This year the early-season varieties performed very well right up to the end. The results were excellent until late February, with high production levels and a very good shelf life. Obviously, this does not apply across the board to all batches, but if the roots are cultivated for the forcing season after New Year and are stored at optimal temperatures (below zero) good results can be achieved until the end of February.

The importance of proper storage

The batches that were sown after 20 May and were well stored are still performing very well. The photos show a batch of Mont Blanc from Bart Wezenberg, which were forced around 10 February 2010 (click to enlarge). Unlike later varieties, which are occasionally a little under-ripe (less harvestable and shorter shelf life), the optimally stored early batches are now scoring very well. A more even temperature regime may be required for these early-season batches depending on the degree of ripeness. See also forcing recommendations: Jan-Feb.

Hermès, Jadore and Mont Blanc still going strong

Désir is an earlier hybrid, which is no longer forced in February. The varieties Hermès, Jadore and Mont Blanc can last long this year but should be given good CaCl and boron treatment in February. All-rounder Atlas continues to do well.