One of the most exciting breakthroughs in the research and development of the African Violet was in the early 1960's, with the introduction of the first non-dropping variety called Elfriede. Today all of Optimara Varieties and most all other competitive varieties available on the market have this characteristic.

In 1961, the name of the company changed from Dorrenbach-Holtkamp Greenhouses to Hermann Holtkamp, KG.  In 1977, Holtkamp Greenhouses was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Optimara brand name was introduced to the American consumer.

In 1981, we started with Optiflora, a plant care product line which also sells its products under the Optimara brand name. In 1992, the company in the USA began growing miniature Poinsettias. Over the past few years, the company has added Elatior Begonias, Rex Begonias, many varieties of ferns and foliage plants to its product line. In the future, we hope to add even more items which will give the company new and exciting opportunities in delivering a diverse product line to the consumer into the 21^st century.

Backing up everything that Optimara grows is a uniquely energetic marketing and distribution program that makes Optimara Violets as easy to sell as they are to grow. In the design of all Optimara packaging and display materials, the focus is on minimizing set-up and maintenance, while maximizing selling power and attention-getting appeal.

From the most popular African Violet in the world
to a complete line of consumer plant care products,
Optimara has what it takes to make your business grow.

To order any of the products discussed on this page, visit
Selective Gardener

Copyright 1999-2002 Optimara/Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee. Doctor Optimara, the Doctor Optimara logo and Optimara Field Guide are trademarks of Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Optimara, the Optimara logo, EverFloris, MiniWell, MaxiWell, WaterShip and Watermaid are trademarks of International Plant Breeding, A.G., Switzerland.