Good quality will always come out on top and this maxim most certainly applies to the large flowered Alstroemeria 'Firenze'. At the Keukenhof Alstroemeria Parade it was the winner of the 2005 Alstroemeria Award, the prize for the most promising Alstroemeria. Only a product that represents a genuine improvement to the existing assortment, benefiting both growers and traders, is eligible for this award. 

The candidates are subjected to a number of vase life and crop tests, which 'Firenze' passed with flying colors. 'Firenze' is also a winner in terms of its appearance; its orange flowers with their yellow centers are attractive even at the bud stage. Each stem bears five to eight buds, which is above average and the foliage does not project above the flower buds, greatly improving presentation. 

Alstroemeria 'Firenze' (vbn code 23968) has an excellent vase life of 14 to 18 days. The quality of the foliage is also long lasting, although this does depend on correct cultivation. The average stem length is 31.5 in. 'Firenze' is traded in an individual wrapper. The first stems were auctioned in July 2004 and a total of 147,000 stems were sold in that year for an average price of 30 cent each.   

In the first eight months of this year 695,000 stems have already been sold for an average price of 27 cent each. This is still well above the average price for Alstroemeria. Supply is year round. In 2006 we will see a further increase in the supply of Alstroemeria 'Firenze'.

Cut flower market success: Successful market acceptance of new cut flower.