the "KiNG" of Hortensias

Before the summer we visited our member Sjaak van Schie; a renowned Dutch cultivator of hydrangeas (hortensias).

Sjaak van Schie has been active in Portugal since the early 2000’s, adding some plots of farmland in Pegões to the cultivation plants in Maasdijk, The Netherlands and a smaller floral breeding site in Uganda. Step-by-step, after many trials and tribulations, Sjaak and his team have been able to grow the Portuguese farmland into the current whopping 28 hectare (69 acres) of high-end hydrangeas cultivation. Sjaak van Schie currently has a European market share of 50% in Hydrangeas and is expanding overseas.

Not an overnight success

But this has not been a story of overnight success! Instead, it is a tale of what we call in The Netherlands “Westlands ondernemen” a unique combination of work ethos and perseverance, a no-nonsense approach, an eye for innovation and for practical solutions, the aim to learn every day and getting up at 4:30 to go to work 6 (or 7) days a week!

a private tour for the chamber

Company founder and owner Mr. Sjaak van Schie is the embodiment of this “Westland approach”. Sjaak took time out of his busy schedule to personally tour us around his Portuguese property. And what a sight it is! In 20 years the plots of land in Pegões have transformed from rural farmland to a huge high-end nursery for the Hydrangeas. Here the company produces mother plants, rooted cuttings and half finished plants. These products go to customers worldwide to make a beautifully flowering hydrangeas. Sjaak van Schie Portugal produces 23 milion cuttings and 4.6 milion half finished plants, in addition to growing so-called “mother plants” for existing and new breeds.

Beautiful and challenging plants

Breeding and growing Hydrangeas is not the easiest business to do. The plant has a 2-year growing cycle with many factors that need to be controlled in different stages in order to create a perfectly blossoming plant! With an international team, the challenge lies in communication between the different departments. Internally the company has developed a “flag language system” to communicate the different stages and conditions the plants are in. This way it is clear for all workers what needs to be done. Simple and effective!  

Innovation with focus on nature and the environment

Sjaak van Schie is focusing on growth, combining innovation with sustainability. The goal is to reduce the impact of the hydrangea cultivation. One step is to use the least possible amounts of crop protection agents. Another step is the self-developed system for watermanagement. This system is designed for re-using of all water on the premises. And with great results! In the near future the company will be able to recycle almost 100% of its own water usage! Good to know in a hot country like Portugal! The innovation of Sjaak van Schie is based in creating new hydrangea varieties. Creating these new varieties is a challenging, expensive and long journey, but it is paying of. Sjaak van Schie has been able to introduce new varieties to the hydrangea market and will continue to do so! This innovation is called "Hi Breeding" a joint venture with The Master Growers B.V.  “Hi Breeding” is a growing part of the business of Sjaak van Schie. Interested in partnering up with Sjaak van Schie for hydrangeas or for sustainable mid-summer cooling solutions? Contact us here.

By Geesje Mosies | Board Member of CCPH