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WELCOME AT BOOMKWEKERIJ FLEUREN
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Welcome to the Internet site of Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V., one of the largest fruit tree nurseries in the Netherlands. Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V. does more than just supply premium quality fruit trees to fruit growers. Inventing new tree shapes and planting systems, has given us a leading role in the market - where we occupy a prominent position in the entire chain.
At Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V. great care is paid to producing fruit trees of the very best quality. This not only involves devoting attention to the actual trees, but also closely monitoring the entire production system - so only the best results are achieved. Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V. owes its leading name not only to the fact that it delivers high quality trees, but also for its excellent service, reliability and personal advice and support. Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V. is also known as the initiator of the ‘knip-tree’ and ‘ 3K-tree’. The 'knip-tree' is a specially treated two-year old nursery tree type that has been used in planting systems the world over. The 3K-tree is a type of tree especially appropriate for intensive husbandry methods. It produces fruit in the same year it is planted. This website contains detailed information about both these tree types.
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BOOMKWEKERIJEN HENRI FLEUREN B.V., HISTORY AND FIGURES
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Boomkwekerijen Henri Fleuren B.V.
In 1922 Henri Fleuren started a fruit tree nursery in the village of Baarlo (Province of North Limburg, the Netherlands). When his son, Karel, took over the running of the company in 1972 the orchards already covered some 23 hectares. Karel had a huge impact on the company by developing new tree types and expanding the production area to 85 hectares. Currently, the third generation is at the helm with grandson Han, backed up by a team of national and international employees. Karel Fleuren's commitment is still reflected today in the company's development strategy
Facts and figures
| 1922 | Henri Fleuren B.V. started in 1922 with 1 hectare, 50 years later the property extended to 23 hectares. In the next 25 years the company grew to 85 hectares. |
| 1979 | Introduction of the knip-tree as an improved two-year old branched tree with horizontally placed fruitwood. |
| 1988 | Introduction of the 3K-tree as the first generative tree with fruit production in the same planting year. |
| 1994 | Renewed impulse to sweet cherry growing in Europe given by the development of superior planting material on Gisela, Colt and Prunus avium. |
| 1997 | The first fruit tree nursery to supply organic trees. In an era of increasing respect for the environment, heavy investments were made in developing varieties with high resistance to mould such as apple scab and mildew, to make the product even healthier and long lived. |
| 1997 | Fleuren nominated for horticultural enterprise award. |
| 1998 | Han Fleuren appointed chairman of culture group fruit tree for the Dutch Nursery Association. |
| 2001 | Certification awarded for QualiTree® |
| 2003 | Supplier of Inova-varieties. |
| - | Each year 2.5 million fruit trees of 1, 2 and 3 years old grow at Fleuren. |
| - | Production of 75% apple (of which 5% organic), 7% pear and 18 % cherry trees. |
| - | Of the total production, 70% is exported to many countries in Europe and further. |
| - | A Fleuren tree is a 100% Dutch product. Regular audits by NAK Tuinbouw guarantee inner quality. |
| - | Each tree that leaves the company has been subjected to a thorough quality inspection. |
| - | An extensive data system means all trees can be traced to their point of origin. |
| - | Special meetings are also arranged for organic fruit growers. |
| - | Guided tours for individuals or groups are possible. Simply telephone us to discuss the details (tel: +31 (0)77 - 477 2100). |
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TREE TYPES: KNIP-TREE AND 3K-TREE
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Regarding modernising and intensifying global fruit growing, the Netherlands has always occupied a trendsetting and innovative position. In the 1930s, the Dutch introduced a husbandry system using low growing, highly productive trees which signalled the change from traditional standard trees and bushes.
This originally Dutch planting system has been adopted from New Zealand to the United States of America, from Europe to Japan. The system is used the world over with the so-called "knip-tree" as the planting material. The first "knip-tree" was invented by Karel Fleuren at the end of the 1970 and has been copied many times since. Fleuren is still at the cutting edge of innovation, as proven by the project started in 1990 involving the so-called 3K-tree. If the knip-tree is an intensive system, the 3K-tree can justifiably be called a highly intensive system; more trees on the same plot, with the first harvest of fruit in the same planting year!
The two main developments attributed to Fleuren are described below, each with its own specific advantages and conditions. We are naturally happy to advise you personally about which system is most practical and profitable for your situation.
The knip-tree
The knip-tree is a two-year old fruit tree with a one-year-old crown. It thanks its name to a journalist who wrote; "after growing for a year at the nursery, the tree is topped (‘knippen’ in Dutch means to cut) at 65 cm above the ground". In the second year of growth, the upper buds remaining on the trunk develop first. By only retaining the upper shoot and removing all the other "wild" shoots in May, an explosive growth is stimulated which creates a many-branched one-year-old crown.
The extra benefit for the grower is that these branches develop at a nearly 90-degree angle. This means that the branches will naturally bear more fruit. The more horizontal the branches, the less growth, which results in higher fertility and fruit production. Another major advantage is that all the branches are above the point where the tree was topped. By allowing the branches to start developing at a height of around 70 cm, fruit wood is formed which doesn't trail on the ground - even when fully covered by fruit.
Grading and planting distance with knip-trees
The knip-tree can be planted at a distance that corresponds to the number and length of the branches.
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The 3K-tree
From vegetative to generative. 3K stands for Quality, Kilos and Colour.Just like the knip-tree, the 3K-tree was invented and developed by Karel Fleuren. The 3K-tree is an older knip-tree with short branches that usually end in a mixed terminal bud (blossom and leaf). By specially selecting knip-trees with short branches, and planting them in separate soil, Fleuren creates a tree at nursery stage that is ready to produce fruit in the very same planting year. These planted, hand-selected trees are called 3K-trees.
This new line of trees is intended for use in highly intensive husbandry systems
An important aspect is the number of branches and the height of the trees As these trees come into production immediately after planting, the planting distance is crucial. During planting, the final volume of the tree is also determined. With 3K-planting systems the trunk and head are usually attached to wires. (In connection with early fruit set and production)
Grading and planting distance with 3K-trees
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