As the year began, breeders and growers in the flower industry came together to exchange ideas and showcase innovation during n open day organized by United Selections.
Among the key participants was Jan Haksmal, of Icon Selections, a chrysanthemum breeding company that specializes in equatorial varieties.
Icon Selections recently marked its 10th anniversary, and Jan reflected on the journey and challenges of bringing exceptional chrysanthemums to markets worldwide.
“We focus on all the segments of chrysanthemums—Disbuds, sprays, and santinis,” Jan shared. “Within these, we work with daisies, spiders, and buttons. The diversity we offer is one of our strongest assets.”
Icon Selections prides itself on natural breeding processes, avoiding GMOs, and focusing on sustainable practices. “Our breeding is entirely natural. We rely on cross-breeding and selection, ensuring the plants are adapted to the equatorial environment,” Jan explained.
The company’s standout varieties include All Star and Superstar, both decorative pink chrysanthemums, Sunbright, a striking yellow daisy, and Top Dollar, a resilient white variety. “These varieties are tailored to thrive under 12-hour light and darkness conditions, which makes them ideal for equatorial growers,” he noted.
Jan emphasized that simplicity and sustainability are the backbone of Icon Selections’ operations. “Our varieties are designed to require minimal input. They thrive without heavy use of growth regulators, making them accessible even for growers with limited resources,” he said.
When asked about Kenya’s market, Jan was optimistic. “Although chrysanthemums are not yet as popular here, the demand is growing. With the bouquet market expanding, there’s increasing interest in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors,” he said. “Chrysanthemums are the base of every bouquet globally, and we see Kenya as a key player in the future.”
Globally, Icon Selections exports 95% of its chrysanthemums to the United States, with growing interest from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. “Our varieties are ideal for shipping by sea containers, offering a lower carbon footprint while maintaining exceptional vase life. Many of our flowers last over three weeks in a vase,” Jan highlighted.
Sustainability is a key focus for Icon Selections. “We don’t steam our soil, and our methods encourage healthier plants with more complex sugars that resist pests naturally. It’s all about enhancing the soil’s carbon content and minimizing chemical use,” Jan explained, adding that their innovations align with global calls for sustainable agriculture.
As Icon Selections continues to grow, its goal is clear: “In five to ten years, we hope to be the strongest supplier in the equatorial market worldwide. Our genetics are specifically made for this region, and the potential is immense,” Jan said confidently.