The new “OK trumps” for mid-season forcing were tested for the first time this season in December 2010 at the research-station of Hoquet Graines in France. The new hybrids Baccara and Fakir (from French sources) were forced. The ripeness of these lots for this period did not disappoint.

First Baccara-trial in December

Baccara in particular was already producing sturdy, well-formed heads. A still somewhat puffy outer leaf revealed that this was after all a variety cultivated for a somewhat later forcing period. This could be seen even more clearly with Fakir. As stated, the varieties Baccara and Fakir that were introduced fairly extensively last year are cultivated for mid-season forcing. Depending on the ripeness of the root, we can plant Baccara from early January onwards, with Fakir normally being planted a little later still. The initial test forcings in the Netherlands are currently underway.

Experimental

Many new experimental specimens for mid-season forcing have already been tested. The specimen OK-7209 is also cultivated for mid-season forcing. This specimen is still in an experimental phase but appears to have a good chance of being introduced “in the field”.