Poinsettia Variety Day 2021

Posted: December 6, 2021

On a beautiful sunny December day in Northeast Iowa, Plantpeddler held Poinsettia Variety Day featuring a trial of 175 commercial and pre-release Poinsettia varieties. Hosted on Thursday, December 2, with representatives from all commercial Poinsettia breeders, broker representatives, and growers in attendance from 21 states and two European countries. The trial was produced under natural season commercial sustainable production protocol using limited PGRs. In addition, Fantasy Colors paint guru Andrew Lee (Ball) demonstrated value-added Poinsettia paint and upgrade treatments.

Genetics represented, were submitted by Beekenkamp, Dummen Orange, Lazzeri, Rinehart Poinsettias, Selecta, Suntory, and Syngenta Flowers. Plantpeddler is licensed by all breeders represented and prides itself on being a one-stop shop for premium Poinsettia liners. “With our leadership position in Poinsettias, this investment is for our retailers, growers, brokers, and breeding partners.” said Mike Gooder, President of Plantpeddler as to why Plantpeddler conducts their Poinsettia trial. Another commitment of Plantpeddler is to facilitate best practices in the horticulture industry.

As a true production trial, the tested varieties were grown within a block of benchmark commercial varieties with the same treatments and environmental conditions. This year, the Fall production conditions were warmer and brighter than average. Mike said, “The Poinsettia trial and Variety Day event emphasizes our commitment to the industry by showcasing genetics under northern USA growing conditions. It is important to do a Poinsettia production trial as a way for the industry and our growers to see how varieties perform in real world greenhouse conditions.”

Trial attendees voted using a three-flag system for “Best Red Variety” and “Best Non-Red Variety” with a 3, 2, 1 point scoring. The results are as follows:

Red Variety Top 10

  1. Kayla Red, Beekenkamp
  2. Robyn Red, Beekenkamp
  3. Ranch Red, Rinehart
  4. Serena Red, Lazzeri
  5. Prestigious, Dummen Orange
  6. Mirage Red, Syngenta
  7. Aries Red, Beekenkamp
  8. Pepita, Rinehart
  9. Christmas Eve Red, Selecta One
  10. Toro Red, Syngenta

Non-Red Variety Top 10

  1. Superba New Glitter, Lazzeri
  2. Alaska, Lazzeri
  3. Christmas Feelings Merlot, Selecta One
  4. Christmas Beauty Princess, Selecta One
  5. Jack Frost, Rinehart
  6. Glow Orange, Selecta One
  7. Robyn Pink, Beekenkamp
  8. Candy Bubblegum, Syngenta
  9. Premium Ice Crystal, Dummen Orange
  10. Early Polly’s Pink, Dummen Orange

    Plantpeddler Inc. Poinsettia Trial Results

    All Blog Posts