About us

Nourish to Flourish

Hadeco is a family-run business, now in the hands of the third generation of expert bulb growers. Our company has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s leading flower bulb producers. Guided by our tagline, “Nourish to Flourish,” we bring this philosophy into every bulb we plant, nurture, and deliver.

In an increasingly fast-paced world, we offer something different: a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the wonder of watching a bulb flourish into a magnificent bloom.

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Two Visionaries

Our journey began in 1945 when two young and ambitious men from the Netherlands, Floor Barnhoorn and Harry de Leeuw, realised their dream of settling in South Africa to grow fine flower bulbs. Self-made and determined, Floor and Harry worked long hours selling bulbs while attending night classes in English and accounting. Armed with their expertise, they arrived in South Africa in 1946 and planted the seeds – both literally and figuratively – for what would become Hadeco.

The early days were far from easy. With little more than a second-hand army tent as a bulb store, they struggled to build the business, selling fast-growing gladioli to generate cash flow. Floor managed production, while Harry travelled the country, often towing an old caravan as he developed a market for flower bulbs, which were virtually unknown in South Africa at the time. Their hard work paid off, and soon their hybrid Hippeastrum (amaryllis) bulbs gained worldwide recognition for their exceptional quality, laying the foundation for Hadeco’s future success.

Nourish to Flourish: The Heart of Our Mission

Our "Nourish to Flourish" philosophy embodies our commitment to nurturing growth. Whether one is a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to bring vibrant colours into their gardens. From bulb to bloom, our obsession with excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction ensures that our clients are always in professional hands to make their gardens flourish.

Farming for the Future: Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our practices. Hadeco is a proud member of Farming for the Future. By focusing on healthy soil, we minimise water runoff, reduce the use of chemicals on our farms, and lessen our overall environmental impact. This helps to create healthy biodiversity around our farms, in and above the soil.

Additionally, we are MPS certified, an international certification managed by the Milieu Programma Sierteelt (Environmental Programme Floriculture). This certification provides guidance and recognition for horticulture companies to adopt and implement sustainable practices in their operations.

We are making positive contributions to tackling global climate change by looking inward. Hadeco's efforts have been recognised through the Confronting Climate Change (CCC) Initiative, and we proudly celebrate our Carbon Hero achievement within the agricultural community. Sustainability is close to our hearts, and we strive to instil greener practices within our company while operating in an environmentally responsible manner.

Here are six initiatives that contribute to our Carbon Hero status:

Using solar energy
Improving soil health through composting, manure and mulching
Participating in the EnviroServ recycling programme
Utilising electric vehicles and trolleys to reduce fuel consumption
Harvesting rainwater for use in our greenhouses
Clearing alien species and employing IPM (Integrated Pest Management) which is a way to control insects without relying solely on pesticides

Our commitment extends to protecting pollinators; after all, the best way to save
the bees is to plant flowers. Every bulb we grow contributes to thriving ecosystems, fostering biodiversity in the soil and the surrounding environment.

By focusing on healthy soil, minimising water runoff, and reducing chemical
use, we embrace a balance between traditional methods and modern eco-friendly practices, without relying on genetic modification. This approach aligns with our promise to a sustainable future for both our community and the planet.

From Farm to Garden: A Commitment to Quality

We operate across eight farms on South Africa’s Highveld, where we nurture a wide variety of bulbs that thrive in the local climate. For those that require a different production environment, we import the best bulbs from around the world and adapt them to Southern African conditions, ensuring that gardeners have access to a diverse selection of blooms. Our operations seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, adding bursts of colour and vitality to South Africa’s scenery.

Through partnerships with leading brands such as Chrysal and Pokon, we provide gardeners with everything they need to keep their plants thriving. From nutrition-rich fertilisers to flower care products, we ensure that every gardener has access to high-quality gardening care and expert advice.

A Family Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Our story is not solely about flowers – it is about family. Managed today by direct descendants of founder Floor Barnhoorn, we have remained true to our origins while constantly evolving. We continue to lead the world in breeding, growing, and distributing Hippeastrum (amaryllis) bulbs, and our commitment to innovation in hybridisation ensures that gardeners everywhere have access to the most beautiful, hardy, and unique varieties of flowers.

Despite our global success, we remain a family-run business with a personal touch. From hand-harvesting bulbs to providing one-on-one customer support, we ensure that every interaction with a customer reflects the care and passion that have defined our brand for generations.

Everything Your Garden Needs – All in One Place

With one of the largest ranges of flowerpots in the southern hemisphere, we offer everything from elegant ceramics to classic terracotta, ensuring that every garden centre, nursery, and home gardener can find the perfect pot for their plants.

Planting garlic in the vegetable garden. Autumn gardening.

A Global Family: Roots that Span the Globe

As the world's largest Hippeastrum (amaryllis) producer, our reach extends far beyond South Africa. However, despite our global footprint, we maintain a deep connection to our South African roots.
Through our ongoing efforts to support local growers and expand the country's commercial bulb farming industry, we are committed to growing opportunities within the region.

The Future of Hadeco: Growing with Purpose

As we move into the future, our core values remain unchanged. We are driven by our commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Through ongoing efforts in hybridisation and research, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in flower bulb production, ensuring that every bloom is a testament to our obsession with quality.

As we continue to grow, our roots remain firmly planted in the traditions, values, and vision that have guided us for over seven decades.