Photo courtesy of Plantpledder
Cresco, Iowa based grower 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
| Rank | 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 |
Plantpeddler's next event is its annual Poinsettia Variety Day on Dec. 5, 2019. Next year's Variety Day, which also will be a 40th anniversary celebration for grower, is scheduled for Aug. 6-8, 2020.
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