This year, there is a new variety known as Jocker that may justifiably be called an early variety. Many forcers have seen for themselves that even when forced at temperatures 1-2 degrees cooler than standard, Jocker still produces fantastic results. This variety has been received very well in the marketplace, to a large extent because it has a very good shelf life, a lovely gleam and a well-formed head shape.

A real asset for early forcing

There’s no doubt that Jocker offers added value in the forcing period from the extremely early period until approximately mid-December. Its 130 or so growth days mean Jocker can be lifted extremely early. Jocker has very healthy foliage in the field and produces a large number of very uniform roots. You can certainly consider lifting around mid-September.

Lower forcing temperatures

This additional earliness also means that plant development needs to be steered more carefully. The pith temperature and sprouting power need to be kept under control. This year, Jocker has undergone large-scale trials. We have achieved great results with forcing temperatures that are 1-2 degrees lower than those usual for Atlas, with heavy, gleaming heads and an excellent head shape. Forcing period until approx. mid-December.