At the heart of Tambov, Russia, innovation blooms in the form of tulips. “Teplichnoe,” nestled in Krasnenkaya village, has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to tulip cultivation that marries cutting-edge technology with ecological sensitivity. With an investment of approximately 24 million rubles, the facility introduced a state-of-the-art greenhouse tailored specifically to the needs of these delicate spring flowers.
The greenhouse spans 1300 square meters and operates within an energy hub equipped with autonomous irrigation systems and a microclimate regulation mechanism. According to Alexey Manakhin, the CEO of “Teplichnoe,” this year serves as a pilot phase, marked by meticulous experimentation guided by a robust scientific foundation. The cultivation method employed is hydroponics, eschewing traditional soil planting in favor of trays where bulbs are not planted but rather anchored onto specialized needles. This method commenced on December 21st, addressing the tulips’ initial requirement of a cool environment around 5 degrees Celsius for the first three weeks.
Anna Dmitrenko, overseeing department #1, emphasized the challenges overcome during the initial stages in late December due to frigid conditions. Despite these hurdles, a nutrient solution was diligently administered every two days post-anchoring, ensuring optimal growth conditions. The greenhouse is enveloped in green, thanks to a dual-layered canopy that diffuses sunlight, safeguarding the tulips from solar damage and uncontrolled growth.
Presently, the facility is maintained by just two floriculturists who initiated the trial batch of tulip trays on November 29th. The anticipated yield will showcase the distinct qualities of “Strong Gold,” a popular tulip variant known for its robustness compared to its lighter Dutch counterparts. This advantage allows for a longer growth cycle and fuller bloom.
By mid-February, the greenhouse will burst into hues of white, pink, red, and yellow as “Teplichnoe” prepares for its inaugural harvest. The facility accommodates 19 tulip varieties, including the coveted “Columbus” and the salmon-hued “Barre Alta,” highlighting the diversity and exclusivity of their floral offerings.
In a bid to maximize space efficiency, a segment of trays has been stacked vertically across two tiers, promising to double the overall yield if successful. Plans are already underway for the construction of an additional greenhouse block, poised to accommodate up to two million plants and potentially expand production further.
Notably, the majority of tulip output has already been allocated for commercial purposes, with retail sales slated for late February to early March. Additionally, “Teplichnoe” nurtures coniferous plants such as cypresses, thuja, and junipers within the same facility, diversifying its agricultural portfolio.
This innovative venture was conceptualized in collaboration with the head of Tambov Region, Maxim Egorov, reflecting a shared vision for agricultural diversification and sustainable growth. Discussions are underway for the establishment of separate greenhouse units dedicated to rose cultivation, further underscoring “Teplichnoe’s” commitment to expanding its floral repertoire.
