10 Questions for… W.F. Leenen, Specialist in Daffodil Cultivation and Breeding

We spoke with W.F. Leenen, a specialist in Daffodil cultivation and breeding. This family business is known for its wide assortment and innovative approach to growing Daffodils. We asked owner Dirk Leenen ten questions about their methods, product range, and vision for the future.

What makes W.F. Leenen stand out in Daffodil cultivation and breeding?

"Most growers and forcers mainly focus on the well-known yellow Daffodil, but at W.F. Leenen, we go far beyond that. Our assortment is broader and more diverse, including multi-flowered and double Daffodils. Of course, we also grow yellow Daffodils, but we offer a wide variety of colors and types.

What also makes us unique is that we supply our full range continuously from January until Easter. We achieve this because we manage the entire process in-house—from cultivation to rooting. This includes cooling periods, treatments, and rooting in climate-controlled conditions. By handling everything ourselves, we can create precise schedules and even manage peak periods, such as around key sales moments like International Women’s Day and Easter.

Throughout the season, we offer around fifteen different Daffodil varieties, ensuring florists and traders always have something unique to offer."

You have cultivation locations in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. How does this affect production, and what challenges come with it?

"The bulbs we source from the Netherlands and England need a certain period before they can bloom. This means we can bring them into bloom from January onwards, but any earlier is often too soon. To introduce certain varieties earlier, we also cultivate in the Southern Hemisphere.

By growing Daffodils in both hemispheres, we can not only extend the season but also bring it forward. This is especially important for varieties such as Grand Soleil d’Or, Tazetta, and Paperwhite. Paperwhite, in particular, is highly sought after before Christmas, and thanks to our Southern Hemisphere cultivation, we can offer it early. This allows us to meet demand and ensure a steady supply of unique Daffodils."

Breeding plays a big role in your company. What are the key developments in this area, and which varieties have been major breakthroughs?

"Breeding is in W.F. Leenen’s DNA. The company was originally founded by my grandfather, continued by my father, and now we carry on the tradition. Our main goal is to stay ahead of the market and continuously develop new and unique daffodil varieties.

Daffodil breeding is a long process. It takes an average of 30 years before a new variety becomes commercially available because it takes time to multiply the bulbs sufficiently. Despite this, we keep investing in breeding because innovation is essential in our sector. A great example of a successful in-house development is our Paradise varieties—unique Daffodils that we grow with leaves attached, something uncommon for many other Daffodils.

Currently, our focus is on disease resistance. Regulations around crop protection are becoming stricter, and the use of chemical treatments is decreasing. This means we are actively seeking natural solutions and stronger varieties to ensure sustainable cultivation. We have been working on this for a long time and see it as a crucial pillar for the future."

Besides ornamental horticulture, you also have a connection to the pharmaceutical industry. How did this collaboration come about, and what does it involve?

"Alongside our role in ornamental horticulture, we also have a unique link to the pharmaceutical industry. This is due to galantamine, a natural compound used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Certain Daffodil varieties naturally contain high levels of galantamine. This compound is extracted from the bulbs and processed into medication. We supply some of our bulbs to the pharmaceutical sector. While it is not a massive market, it is an interesting and valuable collaboration."

You are making strides toward more sustainable production. What innovations have you already implemented, and what are your future plans?

"Sustainability is an important theme at W.F. Leenen, and we have made significant progress in recent years. For example, we have invested in solar panels and heat boilers. These boilers store energy when the sun shines, allowing us to use that heat in the winter. This system helps us use energy more efficiently and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels.

However, there are still many opportunities for further sustainability improvements. Rising gas prices have motivated us to eventually go completely gas-free and operate CO₂-neutral. This is an ambition we will be working hard to achieve in the coming years.

We are also exploring sustainable growing substrates. One example is our use of North Sea shells as a substrate."

What makes North Sea shells a suitable substrate for cultivation, and how does it impact sustainability and quality?

"North Sea shells are a natural and reusable substrate, making them a perfect fit for circular and environmentally friendly cultivation. Besides their sustainability benefits, they also positively influence the quality of certain Daffodil varieties, as some types develop better on this type of substrate."

Since 2019, you have been part of Decorum. What has this partnership meant for you, and what are the benefits?

"Joining Decorum has brought us many advantages, particularly in terms of brand recognition. Decorum is a strong brand in ornamental horticulture and is known for its quality. Many customers recognize the brand and trust that they are getting a high-quality product.

Decorum is also very active in marketing and promotion. They participate in many trade fairs and events where the brand and products receive extensive exposure. As growers, it is challenging to organize all of this ourselves, so this partnership gives us extra visibility in the market. For us, Decorum is a valuable addition that helps bring attention to our flowers in the right way."

The market is constantly changing. What trends do you see, and how do you adapt your assortment accordingly?

"The market is always evolving, but for us, it is difficult to respond directly to the latest trends. As mentioned earlier, developing new varieties and colors can take up to 30 years.

However, we are already highly innovative through our broad assortment and versatility. We offer a large variety of Daffodils, from double and multi-flowered varieties to unique color variations. Our focus on quality and exclusivity helps us maintain a strong position in an ever-changing market."

The industry is constantly evolving. What developments and challenges do you foresee for the coming years?

"One of the biggest challenges in the sector is the rising labor costs. That is why we are increasingly looking into automation in production. Processes such as planting and harvesting are still largely done by hand, but we are exploring ways to make these tasks more efficient.

However, it is not just about developing technology—the investments must also be financially viable in the long run. We aim to make smart choices that secure the future of our cultivation without compromising on quality. This will remain a key focus in the coming years."

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with Daffodils?

"I grew up in this business and have been involved since childhood. What makes the work truly special is the variety and the constant challenges it brings.

No year is the same. Take this season, for example: due to an early and warm spring, our schedule had to be adjusted unexpectedly. Situations like these keep us sharp and require creative problem-solving."

Daffodils at Holex Flower webshop

At Holex Flower, we appreciate the passion and expertise of growers like W.F. Leenen, and we are proud to offer a wide assortment of Daffodils through our webshop. Whether you're looking for classic yellow varieties or unique double and multi-flowered types, you'll find them with us. Explore our collection and order easily via the Holex webshop!