Variety Day 2019

Posted: August 5, 2019

Our results from the trial as chosen by our attendees, who were given Blue, red and white flags to pick their top three favorites. Point values are assigned to each flag and results are tallied. We had a great turnout of customers, brokers and industry professionals; over 250 to enjoy the beautiful day.

Press Release

Plantpeddler held its annual Variety Day, Friday August 2, officially opening the newly expanded trial site. This space represents an investment in grower success by “Testing the Best in the Midwest”. The event showcased nearly 1,200 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets and beds from a global array of breeders.

Growers, breeders, brokers, and retailers spent the day evaluating the trial gardens, attending seminars by industry professionals, and touring the greenhouses. Presenters included: Jennie Smith of BASF, Dr. Carlos Bogran of OHP, Lisa Heredia representing Danziger, Bart Hayes of Westhoff, and Mike Gooder of Plantpeddler. Participants had the opportunity to vote on their top three varieties.

The Top 25 Varieties:

#, Genus, Variety, Breeder

  1. Calibrachoa, Callie Eclipse Raspberry, Syngenta Flowers
  2. Eupatorium, Elegant Feathers, Kientzler
  3. Begonia, Fragrance Falls Peach, Beekenkamp
  4. Catharanthus, Soiree Double Pink, Suntory
  5. Lantana, Hot Blooded Red, Syngenta Flowers
  6. Petunia, Sanguna Patio Radiant Dark Blue, Syngenta Flowers
  7. Xerochrysum, Bracteantha Granvia Gold, Suntory
  8. Lantana, Bandolero Cherry Sunrise, Syngenta Flowers
  9. Calibrachoa, MiniFamous Uno Double PinkTastic, Selecta
  10. Pentas, Starcluster Violet, Syngenta Flowers
  11. Osteospermum, Zion Purple Sun, Selecta
  12. Petunia, Cascadias Purple Ice, Danziger
  13. Petunia, Crazytunia Raspberry Lemonade, Westoff
  14. Portulaca, Pazazz Tangerine, Danziger
  15. Phlox, Gisele Hot Pink, Selecta
  16. Salvia, Skyscraper Pink, Selecta
  17. Artemisia, FanciFillers Sea Salt, Westoff
  18. Calibrachoa, Lia Dark Red, Danziger
  19. Petunia, Shortcake Blueberry, Syngenta Flowers
  20. Geranium, ISP, Moxie! Hot Pink, Syngenta Flowers
  21. Geranium, ISP, Calliope Large Coral, Syngenta Flowers
  22. Geranium, ISP, Calliope Large Dark Red, Syngenta Flowers
  23. Verbena, Lascar Vampire, Selecta
  24. Begonia, Solenia Yellow, Benary+
  25. Calibrachoa, Candy Shop Fancy Berry, Westoff

The event was made even more enjoyable by the perfect weather and a cookout under the big tent, featuring a local farm to table menu.

Mark your calendars: Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day on December 5, 2019. Plantpeddler’s 40th Anniversary Celebration & Variety Day on August 6-8, 2020. Please make plans to attend both events.