Last weekend and this week, tons of new exciting and even experimental varieties would have been shining at different locations throughout the state of California, as today would have been the fourth day of the California Spring Trials. Although this year's edition (which was planned to run from March 28- April 1) was cancelled due to the concern over the spread of COVID-19, many participants took it online, enabling everyone to see what they were planning to have on display at their site.
Below some of the online initiatives of the participants Planthaven, Danziger, Syngenta and Ball Horticultural.
Planthaven's 8 introductions
This year, Planthaven would have presented their introductions for 2021 and beyond at a new CAST site, namely Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria. (This new location would not only host Planthaven, but also Suntory, Vivero Internacional, Aris Green Leaf Plants, Skagit Horticulture, Pacific Plug and Liner, Heritage Greenhouse Products. Southern Living Program and Sunset Program.)
As CAST is cancelled, they are now showing the newest batch of new introductions from their global plant breeder community in a different way. On their website, they devoted a special page dedicated to CAST 2020 (planthaven.com/cast2020) where they present 8 varieties that they would have presented at CAST this year.
Included are some, as they call it, 'world-first introductions': Dahlia Electro Pink, the first dark-leaved cactus Dahlia; the super-sized Supersemp Sempervivum; and Dianthus Hello Yellow, the first scented yellow Dianthus.
On top of showing the varieties in a picture and providing culture information and product knowledge sheets, they made a video in which Robert Bett gives more info on each variety.
Click here for the pictures, info and videos.
Danziger's Sneak Peak video
Also Danziger, who usually showcase their products at Headstart Nursery in Gilroy, decided to take their display online, giving a 30 second sneak peek of what they were planning to showcase at CAST 2020. And more is about to come, as their video ends with: "Stay tuned".
See the video below:
Syngenta's interactive webinar
On March 31 at 12:00 p.m. PDT and April 1 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, Syngenta aims to bring the excitement of the California Spring Trials to everyone in an online event. In this event, they will show their newest genetic innovations, technical trialing results and marketing programs. On top of that, their team of technical specialists, product experts, and launch teams will give more info on the newest products.
Click here to register for the webCAST of Syngenta
Ball Horticultural Company
At Ball Horticultural Company
in Santa Paula, 9 companies would have presented their innovations. Fortunately, with CAST | mobile, people who would have visited can still have access to all new varieties as this application provides browse-from-home access to the hundreds of plant varieties available through the breeding companies and brands of Ball Horticultural Company. The application can be used to see photos of what’s new, get plant information, and share your enthusiasm with the “Like” button. On top of that, one can also share notes and favorites via e-mail. (The application is available for iOS and Android devices. Search for "Ball Horticultural" in the stores.)
If you would have participated in CAST 2020 and you still want to share you introductions with the industry, feel free to let us know and send an email to info@floraldaily.com.