Plantpeddler, located in Cresco, Iowa, conducted a trial of 144 commercial and pre-release Poinsettia varieties. Variety Day was hosted on Thursday, December 3, with representatives of Poinsettia breeders, broker representatives, and growers in attendance. The trial was produced under natural season commercial production protocol. Mike Gooder, President of Plantpeddler said, “The Poinsettia trial and Variety Day event emphasizes our commitment to industry by showcasing genetics under northern USA growing conditions. It is important to do a Poinsettia production trial as a way for the industry and our growers to see how varieties perform in real world greenhouse conditions.”
Genetics represented were submitted by Beekenkamp, Dummen Orange, Lazzeri, Rinehart Poinsettias, Selecta, Suntory, and Syngenta Flowers. Plantpeddler is licensed by all the represented breeders and prides itself on being a one-stop shop for premium Poinsettia liners.
“With our leadership position in Poinsettias, this investment is for our retailers, growers, brokers and breeding partners.” said Mike as to why Plantpeddler conducts their Poinsettia trial. Another commitment of Plantpeddler is to facilitate best practices in the horticulture industry.
As a true production trial, the tested varieties were grown within a block of benchmark commercial varieties with the same treatments and environmental conditions. This year, the Fall production conditions were warmer and brighter than average, especially during the final stages of finishing, which was the opposite of the previous year’s finishing weather conditions. The above average light and warmer temps created optimal color and bract expansion in the 2020 trial block.
Trial attendees voted using a three flag system for “Best Red Variety” and “Best Non-Red Variety” with a 3, 2, 1 point scoring. The results are as follows:
Red Variety Top 10. Click here to enlarge
Non-Red Variety Top 10. Click here to enlarge
Plantpeddler extends a sincere thank-you to all the breeders for help making this trial possible. Mark your calendars now for next year’s Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day trial event on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Plantpeddler’s Variety Day trial event showcasing Annuals is August 6, 2021.
For more information:
Plantpeddler
(800) 827-1654
[email protected]
www.plantpeddler.com