Top-quality hydrangeas at Ko Kolk Amstelveen
A flourishing family business
In Amstelveen, along Meerlanderweg, you will find a true hydrangea paradise. At Ko Kolk, bulbous masterpieces grow in dazzling colours. This family business, founded in 1962, has specialised in cut hydrangeas since 1995. Generations of knowledge and passion are passed on. ‘My father still works as a breeder,’ Bart-Jan Kolk proudly explains. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, successful varieties such as ‘Lollypop’, ‘Rodeo’ and ‘Mon Amour’ have been created. These varieties score high in the rankings and show the result of years of breeding. Bart-Jan's children are already ready to take over his reins.
Modern technology in the greenhouses
Ko Kolk recently moved to a new location of almost 3 hectares. These modern greenhouses are fully equipped according to the latest trends and techniques. Hydrangeas bloom here every year, even late in autumn. The greenhouses are equipped with solar panels, advanced water technology and a Heat Cold Storage system.
‘We operate completely without gas,’ Bart-Jan explains. ‘In summer, we capture heat from the greenhouse air and store it 130 metres underground. In winter, we reuse this heat and store the cold return water. This innovative system makes our production more sustainable and helps us maintain the high quality of our flowers.’
Shining hydrangeas
Sustainability and organic control
Sustainability is key at Ko Kolk. ‘We use as few pesticides as possible,’ says Bart-Jan. Every year Ko Kolk starts with a clean slate, which makes it possible to use mainly biological pesticides in the form of critters. This keeps the flowers of high quality without increasing the ecological footprint.
Experimenting with new varieties
In a separate greenhouse at Ko Kolk, new hydrangea varieties are constantly coming to life. The space buzzes with endless variations in colour and shape, with flowers criss-crossing each other. ‘If a new variety proves successful, we can supply it on a large scale within three years,’ Bart-Jan says enthusiastically. Ko Kolk's hydrangeas find their way to customers worldwide, from Germany and Russia to America and Dubai. Every year, more than a million stems leave these greenhouses to provide colour all over the world.
Long-term enjoyment of hydrangeas
To keep your hydrangeas beautiful for a long time, put them in a clean vase with water and cut flower food. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and cut an inch off the stem every few days. For long-lasting results, dry Classic hydrangeas from October onwards. Hang them upside down in a warm and dry place until they are fully dried. In short, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these beautiful flowers to the full!
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