Crops

A place where the iris tells the story of Tuscany

For us, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of taking care of and safeguarding the Tuscan landscape, and of giving value to our unique traditions. In our fields grows the iris, a flower that is the symbol of Florence and the heart of our cooperative. We grow it with great care, we hand-pick it and transform it into essential oils that carry the authentic perfume of Tuscany across the world.

The seed of a dream

Every year, between September and October, our farmers plant, by hand, the rootstocks – small shoots obtained from the rhizomes. The choice of terrain is of the utmost importance: sun-drenched hills, well-drained soil and optimal exposure ensure that the plant grows to be strong and healthy. Every row is plotted and planted with infinite care, like a work of art, all to respect the natural rhythm of the land and to guarantee the harmonious growth of future flowers. 

Growth and care of the fields

In the subsequent three years, the iris crops need patience and attention. The terrain is cleared manually, so as not to damage the roots, and the plants grow slowly, all while developing robust, aromatic rhizomes. This slow process is what gives the iris the quality and scent that make it so unique.

Harvest

The harvest, which takes place from mid-July to mid-September, is a delicate and critical moment. In order to preserve their integrity, the rhizomes are uprooted one by one, with great care. During the process, the youngest rootstocks are filtered out and re-planted, to guarantee the continuity of the supply chain. It’s a job that requires strength, precision and respect for the plant, because every rhizome represents three years of growth and constant care.

The processing of the rhizomes

The harvested rhizomes are not yet ready to be used: first they need to have their roots and flowers cleaned, then they need to be washed, cut and left to dry in the sun in order to get an unhusked product. Some are manually peeled, to get that precious husked rhizome, a rare and precious raw material.