Fleuroselect and RHS Wisley collaborate on sunflower trial

On Aug. 18, the Royal Horticultural Society held an Open Day to showcase its sunflower trial, consisting of over 140 new and existing varieties, at Wisley. Seed has been supplied by Fleuroselect breeder members with the trial being run by the expert trials department at Wisley. Fleuroselect is the International Organisation for the Ornamental Plants Industry.

The trial clearly shows the enormous diversity in garden sunflowers from the tall varieties which are favourites with children to the intermediate varieties for borders and the dwarf types for pots and patio. It also includes the professional items for cutflower production.

Press and breeders were invited together with the RHS sunflower forum who at the end of the season will be announcing which varieties are eligible for the Award of Garden Merit. The trial has been a tremendous hit with the visiting public who are invited to pick their own winner for the People's Choice award.

Fleuroselect is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the RHS on this project as part of its year of the sunflower campaign designed to increase awareness of the use of sunflowers.