Market update: The Brassica (Kale) Season 2025
We spoke with Arnold Spros, Brassica buyer at Holex Flower. He explains how the season is going, what customers should look out for, and which varieties are really worth it this year.
How does the start of the Brassica season look this year?
“Week 35 marked the start of the season. From that moment, the first Brassicas became available. In the coming weeks, the supply will grow as more growers start cutting. For the best colors, cold nights are important. Warm weather makes the Brassicas stay green, but once the nights get colder, you see the colors become more intense.”
Are there differences compared to last year?
“It remains a typical seasonal product. Sowing takes place around June, so it depends strongly on the summer weather. This year we had very warm periods, which sometimes slowed down growth and delayed the colors a bit. But overall, it looks good.”
When can customers expect the best quality and largest volumes?
“The peak is early October, just before Halloween. That is when the volumes are highest, and the quality is at its best. Around that time, demand also increases. It is quite a stable product.”
Which varieties are real highlights this year?
“The Ruffle types have been very popular in recent years. The Black Leaf variety is also much in demand with customers. From now on, we are again offering varieties from grower Peter van Tuyl. These have slightly longer stems and larger heads than the rest of the assortment. You can find them under the heading Extra Quality on the left side of the menu.”
How do you select the best Brassicas?
“At the beginning of the season, we often visit the growers to assess the quality with our own eyes. This way, we guarantee constant quality for our customers. We work with regular growers, and during the season we also purchase through the auction.”
Arnold’s tips for customers
“Brassica is truly a seasonal product. Customers should keep in mind its long vase life when using it. Since they often last 2 to 3 weeks, they combine beautifully in autumn and winter arrangements. Brassica remains a unique product in the autumn assortment. Thanks to adapted cultivation methods and different post-harvest treatment, the ‘smelly’ odor belongs to the past. However, the smell can still return if the stems are not well cared for. So make sure there are no leaves in the water at the bottom of the stem and refresh the vase water regularly.”
