History

Syngenta Flowers has a long history in the ornamentals industry. We combine the strengths and experience from our origins in Holland (Sluis & Groot), Germany (Fischer) and the United States (Goldsmith and Yoder).

For over 140 years, we have led the way in applying innovative technology and breeding techniques to the benefit of professional growers and to the delight of the end consumer. Our breeding efforts have led to a genetic offer that is second to none in the flowers industry. Just two of a long list of landmarks are the first F1 pansies and the first xanthomonas free pelargonium.

2008	Syngenta acquired Goldsmith Seeds Inc., a leading US flower seeds company. Syngenta acquired the Yoder pot and garden chrysanthemum and aster product lines.
2007	Syngenta acquired Fischer, the leading producer of pelargonium and a leader in poinsettia and NG impatiens.
2005	Syngenta founded Young Plant Distribution De Lier, Netherlands.
2004	Goldsmith Seeds Inc licensed its vegetative genetics to Fischer USA for a 10-year period.
2000	Novartis and AstraZeneca merged their agribusinesses to form Syngenta, the first global group focusing exclusively on agribusiness.
1996	Sandoz and Ciba merge to form Novartis.
1980	Sandoz acquired the Zaadunie group of Holland. Sluis & Groot (S&G) was one of the prominent marketing companies of Zaadunie.
1967	Glenn Goldsmith held the first “Pack Trial” in Gilroy, inviting seed brokers to view seed product in production. Spring “Pack Trials” are commonplace in the industry today worldwide.
1962	Glenn Goldsmith founded Goldsmith Seeds Inc. in Gilroy, California, USA.
1958	Gerhard Fischer founded Fischer in Hillscheid, Germany.
1867	Foundation of Sluis en Groot in Andijk, Netherlands.