Smarter cultivation, stronger lilies – bench growing at Bredefleur

An interview with Ruben Evers, co-owner and responsible for bulb planning and cultivation development at Bredefleur

At Bredefleur, innovation never stands still. As the world of floriculture evolves, Bredefleur works hard to develop sustainable and future-proof cultivation methods. Ruben Evers enthusiastically talks about the latest developments in the cultivation of 100% organic lilies and the move to a new cultivation location. One of the most promising innovations? The cultivation of double oriental lilies in crates on roller tables.

"The biggest advantage is flexibility and space optimization. With rolling benches, we can fill the greenhouse much more efficiently. As soon as one bench is emptied, the next can be rolled in immediately, avoiding downtime. We haven’t perfected the buffering system yet, but being able to move benches already makes it much easier to keep the greenhouse at full capacity. In soil-based cultivation, you often have to wait until all varieties in a section are harvested, which costs time.

The system also offers advantages in terms of watering. The substrate stays dry, you don't drown anything, and we collect and reuse the drain water that runs neatly off the tables. This makes cultivation not only efficient, but also cleaner. Thanks to the box cultivation, we can now also compete optimally with the double orientals and thus offer a more complete assortment."

"In soil, you need to be cautious with irrigation to preserve soil structure. On benches, we can water much more precisely, resulting in longer stems and larger buds. Moreover, after planting, we place the forcing crates in a cold room at around 10°C. This allows the plants to sprout and develop root systems slowly before entering the greenhouse. That gives the plant a stronger start, more length, and ultimately a more robust flower."

"By pre-forcing the crates in the cold room, we reduce the number of greenhouse days needed. That translates to lower energy consumption per square meter. And because rolling benches allow for denser planting, we get even more yield from the same energy input. Water-wise, it's also beneficial: we operate a closed-loop system where drain water is collected and reused. This significantly reduces total water usage."

"We are continuously testing new double-flowered varieties on table crops. The demand for double orientals is growing and we see breeders responding to this in full force. That means: better shelf life, nicer blooms, stronger varieties. This method allows us to deliver reliable quality year-round, with less impact on the environment."

Bredefleur's move toward crate cultivation on rolling bench systems is more than just a technical upgrade: it's a forward-looking vision. With less water, more efficient energy use, and a stronger, more beautiful product, Ruben Evers shows that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. For florists and wholesalers, it means not only a more reliable supply but also an inspiring story behind every stem.