For many years, the Dutch company Nickerson-Zwaan has been leading the planting material market due to the quality of its products. Thousands of gardeners and farms have become convinced of the professionalism of breeders and the quality of planting material. The seeds have maximum germination, produce healthy plants, and the harvest invariably pleases with minimal effort. The question often arises: what is the secret of the success of Dutch breeders?
History and traditions of the company
In just a few years, Nickerson-Zwaan will celebrate its centenary, since its creation took place back in 1925. During this time, changes have occurred, but popularity and reputation remain unchanged. Despite its Dutch origins, research stations are located on every continent, making it possible to determine which varieties can be grown in harsh conditions and which plants are suitable for warm climates.
At first, the company was small; there was a staff of breeders who grew varieties only for Dutch farms. Three dozen samples of vegetable crops were selected for an agricultural exhibition taking place in America. The achievements of Nickerson-Zwaan employees were recognized with awards; the seeds were bought up by farmers from different countries in incredible quantities.
The work of the breeders was quickly appreciated due to the following characteristics:
- seed material of excellent quality;
- similarity up to 100%;
- varieties of vegetables that have good taste and no special requirements;
- growth and fruiting of plants without additional stimulants and the use of fertilizers;
- regular appearance of new products with special qualities;
- breeding hybrids with different yields.
Over time, the company began to increase its staff and open new breeding stations. Nickerson-Zwaan has a good tradition of testing each variety for quality not only at stations, but also at farms that work closely with the company. Only after farmers approve the developed crop, the seed material goes on sale.
Breeding work
A special feature of Nickerson Zwaan's breeding work is the breeding of hybrid varieties.Vegetables are undemanding to climatic conditions, are able to grow and bear fruit even in harsh Siberia, and are distinguished by their survival rate. It is recommended to grow vegetables in open ground and in greenhouse conditions.
The work of breeders combines the power of the genetic fund of each plant and knowledge of the climatic characteristics of each region. Private gardeners and owners of large farms specializing in growing vegetable crops have long been convinced that the company works only in their interests, providing new products every year that differ in yield and taste.
Wide range of products
Among the range of products provided by Nickerson Zwaan, even a capricious gardener can find a suitable variety. The cabbage and pumpkin family crops are popular. Farmers who grow produce for sale in greenhouses often purchase planting material for the following vegetables and herbs:
- bow on feather;
- spring and winter onions;
- radish;
- different types of salads.
Watermelons are also very popular - hybrid varieties bear fruit generously even in regions with a cool climate, the first striped giants appear 3-4 months after planting.
All kinds of carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes have also gained fans among gardeners and farmers. The crops differ in fruit size and versatility (used in canning, fresh, or for processing).
Quality control
Before introducing new varieties to fans, the company’s breeders carry out 3-5 stages of testing, which allows us to have no doubt about the quality of the planting material. The first tests are carried out at stations, after which vegetable crops are tested in the regions, on fields owned by the company.
Only after this the products become available to buyers; each new variety has a quality certificate.
A special feature of the planting material offered by Nickerson-Zwaan is that, in addition to the assortment and confirmation of characteristics with quality certificates, the seed germination rate is 100%. Thousands of gardeners have already been convinced of this - seed material does not require stimulants or additional preparation. Growing seedlings on window sills or in greenhouses, sending seeds into open ground ends in the same way - with powerful, healthy bushes bearing generous fruits.
Nickerson Zwaan is a company that has been tested by vegetable growers around the world. Even in the most remote corners of the globe, the seed material of Dutch breeders is widely used for growing vegetables, regardless of whether this happens in large fields or in tiny patches of the garden.
