W.F. Leenen & Zn BV , founded in 1954, is a breeding, cultivation, hatchery and export company specialized in Daffodils. The company is now under the management of the third generation Jaco and Dirk Leenen. With locations in different countries, fresh flower bulbs can be offered year-round. The cultivation areas are, besides the Netherlands, in England, Morocco, Chile and Australia. By continuously searching for new varieties, W.F. Leenen has already brought many varieties to the market.

With the production of no less than 20 different varieties, the season runs from 1 October to the end of April. The Daffodils are grown in a shell substrate, originating from the North Sea. This is an airy and not too heavy substrate, and certainly always in stock. After flowering, the bulbs are lifted and exported to one of the locations abroad, where they are then kept for two years in the ground. When the bulbs come out of the ground after two years, there are small bulbs, called clusters, on the bulb. These will serve as new starting material for the new season.

The Daffodil is known for its negative influence on other flowers. The stem secretes a certain mucus, which other flowers in a bouquet cannot tolerate. The pre-treatment Daffodil Chrysal is produced exclusively for the company and is recommended by the grower, but can also be supplied, to treat the product.  This extends the vase life by 1 to 2 days and ensures that the Daffodils can be used together with other flowers in a bouquet.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the bulbs contribute to a cure for Alzheimer's disease. But they are also used to produce raw materials for make-up, especially lipstick, and various shampoos.

Ultimately, W.F. Leenen will be able to produce the flowers from the hothouse entirely without gas in 2025. The solar boilers, solar panels and heat storage in the ground are already a precursor to this.

Visit the website of WF Leenen