At Wilbert Stek they have been busy this past year. Innovating the range of cuttings plays a major role at this specialised cutting company in Gendt. During the upcoming edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, the results of their efforts will be showcased. The truted and successful assortment will be presented in full, but Wilbert Stek will also highlight a few new additions, such as Hedera hibernica, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Thuja in the paper plug. Wilbert van Luenen, owner of Wilbert Stek, is eager to see and hear the reactions.

Source: Emiel te Walvaart

Several new species will be on display at Wilbert Stek’s stand. Recent additions include Hedera hibernica and Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'. "We strive to optimise the assortment each year and expand the market. We select crops that are technically suitable for cultivation and align with customer interest. We keep a close eye on the market, often with input from our customers. We know what’s in demand and which products generate sales. Usually, we start with one or two types and then gradually expand," Wilbert van Luenen explains. 

Inform and experiment

Van Luenen continues: "We’ve done the same now: of Hedera only the H. hibernica and of Hydrangea only the 'Annabelle' for now, which are larger types. With the experience we gain from these, we’ll explore new varieties. Every species requires its own approach. Timing, especially for taking cuttings, is crucial. When starting with a new variety, it's all about gathering information and experimenting. What works for one grower might not work for us. Simply copying someone else isn’t wise. You have to tailor watering, nutrition, and substrate to your growing system. Not every crop fits; sometimes a variety doesn’t make it. And saying 'no' occasionally is a good thing—it shows you where your strengths lie." Innovation is a key focus at Wilbert Stek. "Trying out new varieties makes the work enjoyable. If you stick with the same thing, the fun fades quickly. Looking back, you can see that we did things very differently a few years ago compared to now. The nursery world changes quickly, often driven by supply and demand. When something proves successful, everyone jumps on it. But afterward, there’s often a backlash, even if it’s a good product." Van Luenen remains vigilant about how certain crops perform, sometimes leading to surprises. "In recent years, Ilex crenata has faced challenges, but lately, this product has been gaining popularity."

Use of the paper plug

Another new development is the use of the paper plug. "We now grow Thuja in paper plugs, and we’re very pleased with the results; it’s a real improvement in quality. After several years of testing, we’ve fully switched to paper plugs for Thuja. Without the paper plug, Thuja quickly over-roots, making it difficult for customers to repot. With the paper plug, you can easily separate the cuttings before repotting. Without it, you end up with five cuttings in hand, which can get damaged when pulled apart. Using the paper plug has many benefits for the customer. We already have several crops growing in paper plugs, and we’re looking into other varieties that could benefit from this method."

Thuja ‘Smaragd’ in paper plug

Wilbert Stek plans to showcase the full breadth of their cutting assortment in Zundert. "We’re bringing almost all types, including Thuja, Taxus, Photinia, Ilex, Osmanthus and Euonymus, while highlighting the newer varieties. For most growers, the focus is on getting an overall impression of the quality you offer, rather than examining every individual variety. It’s always good to have something to show a new customer when you’re in conversation."

International

Van Luenen doesn’t have specific expectations for Zundert. "It’s always a good trade fair for us. We have many contacts there, not only with existing customers but also new prospects, especially for export. GrootGroenPlus has become increasingly international in recent years, attracting visitors from Southern and Eastern Europe. I expect this trend to continue at the upcoming edition. The trade fair has a strong international reputation. We also always meet with existing customers, like those from Italy. The international aspect is definitely a valuable feature of the event in Zundert." Wilbert Stek always leaves GrootGroenPlus with a positive feeling. "It’s always a lot of organisation and work to participate, but you meet so many people there. You can’t forget your existing customers either, as they are, of course, very important. Additionally, you always get to meet new people. An hour after the trade fair ends, I’m practically signing up for the next year. It’s a friendly, relaxed event, which makes participating much easier. Our interactions with the organisers are always smooth—everyone focuses on solutions, not problems, and that suits us well. Plus, it’s great that we’re in the same spot as last year, making it easier for people to find us. Overall, it’s an excellent trade fair for us."

GrootGroenPlus, blue route, stand number B053

Wilbert Stek

Smidstraat 1

6691 ES  Gendt

www.wilbertstek.nl

+31481425543

info@wilbertstek.nl