January 22, 2026
United Selections, a leading global rose breeder with deep roots in Kenya’s floriculture sector, welcomed growers, partners, and industry stakeholders to its annual Open Days at the Nakuru showhouse from 14–16 January 2026. This three-day event was one of the most anticipated gatherings in the Kenyan flower calendar, offering a unique blend of new genetics, market insights, and networking opportunities that set the tone for the year ahead.
The Nakuru showhouse, situated near the iconic Lord Egerton Castle in Ngata, provided the perfect setting for the event. Attendees had the opportunity to walk through meticulously arranged displays of roses, chrysanthemums, and alstroemerias, examining each variety in detail. For Kenyan growers, the Open Days are a critical touchpoint for making informed decisions about which varieties to plant and how to manage them for optimal production and market returns.
United Selections presented its full assortment of floral genetics, ranging from long-established favourites to promising new introductions bred specifically to thrive under Kenyan conditions. The company’s roses dominated the greenhouses, including both standard and spray varieties. Key traits such as stem strength, bloom colour intensity, vase life, and disease resistance were highlighted to give growers a clear sense of what each variety could deliver in commercial production.
Among the rose offerings, the Blossoms series of spray roses attracted particular attention. Known for their prolific flowering and vibrant colours, these varieties offer growers flexibility in both local and export markets. Meanwhile, standard roses displayed in the showhouse illustrated the breeding team’s focus on producing uniform, market-ready stems with high vase life, a critical factor for export viability.
Complementing the roses were strategic partner crops:
- Chrysanthemums from ICON Selections, providing a diverse range of spray mums and Santinis suitable for multiple market segments.
- Alstroemerias from Könst Alstroemeria, bringing extended vase life and delicate blooms that broaden growers’ product offerings.
These partnerships reflected United Selections’ commitment to giving growers a holistic selection experience, combining not just genetics but insights into crop management and market positioning.
While varietal evaluation is the cornerstone of the Open Days, United Selections also emphasizes knowledge exchange and industry collaboration. Growers, florists, consolidators, and other stakeholders engaged directly with the company’s team to discuss cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, and logistical considerations. These interactions often shape decisions about crop trials, production planning, and marketing strategies for the year ahead.
Networking was a natural outcome of the event. Many attendees, including new and experienced growers alike, shared insights on market trends, operational challenges, and supply chain innovations. This collaborative environment fosters long-term relationships and ensures that United Selections’ breeding program aligns with the evolving needs of growers and international buyers.
The Open Days also offered a hands-on experience. Attendees could inspect cut flowers for uniformity and vase performance, ask detailed questions about each variety, and receive personalized guidance on planting strategies. The relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by provided refreshments and lunch, encouraged informal conversations that often lead to actionable insights for both growers and the company.
This level of engagement distinguishes Open Days from trade fairs in that growers are not simply observing; they are evaluating, comparing, and making critical decisions with immediate practical applications for their operations.
We all know that timing is everything in floriculture, and the Nakuru Open Days served as a launchpad for the Kenyan season. Decisions made during these three days directly influence what growers plant for the upcoming peak demand periods.
For United Selections, the event also acts as a barometer of industry trends, providing feedback that guides varietal trials, breeding priorities, and product positioning. This insight loop ensures that the company remains responsive to the dynamic needs of Kenyan growers and global flower markets. For growers looking to start 2026 on the right foot, the insights and connections gained at the open days are invaluable.