In this conversation, Jo Robinson chats with Sandy, the marketing manager at Egmont Seeds. They talk about her role, the history of Egmont Seeds, and the challenges and joys of working in the seed industry.

Sandy shares insights into the company's operations, including sourcing seeds globally, ensuring seed is high quality, and the importance of understanding local growing conditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on seed variety availability, the role of Egmont Seeds in the local flower farming community, and Sandy's personal experiences and preferences in gardening.

Takeaways:

• Sandy is the marketing manager at Egmont Seeds, focusing on customer needs and sourcing new plant materials.

• Egmont Seeds started with John McCullough's passion for seeds, leading to the creation of New Zealand's largest seed company.

• The company imports seeds globally and supplies retail businesses, nurseries, and commercial flower growers.

• Sandy's horticultural background enriches her role, allowing her to contribute to both marketing and hands-on tasks in the business.

• Egmont Seeds has expanded into growing sweet peas on a large scale, overcoming global supply challenges.

• The company emphasizes the importance of understanding local growing conditions for successful seed cultivation.

• Sandy shares personal gardening tips, including the use of heat mats for better germination and choosing plants based on personal preference.

• Egmont Seeds is committed to sustainability, trialling compostable packaging while ensuring seed freshness.

• The conversation highlights the difference between growing from seed and breeding, emphasizing the value of true breeding efforts.

• Sandy encourages growers to choose seeds based on personal taste and local conditions for the best results.

Sound Bites:

• Egmont Seeds is New Zealand's largest seed company.

• We import seeds from all over the world.

• Understanding local growing conditions is key.

• Sweet peas are now a major focus for us.

• Sustainability is important, but freshness is key.

• Choose seeds based on what you love to grow.

• Breeding and growing from seed are not the same.

• Heat mats can improve germination rates.

• Our seeds are in gardens all over New Zealand.

• Gardening is my happy place.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Egmont Seeds and Sandy's Role

02:41 The History and Growth of Egmont Seeds

05:10 Sandy's Horticultural Background and Personal Gardening

07:45 The Sweet Pea Project and Its Expansion

10:34 Sourcing and Importing Seeds Globally

13:10 Ensuring Seed Quality and Germination Rates

16:06 Choosing Varieties for New Zealand Conditions

18:39 Trialling New Varieties and Future Prospects

24:54 Common Seed Starting Mistakes

27:32 Tips for Successful Germination

29:13 Recommended Flower Varieties for Beginners

31:53 Understanding Seed Sourcing and Packaging

36:12 Sustainability in Seed Production

38:57 The Importance of Local Seed Production

42:57 Trends in Seed Demand

45:25 Egmont's Role in the Flower Farming Community

46:16 Personal Favourites in Flower Growing

48:50 Advice for New Seed Sourcing

50:37 Closing Thoughts and Support

Connect with Our Sponsors: (UFG) United Flower Growers: https://ufg.co.nz

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Music Credit: Credit for some of the music in this episode goes to Shane Ivers - Happy Clappy Ukulele

Key words:

#flowerfarminginNZ

#nzflowergrowers

#nzflorists

#sustainablefloristry

#sustainableflowerfarming

#Egmont Seeds,

#seedindustry,

#horticulture,

#seed sourcing,

#seed quality,

#local growing conditions