This Bloom Show Live broadcast took us inside Deliflor during Chrysanthemum Week 2025 in Colombia, where Correspondent Joe Don Zetzsche joined host Sahid Nahim as co-host. Together, they spoke with Juan David (JD) Lecuona, commercial director of Deliflor and David Marin, general director of Deliflor, to explore how breeding innovation, company culture and community spirit come together to shape the future of chrysanthemums. For growers, wholesalers, retailers and florists, these insights are crucial because what happens in Deliflor’s greenhouses today will shape what customers around the world enjoy tomorrow.

Innovation Rooted In Place

Colombia’s growing environment is central to Deliflor’s success, with perfect conditions year-round that make it the Garden of Eden for flowers. This year’s theme, roots, captured more than just the plant foundation—it reflected values, vision and origin. Visitors were impressed by the technical expertise on display and the rapid progress in genetics, sustainability and vase life. It was a clear reminder that the future of floral lies in the balance of place, science and purpose.

Santinis As The New Standout Bloom

“We have a probably 60 varieties of Santinis,” showing everything from button forms to chamomile-style fillers in a rainbow of colors. Their resilience, texture and vibrant presence make them a natural fit across supermarket bouquets, wholesale mixes, and florist designs. As Joe Don put it with enthusiasm, “the coming bloom is the santini… I’m in love with Santinis.” These varieties are not only beautiful but also efficient, offering more stems per square meter and longer vase life for consumers.

A Faster Breeding Pipeline

Deliflor’s commitment to innovation is accelerating at a remarkable speed.

“Every year we get like 25, 30 new varieties… 10 years ago we only get like five.," said Lecuona. “Trials now include input from supermarkets, wholesalers, florists and even consumers, ensuring that the varieties brought to market align with real demand. As one of the world’s leading flower breeders, Deliflor is setting the pace for faster, more market-ready solutions. For the floral supply chain, this means quicker access to fresh genetics and an ever-expanding palette of options to keep customers excited."

Culture At The Heart of Deliflor

Behind the blooms is a people-first philosophy.

“It’s the first thing in our strategy… first people… we call it Deliflor DNA.,” said Marin.

From a 6 a.m. all-company toast to a family party that welcomes hundreds, Deliflor places its employees and community at the center of everything. Visitors felt the enthusiasm and warmth, creating a sense of family that extended beyond the company walls. This culture of care fuels the passion behind every variety and every guest experience.

An Immersive Floral Showcase

The Delishow by Deliflor is more than a trial—it’s an experience often described as the Colombian Disney. With “50,000 stems used this year” in floral design and 316 varieties on display, the event immerses visitors in artistry and innovation. From tunnels of flowers to greenhouse celebrations, the show captures imagination while showcasing the future of chrysanthemums. It’s this dedication to storytelling that inspired The Bloom Show team to announce a new documentary project, with co-host Joe Don and Ace Barry providing commentary. The film will capture the voices and vision behind chrysanthemum innovation, continuing the conversation beyond the greenhouse.

Final Thought

Sahid reflected that Deliflor’s show is proof of what happens when roots, culture, and innovation meet. For him, it was a reminder that progress in floriculture isn’t abstract—it’s a stronger stem, a brighter bouquet and a community that grows together.

“You don’t just see one or two colors—you see almost every color under the sun. And that helps us as retailers tell the story of why these flowers matter to consumers,” said Don. His takeaway underscored the importance of connecting breeders’ innovation directly with the market.

“Our job is to connect all the people in the world to Chrysanthemums,” said Marin.

Nahim echoed that sentiment, noting that The Bloom Show carries the same mission—to connect the global floral community through stories, innovation and shared passion.