Skip to content

Nourish to Flourish

At Hadeco, our deep-rooted passion for cultivating beauty is inspired by a
profound love of nature. Now in our third generation of expert bulb growers, we
have grown from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s leading flower
bulb producers. Our heart beats with a simple yet
powerful belief: bulbs are a reflection of nature’s majesty, and they nurture
not only the earth but also the soul. Guided by our tagline, “Nourish to
Flourish,” we bring this philosophy into every bulb we plant, nurture, and
deliver. It is not merely a tagline – it is a way of life.

In an increasingly fast-paced world, we
offer something different: a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and
experience the wonder of watching a bulb flourish into a magnificent bloom.

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Two Visionaries

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Two Visionaries

Our journey began in 1945 when two young
and ambitious men from the Netherlands,
Floor Barnhoorn and Harry de Leeuw, realised their dream of settling in South
Africa to grow fine flower bulbs. Self-made and determined, Floor and Harry
worked long hours selling bulbs while attending night classes in English and
accounting. Armed with their expertise, they arrived in South Africa in 1946
and planted the seeds – both literally and figuratively – for what would become
Hadeco.

The early days were far from easy. With
little more than a second-hand army tent as a bulb store, they struggled to
build the business, selling fast-growing gladioli to generate cash flow. Floor
managed production, while Harry travelled the country, often towing an old
caravan as he developed a market for flower bulbs, which were virtually unknown
in South Africa at the time. Their hard work paid off, and soon their hybrid Hippeastrum (amaryllis) bulbs gained
worldwide recognition for their exceptional quality, laying the foundation for
Hadeco’s future success.

Nourish to Flourish: The Heart of Our Mission

Our "Nourish to Flourish"
philosophy embodies our commitment to nurturing growth. Whether one is a
seasoned gardener or a beginner, we believe that everyone deserves the
opportunity to bring vibrant colours into their gardens. From bulb to bloom,
our obsession with excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction ensures
that our clients are always in professional hands to make their gardens
flourish.

Farming for the Future: Sustainabilityat the Core

Farming for the Future: Sustainabilityat the Core

Sustainability
is woven into every aspect of our practices. Hadeco is a proud member of
Farming For The Future. Focusing on healthy soil allows us to have less water
runoff, use fewer chemicals on our farms and lessen the impact we have on our
soil. This helps to create healthy biodiversity around our farms, in and above
the soil. Additionally, we are MPS certified, an international certification
managed by the Milieu Programma Sierteelt (Environmental Programme
Floriculture). This certification provides guidance and certification for
horticulture companies to adopt and implement sustainable practices in their
operations.

We
are making positive contributions to tackling global climate change by looking
inward. Hadeco's efforts have been recognised through the Confronting Climate
Change (CCC) Initiative, and we proudly celebrate our Carbon Hero achievement
within the agricultural community. Sustainability is close to our hearts, so we
endeavour to instil greener practices within our company and operate in an
environmentally responsible manner.

Here
are six initiatives that contribute to our Carbon Hero status:

Our commitment extends to protecting
pollinators; after all, the best way to save the bees is to plant flowers.
Every bulb we grow contributes to thriving ecosystems, fostering biodiversity
in the soil and the surrounding environment. By focusing on healthy soil,
minimising water runoff, and reducing chemical use, we embrace a balance
between traditional methods and modern eco-friendly practices, without relying
on genetic modification. This approach aligns with our promise to a sustainable
future for both our community and the planet.

From Farm to Garden: A Commitment to
Quality

We operate across eight farms on South
Africa’s Highveld, where we nurture a wide variety of bulbs that thrive in the
local climate. For those that require a different production environment, we
import the best bulbs from around the world and adapt them to Southern African
conditions, ensuring that gardeners have access to a diverse selection of
blooms. Our operations seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, adding
bursts of colour and vitality to South Africa’s scenery.

Through partnerships with leading brands
such as Chrysal and Pokon, we provide gardeners with everything they need to
keep their plants thriving. From nutrition-rich fertilisers to flower care
products, we ensure that every gardener has access to high-quality gardening
care and expert advice.

A Family Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Our story is not solely about flowers – it
is about family. Managed today by direct descendants of founder Floor
Barnhoorn, we have remained true to our origins while constantly evolving. We
continue to lead the world in breeding, growing, and distributing Hippeastrum (amaryllis) bulbs, and our
commitment to innovation in hybridisation ensures that gardeners everywhere
have access to the most beautiful, hardy, and unique varieties of flowers.

Despite our global success, we remain a
family-run business with a personal touch. From hand-harvesting bulbs to
providing one-on-one customer support, we ensure that every interaction with a
customer reflects the care and passion that have defined our brand for
generations.

Everything Your Garden Needs – All in
One Place

With one of the largest ranges of flowerpots
in the southern hemisphere, we offer everything from elegant ceramics to
classic terracotta, ensuring that every garden centre, nursery, and home
gardener can find the perfect pot for their plants.

Our dedication to customers is reflected in
the bespoke, personal service that accompanies every order. No matter where in
South Africa one is based, our online store is ready to deliver the finest
bulbs straight to their door.

A Global Family: Roots that Span the
Globe

As the world's largest Hippeastrum (amaryllis) producer, our reach extends far beyond
South Africa. With key markets in Northern Europe – particularly Sweden,
Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany – as well as in the United States and
China, we are a global player in the bulb industry. However, despite our global
footprint, we maintain a deep connection to our South African roots. Through
our ongoing efforts to support local growers and expand the country's
commercial bulb farming industry, we are committed to growing opportunities
within the region.

The Future of Hadeco: Growing with
Purpose

As we move into the future, our core values
remain unchanged. We are driven by our commitment to excellence, reliability,
and customer satisfaction. Through ongoing efforts in hybridisation and
research, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in flower bulb
production, ensuring that every bloom is a testament to our obsession with
quality.

As we continue to grow, our roots remain
firmly planted in the traditions, values, and vision that have guided us for
over seven decades.