"We have seen more demand from clients for edible flowers, as they are increasingly sold more by supermarkets or smaller stores, or used by restaurants and bars to pimp up cocktails and desserts. Therefore, it's a great opportunity for Graines VOLTZ to combine our knowledge in vertical farming and the large range of flower seedss. Flowers seeds production and seed technology are extremely demanding, and even more for the level of quality that vertical farming requires," says Emmanuel Guay, Sales representative at Voltz Maraîchage.
French seed supplier, Voltz Maraîchage announced its expansion into the vertical farming sector back in 2023, adding a dedicated department to their seed offering for CEA.
Voltz extended its vertical farming offer by adding an orange marigold, a Madagascar periwinkle, a cornflower, and a Californian poppy. Yet, there's is more to it than just edible flowers. Growers have access to various marigolds, carnations, and a large assortment of violas.
Based on selecting and testing varieties adapted to indoor growing, Voltz integrated key parameters like growth speed, compactness and adaptation to vertical farming conditions, based on customer requests. Germination and purity are also carefully checked to enter the vertical farming range.
"This new range allows clients to explore a new production mode, and sell products to reach new markets (cosmetic plants, or plant extracts for example). There is an increasing demand for sustainable and locally sourced plants or plant extracts. The flowers of our vertical farming range have been selected because they germinate and grow up quickly, in a compact size. We know that space and time are closely linked to profitability in a vertical farm, that's why the variety choice is important, to reach the best profitability," Emmanuel adds.
Emmanuel gave away that growers can expect a new range of leafy greens and lettuces adapted for indoor production coming soon.
For more information:
Voltz Vertical Farming
www.voltz-vertical-farming.com