United Selections hosted its annual Open Days in Nakuru, Kenya, from January 13 to 16, 2026. The event brought together growers, partners, and industry colleagues to showcase advancements in rose breeding, international collaboration, and celebrate a milestone for Könst Alstroemeria.
Visitors explored the latest developments in standard roses, spray roses from the Blossoms series, chrysanthemums from Icon Selections, and alstroemeria from Könst. Extended visiting hours allowed for detailed evaluations and discussions with the United Selections team. Established commercial varieties like Madam Red and Jumilia were featured alongside new genetics focused on quality, productivity, disease resistance, and market relevance.
Several rose varieties garnered significant interest, including US 1286B (red), US 1653A (bi-color), and spray rose US 6055B. Within the chrysanthemum collection, Superstar and Quinn continued to perform well, while Nordic received notable attention. A growing interest in santini types for bouquet production was also observed. Varieties Debby and Bianca from Könst Alstroemeria stood out for their quality and commercial potential.
The Open Days emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and inspiration within the floral industry. Lucas J. Jansen of Flower Academy noted the strength of the genetics and the open dialogue with growers. Alina Neacsa, a floral designer and creative consultant, highlighted the value of experiencing the breeding source firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of the varieties and their origins.
The event underscored United Selections’ vision of “Breeding a Colourful Future Together,” emphasizing the role of market feedback in breeding decisions. The week concluded with a barbecue celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Könst Alstroemeria, recognizing eight decades of breeding excellence and innovation.
For more information:
United Selections
www.united-selections.com
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