CAST 2022: Ball Floraplant, Selecta One, Ball Seed, Darwin Perennials and Kieft Seed

A mini coleus, new double impatiens series and angelonia were highlights at this year's stop.


Coleus MicroBlaze Matchsticks

This mini coleus features a unique pattern and serrated edges with a habit that’s perfect for small pots, decorative borders and container mixes. It’s happy in both full sun and shade.

Double Impatiens Glimmer Series

This new series features downy mildew resistance with a similar look as Fiesta. (Fiesta will be phased out due to this series’ superior genetics.) Its vibrant, rose-like blooms are great in hanging baskets in the shade or for lower light gardens, it will be available in seven colors next spring: Appleblossom, Bright Red, Burgundy, Dark Red, Hot Pink, Salmon and White.

Angelonia AngelDance Series

This season-extender thrives in extreme heat, humidity and drought. With vibrant, large, bicolor flowers and flexible stems, it’s perfect for the landscape. It’s taller than Archangel series and freshens up the available options with pinks and purples.

Rudbeckia August Forest

This truly green flower is one-of-a-kind. From Ball Seed, Forest fills a demand from both growers and retailers. It will be available in limited quantities in 2022, with full availability in 2023 as the company has secured supply from east to west in the U.S.

Petunia Headliner Strawberry Sky

More line extensions continue in the sky petunia family with Headliner Strawberry Sky from Selecta One, and the genetics are even more stable. With plentiful POP for retailers including bench cards, posters and tags, retailers can find new ways to market. Now available in every size to fill any program. New this year are Headliner Light Pink Sky, Headliner Pink Sky 23 and Headliner Strawberry Sky.

 

Perovskia is moving from the back of the landscape bed to the front with Bluesette, a dwarf variety that reaches 14-22 inches tall. It also works well in a mixed combo or in a single premium patio container. Hardy to Zones 4-9, it attracts bees and butterflies. Plug crop time is 5-8 weeks and transplant to finish takes 10-14 weeks. Bluesette is a first-year flowering perennial. Need help with crop scheduling? Head to firstyearfloweringtool.com and plug in your desired sales timing and get all the dates needed for booking, sticking and planting.

Darwin Perennials New ‘Red Lark’ Delphinium

The breeder’s new delphinium throws up a floriferous main spike with several branching offshoots, and is recognized for its vibrant color choices. Its sturdy stems ensure the main spike does not flop over throughout the season, and it won’t stretch overly tall while maintaining a good upright habit that is perfect for containers.