UK - Hollyoak Orchids
Hollyoak Orchids is a family affair with Tim Morris, wife Janet and son Tom growing Phalaenospsis in a state-of-the-art greenhouse in Worcestershire. In less than 4 years their growing stock and techniques have produced plants of such quality they are retailed through Fortnum & Mason, Waitrose, Marks & Spencers and Blooms of Bressingham.
Orchids
Originally growing tomatoes, the Morris’s decided they must move into a species with a niche market that would command a premium price. After in-depth market research they decided that English grown orchids would meet the challenge.
Work began at their 14 acre site in 2003. The first 2000m² was divided into 3 zones, one of which was of triple wall polycarbonate.
Climate control
The plants arrive as two year olds and require a constant temperature of 28ºC with 4000 lux lights for the first 28 weeks. From there they move to the next zone for 8 weeks at 19ºC with lighting increased to 8000-10,000 lux to encourage spike development. Finally they move to zone 3 where the temperature is raised 2ºC and light maintained at 8000 lux. Here they remain for 12-16 weeks and are then ready for sale.
As a tomato grower Tim was familiar with Priva systems and he had no hesitation in choosing Priva again for the fans, sensors and the Priva Intégro linked to PrivaOffice.
Hollyoak Orchids vision and commitment was recognised in 2008 by winning the ‘Bedding & Pot Plant Grower of the Year Award’.
