Each year, 1200 to 1500 new varieties of flowers are produced. Sometimes they simply exhibit a new color or an attractive fragrance, but breeders are increasingly focusing on aspects that are not visible in the final product form. For example, there are many varieties of Gerbera, so it is no longer necessary to develop a new color. Breeders therefore aim to improve characteristics such as heat requirement to stimulate flowering, productivity, transport sensitivity and vase life.

The introduction of novelties requires skill and patience, as is shown by an example from a random rose breeder. In the first year, about 650 selections are made from two different roses. This is done by bringing pollen from one variety into contact with the pistil of the other. The seed produced in this way has the properties of both varieties. On the basis of experience and inheritable characteristics, the breeder believes that the two varieties can produce a good new variety. About 50,000 such pollinations are carried out, yielding 250,000 seedlings.

After two years, the breeder selects about 2,000 of these seedlings. One year later, the breeder selects the 250 best seedlings from these 2,000. These are then numbered and tested for several key selection characteristics. Ultimately, ten potential new varieties are selected and are subjected to comprehensive tests on a larger scale.

Finally it is decided which cultivars will be marketed. After a period of at least seven years, during which 250,000 seedlings are reduced to 250 examples and then ten potential new varieties, the new cultivars are added to the wide assortment of flowers.