How Spray Rose Are Bred: Behind the Scenes at Interplant
Ever wondered how your favourite spray roses come to life? We visited spray rose breeder Interplant to find out more about the process behind these iconic roses. With over 60 years of experience and a pioneering spirit, Interplant is a global name in rose breeding. So, time to take a closer look at who they are, how their rose breeding actually works, and the story behind some of the world’s most beloved spray roses!
Who is Interplant?
When it comes to spray roses, Interplant is one name you need to know. This family-owned (spray) rose breeding company has been innovating since 1962. Now led by the third generation (with the fourth already involved), Interplant has its headquarters in the Netherlands and testing facilities in Kenya.
But here’s what really sets them apart: Interplant was the very first breeder to develop spray roses. That’s right! They introduced stunning spray roses to the world and have been leading the way ever since.
How Spray Rose Breeding Works
At Interplant, innovation is everything. Using both high-tech computer software and decades of hands-on experience, they develop exciting new rose varieties and breed new spray roses.
Creating New Seeds
At Interplant, breeding new (spray) roses is all about timing and care. In spring, it’s peak season for pollination and selection. This is when the team starts creating brand new rose varieties, by hand.
It all begins by crossing two different types of roses. The combinations are carefully selected by their breeding team from Wageningen University. Then comes the fun part: pollination. Using a tiny brush, the team transfers pollen from one flower to another. It’s delicate work, done entirely by hand. As they like to say, “We’re basically the bees.”
From these crosses, Interplant creates around 150,000 combinations each year, which produce about 1.5 million spray rose seeds. Not all of those seeds grow, but around a third do. The seeds are cooled for three months (to help them sprout) and then planted in trays. Once the seedlings appear, it’s time for the first big selection.
First Selection
This first selection round is all about spotting potential in the new spray rose plants. The team looks at colour, petal count, plant health, and how shiny or dull the leaves are. Only the strongest and best-looking seedlings move on. Out of the original group, about 95% get filtered out, which still leaves thousands to keep growing. The promising spray rose plants are then repotted so they can mature.
Second Selection and Testing
After a couple of months, the second selection takes place. This time, the focus is on growth and production. Does the plant grow well? How many flowers does it produce? Again, only the best plants go through.
From there, the final group of spray roses is tested in other countries around the world like Kenya and Ecuador to see how they perform in different climates. Here, the rose plants go through three selection rounds as well. Lastly, Interplant also tests the vase life of the spray roses to make sure each rose lasts at least 12 days (but 13 is the goal!).
Introducing new rose varieties
Only about ten new spray rose varieties each year are eventually introduced to the market. And the names? The owner picks them. Sometimes inspired by people, sometimes just by what sounds good. All in all, it takes about seven to eight years to bring a new rose to market. It’s a long journey, but worth it. As only the best of the best is brought on the market, the team says:
"The art of breeding is not being afraid to throw away."
Sustainable Spray Rose Breeding
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Interplant does when it comes to breeding spray roses. In the Netherlands, they test LED lighting, use natural pest control, and breed for disease resistance to reduce chemical use.
In Kenya, they’ve built a closed-loop irrigation system that recycles 100% of water, powered largely by solar energy. With a unique wetlands setup and a strong focus on biological controls, their farms are designed to grow responsibly and protect natural resources.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Spray Roses
Spray roses are still a relatively new product in floriculture. The first generation of Interplant was one of the pioneers of breeding spray roses as cut flowers. Interplant has been developing spray roses for about 25 years now. And here’s some inside info: spray roses must be harvested after the buds have opened. If you cut them too early, they won’t bloom. But don’t worry, this does not affect their vase life. They still last just as long!
Have you fallen (more) in love with spray roses like we have? Check out our spray rose assortment and get yours now!