Raes Genetics
Primula (mid) late seriesTobie, Charlie, Rambo Late, Cabaret and Rubens
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Primula Fun Facts
The company slogan ‘Perfection in selection, selection means perfection’ has been one of our guiding rules in primula breeding since 1991.
Our breeding goals such as unique colour and flower shape, extra large flowers, tight flowering schedules and a good garden performance can really make the difference!
With our genetically compact varieties, we strive for sustainability throughout the entire production chain. Easy-to-grow varieties for the grower with limited use of inhibitors and energy are better for the environment.
Our Genetics' history
1927
Knolbegonia's
In 1927, Omer Raes started as a small farmer with the production of tuberous begonias. Soon he was looking for breeding opportunities: How can we make these begonias even more beautiful? Omer mainly focused on the large-flowered double begonias.
1950
Mister Begonia
His son Valère – ‘Mister Begonia’ – saw it bigger and wanted to improve the small-flowered species also. Multiflora Maxima, fringed begonias (Fimbriata), two-tone begonias (Camelia, Bouton de rose, Marmorata) and other beauties...
He also started with multifloral hanging begonias, which he later extended with a grandiflora hanging begonia. In the summer he went to select at his clients on the fields, the best was barely good enough...
1970
Raes Series
During the summer months his passion for breeding was passed on to his son Rudy, who was trained in the selection process. This passed on passion and interest in the rapidly changing flower market brought Rudy to extra ideas. What if we already sow the tuberous begonias in November to sell with a long day flourishing in May?
As a result, Rudy targeted the perk plant market: the compilation of the best genetics of other breeders was an additional goal. The very own Raes series were created: Begonia Mascotte, Petunia Sublima, Impatiens Cupido, Tagetes King and Queen. Only the best genetics were included!
However, the expansion of the young plant production that followed caused empty greenhouses in the summer. Here too, Rudy saw a new opportunity: Primula acaulis! A product that was booming and that was sown in the summer.
With the support of his father Valère, the first Primula cross-breedings were carried out. As the best was/is barely good enough, Rudy took a step toward hybridisation.
2000
Raes Genetics
With Raes Genetics and a motivated young team, the company now stands out with strong standard series (with an excellent subsequent flowering schedule), a huge number of ‘specials’ (unique, exceptional colours including the Europe-wide awarded Zebra blue) and a strong double-flowered Rubens primula (which has been called the best double-flowered primula by customers and colleagues).
And still, the company has not been inactive… Every day we work on new, improved and/or stunning creations.
1927 - Knolbegonia's
In 1927, Omer Raes started as a small farmer with the production of tuberous begonias. Soon he was looking for breeding opportunities: How can we make these begonias even more beautiful? Omer mainly focused on the large-flowered double begonias.
1950 - Mister Begonia
His son Valère – ‘Mister Begonia’ – saw it bigger and wanted to improve the small-flowered species also. Multiflora Maxima, fringed begonias (Fimbriata), two-tone begonias (Camelia, Bouton de rose, Marmorata) and other beauties...
He also started with multifloral hanging begonias, which he later extended with a grandiflora hanging begonia. In the summer he went to select at his clients on the fields, the best was barely good enough...
1970 - Raes Series
During the summer months his passion for breeding was passed on to his son Rudy, who was trained in the selection process. This passed on passion and interest in the rapidly changing flower market brought Rudy to extra ideas. What if we already sow the tuberous begonias in November to sell with a long day flourishing in May?
As a result, Rudy targeted the perk plant market: the compilation of the best genetics of other breeders was an additional goal. The very own Raes series were created: Begonia Mascotte, Petunia Sublima, Impatiens Cupido, Tagetes King and Queen. Only the best genetics were included!
However, the expansion of the young plant production that followed caused empty greenhouses in the summer. Here too, Rudy saw a new opportunity: Primula acaulis! A product that was booming and that was sown in the summer.
With the support of his father Valère, the first Primula cross-breedings were carried out. As the best was/is barely good enough, Rudy took a step toward hybridisation.
2000 - Raes Genetics
With Raes Genetics and a motivated young team, the company now stands out with strong standard series (with an excellent subsequent flowering schedule), a huge number of ‘specials’ (unique, exceptional colours including the Europe-wide awarded Zebra blue) and a strong double-flowered Rubens primula (which has been called the best double-flowered primula by customers and colleagues).
And still, the company has not been inactive… Every day we work on new, improved and/or stunning creations.