations. Their flowers are of rare quality and performance, and are consistently recognized as the most beautiful roses throughout the industry.
Established in 1984 as Koch Mesa Nursery and renamed in January 2000, they pioneered and perfected hydroponics growing methods that enable Eufloria Flowers to set a standard for quality and innovation.
An interview with Mr. Chad Nelson, Sales Manager of Eufloria Flowers.
How do you see the future for North American rose growers? What should they focus on to survive?
I currently see the future for North American rose growers diminishing. The growers that have not re-invested into there companies and replanted with new varieties are not able to do so, due to economic constraints.
I believe the growers that are left need to stay focused new varieties and forming partnerships with there core customers.
The difference in climate to South America and the proximity of the market influence very much you position in the market. You are able to deliver a more fresh product on water. But the same variety from South America has a slightly bigger bud. How does this influence your choice in rose varieties?
It is a given fact that you will get a larger head by producing your roses in a lower temperature. We have a very distinct advantage in getting our roses to the marketplace faster and fresher while shipping in Procona"s. We select varieties based on our own specific needs. We have to consider, that just because a variety does well somewhere does not necessarily mean it will do well for us. Headsize is not the number one factor for a successful rose in my eyes.
You have been growing and selling Aqua! for some years now, if you would have to give three positive remarks about the variety what would they be?
1) Thornless!
2) Unique color!
3) Superior vase life!
What do you see as week points for the variety?
1) Shorter stem length
2) Color (some people do not know how to use it as pink or lavender?)
The color of Aqua! is one of it strongest attributed. But how would you describe the color?
Aqua! is a classic, Mediterranean lavender-pink rose. Supplying thornless stems and superior vase life.
Can you compare it to other pink varieties in the market from a growing point of view? And if so what would be the positive or negative things Aqua! has to offer in comparison?
It is hard to compare this variety to other pinks. There are several that might have better production or other attributes. I try not to compare too much. I think each variety has there own characteristics. Some work for some and not others. Aqua!®"s are for sure the unique color and thornless stems.
Do you have had to give credits in Aqua! and if so for which reason?
We have NEVER had to give credit for Aqua! and that says something!
Aqua! is a new high yielding cultivar with an enormous market acceptance. Since its release, Aqua! has proven its suitability for many different environments. In your experience how is the production, vaselife and transportability of Aqua! ?
Aqua! is a very easy grower with an excellent production. Even better, it is a great shipping rose (zero bruising) with a vase life of 10 - 14 days. For my customers it is a great versatile rose, suitable for any kind of design work.
What is the minimum head size in cm you expect from a rose?
Aqua!'s head size is approx 1.5 - 2 cm in California. We do not have preference in head size. I look at other attributes. I want a rose to open fully, have great vase life and have consumer appeal.
What is the stem size you need in pink roses?
I think we look at roses to be 24"(50cm) - 32"(80-100cm)
Do you think growers from USA and South America are competing with Aqua!® for the orders?
- I do not think USA / South America growers are competing for orders for Aqua!®
A variety produced in the USA can look totally different from the same variety grown in South America. For example USA Aqua!® has a light silky color and a bud of 1.5-2 cm with stems of 50-70 cm. Whereas Latin Aqua!®, from South America, is slightly darker but with a larger head of 6 cm and stems of 40-50 cm. Although these differences result in two unique products, the internal quality of Aqua!® remains consistent wherever it is grown.
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