Reg Proudfoot, hydroponic-lettuce grower at Lyalta Gardens greenhouse:
“Very happy with Alexandria RZ and Versaļ RZ”

“Consistency in germination and the plant quality itself are the main reasons why we stick with Alexandria
RZ and Versaļ RZ. They are perfect varieties for our system and climate,” says Reg Proudfoot, hydroponiclettuce
grower in Lyalta, a small community 30 miles from Calgary.

Reg has used Rijk Zwaan lettuce varieties since he started his family business 15 years ago. “I was very fortunate to meet a fellow from Rijk Zwaan, who convinced me to grow their lettuce varieties. Well, it turned out to be very good business. Up tothis day we are sticking with Rijk Zwaan varieties. Alexandria and Versaļ are perfect for year-round production in our floating raft system and our climate,” says Proudfoot. His customers are two restaurants and a retailer in Calgary. The retailer is supplied directly, the restaurants via logistics providers.

100% germination
“We sow, transplant and harvest every week. When we sow we use trays with 98 cells. Germination results are always 100%, even in summer. We try to keep
germination conditions cool for 24 to 48 hours in a shaded part of our glasshouse to ensure good results. We have never had a problem with it,” says Proudfoot.
The seedlings are transplanted from soil-less propagation beds to the floating raft system, using a 7- inch planting distance in summer and winter. Production time in the winter is only a week longer than in summer, because of the favourable light conditions in Alberta.The plants root directly in the water, using a computer-controlled EC of 2.0. The daytime temperature is kept at 16°C, the night temperature at 14°C. “In summer, daytime temperatures can rise to 30°C for two weeks or so, but we have never had problems with bolting. In the past we sometimes had tipburn, due to human error. But we have learned from our experiences.”

Rooted lettuce
Production figures are 11,000 heads per week, of which 80 to 90% are Class I. The retailer is supplied with rooted lettuce, which is a big trend in Canada,
says Proudfoot. “It keeps the lettuce fresh for three to five days longer and causes less damage and loss in the shops. The supply chain of our retailer
in Calgary is also very good. Our customers get the freshest product possible. But without the strong varieties and know-how of Rijk Zwaan results would never be so good.”

Alexandria RZ (butterhead lettuce) Versaļ RZ (red oakleaf lettuce) Size of glasshouse: Sowing: Planting: Growing system: Plant spacing: Yield:

3 ha weekly weekly floating raft system 7 inches 11,000 heads weekly

Seeds & Services Canada, september 2008