Showcasing Poinsettia genetics under northern USA growing conditions

On a frigid December day, the Poinsettia industry descended upon Cresco, Iowa, for Poinsettia Variety Day. With double-digit negative temperatures outside, guests found the greenhouses warm, inviting, and colorful. Trial attendees viewed 223 varieties. Hosted on Thursday, December 4th, representatives from all Poinsettia breeding companies, along with growers, retailers, brokers, and allied trades, were in attendance. Breeders presented on their top introductions, with Mike Poretsky of A-ROO discussing value-added upgrade treatments and packaging. Additionally, Caleb Wilson of Syngenta Professional Solutions held a training on proper drench application techniques.

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Genetics were submitted by Beekenkamp, Dummen Orange, Graff, InBlume, Lazzeri, Rinehart Poinsettias, Selecta One, and Suntory Flowers. Plantpeddler is licensed by all breeders represented and prides itself on being a one-stop shop for premium Poinsettia liners.

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The Plantpeddler Poinsettia Trial and Variety Day event emphasizes their commitment to the industry by showcasing genetics under northern USA growing conditions. As a leading young plant provider, this event represents an investment in the success of their retail, grower, broker, and breeding partners. A commercial production trial of Poinsettias is an important way for the industry and growers to evaluate variety performance, improve their selections, and therefore increase profitability. Another commitment of Plantpeddler is to educate growers on best practices in the horticulture industry.

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At Poinsettia Variety Day, a blind vote was conducted to determine the 2025 Best of Class White – 5 Year Challenge. This contest pitted the five top finishing white varieties in the Non-Red class over the past five years. The varieties were Jack Frost, Alaska, Pure White, Alpina and Brilliant White. In a close competition, Brillant White garnered the winning vote count. © Plantpeddler

Again, this year, "non-traditional" novelty varieties ranked at the top of the trial in both the Red and Non-Red categories.

Trial attendees voted using a three-flag system for "Best Red Variety" and "Best Non-Red Variety" with a 3, 2, 1 point scoring.

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Next year's Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day trial event on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Plantpeddler's Variety Day trial event showcasing Annuals is August 7, 2026.

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