By Petros Stefanis

 

 

Over 80 orchid varieties are cultivated and exported from Greece by two brothers from Samos, Manos and Nikos Garoufalis in the island of Samos, in Aegean sea. (http://www.orchids.gr/).

 

The two brothers are self-made businessmen and in a period of 24 years, they manage to produce in their own greenhouses their impressive, colorful orchids. This beautiful flower is cultivated only in Samos in Greece - first started in 1978 by the Amirsonis family (https://amirsonisorchids.gr/). Their main advantage is the durability of these flowers, which are scattered and in their wild form in the mountains of Samos. The microclimate of the island favors the growth of orchids, as the Aegean sea records the highest percentages of sunshine throughout Greece.

 

In addition to their beauty, these flowers have a long shelf life, as they can be kept in the vase for at least 30 days after being cut. They are also durable, with the time frame after their packaging at least 10 days until they reach their destination.

 

Today the two brothers have four greenhouse units, with a total area of 21 acres. There they cultivate varieties of the cymbidium standard species, in various colors and shades. The main colors are white, green, pink, red, yellow, in recent years and orange. In the Greek market, however, the most popular color is white.

 

"Our idea was embraced"

 

The difficulties that Garoufalis brothers had to overcome, especially in their first steps, seemed insurmountable. In fact, they have taken, as they say, a big risk, until they managed to secure funding from European programs, which gave them access to capital. Without European programs, they would not be able to promote their investment. "Fortunately for us, our idea was supported by the relevant local bodies and the banks, so we started and moved forward," says Nikos Garoufalis.

 

Their greenhouses are of Dutch origin and specifications. They have heating systems with mild forms of energy, cooling (panel) and irrigation systems, a water desalination and treatment unit, ventilation systems, a thermal curtain for shading and heating. All this is controlled by a computer, which creates the right climatic conditions for the growth of plants. The watering and fertilizing of the plants are also done with a digital process, it can be controlled and programmed remotely with a smart phone.

 

Each year's production is not quantitatively specified in advance. It is affected by many different factors, the climatic conditions, but also the age of the plants. This cultivation is not a simple and easy task. On the contrary, it is a long and specialized process. These plants are produced in a laboratory abroad, while their propagation process takes two years. Then, after receiving the new plants, they grow for a period of about four years, until their first flowering. Orchids bloom once a year and their productive life lasts seven to eight years after the first bloom. The production period is controlled, related to periods of increased demand, lasting from October to the end of May each year.

 

The wonderful products of Garoufalis brothers in Samosalso "traveled" to Italy, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Germany and to Turkey. Their next projects are to install photovoltaic systems in their facilities for energy self-sufficiency and autonomy.

 

Garoufalis brothers' dream is that their children will follow their footsteps and will be the next generation of orchid producers in Samos.