The perfect variety. It is not only a breeder’s quest, it is also for all others in the chain. For this reason, breeders were showing as many varieties as possible at the California Spring Trials (CAST). At this 6-day event, that officially ended yesterday (April 19) new, existing, improved and even experimental varieties were on display throughout California.
The CAST enables growers, retailers, distributors and all other professionals in the chain to see, feel and smell a great range of plants and offers breeders the opportunity to receive feedback, which sometimes results in a focus shift.
All in all, in order to become the perfect variety, it - next to being beautiful - has to perform well throughout the chain. And when we visited the Trials, the word “easy” seems to be a requirement in almost every link in the chain. And ease is often achieved by turning a variety's weakness into a strength.
FloralDaily.com visited the CAST to make a full photo report of the show and has seen many new, existing, improved and experimental varieties that make the life of several links in the chain easier. Below are some of the varieties.
On the grower's level, for example, the Gaura lindheimeri 'Summer Star Baby' of Hishtil. It stays compact without requiring any plant growth regulators (PGRs). On the picture, Haim Rosenblum.
Next to varieties, also a new rooting technique that is said to simplify the grower's processes, saves labor and optimizes space was on display. Perry Wisman of Dümmen Orange was presenting their new rooting technology; Basewell. Basewell bare-root cuttings feature advanced root development and no growing media. This allows Basewell product to ship to growers from off-shore production locations, ready to transplant directly into the finish container.
On the retail level, the flexibility of the new Morgana Garden Mums series of Royal Van Zanten, for example, makes it a good variety to transport. On the picture Kelsey Fletchser of Ball Ingenuity. In the US, the Morgana series will be available through Ball.
And on the consumer level, the Two-in-One interspecific geranium of Elser PAC. This variety is both sun, part-shade, heat and drought tolerant. According to the breeder "an easy series for consumer success". On the picture Chris Berg, who represents Elsner PAC as well as Westhoff Flowers in the US.