Oct 23, 2020
Top Picks at Plantpeddler By Jasmina Dolce

Plantpeddler, located in Cresco, Iowa, hosts one of the country’s largest and most extensive plant trials each year. This year, the grower celebrated its 40th year in business with a full day of events on its Variety Day on Aug. 7.

Other than walking the trial gardens, attendees were able to attend presentations on plant health, greenhouse design, fertilizer management and more.

The trials were held in Plantpeddler’s new site, which was completed earlier this spring. The event featured nearly 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets and beds from a global representation of breeders.

Growers, breeders, brokers and retailers spent the day evaluation the trial garden, attending the educational presentations and touring the greenhouses. Attendees were able to vote for their top three varieties. The overwhelming first choice this year was Suntory’s bracteantha ‘Granvia Gold’.

Below are the top-ranked varieties. For a full list of the Top 25, click here.

And be on the lookout for the November issue of GPN, where contributor Vaughn Fletcher gives his evaluation of Plantpeddler’s combination basket trial.

1. Bracteantha ‘Granvia Gold’
Suntory Flowers

Granvia Gold - Plantpeddler

2. Begonia ‘I’Conia Upright Fire’
Dümmen Orange

Begonia Iconia - Plantpeddler

3. Begonia ‘Encanto Pink’
Beekenkamp

Begonia Encanto - Beekenkamp

4. Begonia ‘Mistral Orange’
Selecta One

Begonia Mistral - Plantpeddler

5. Verbena ‘Vanessa Compact Neon Pink’
Danziger

Danziger verbena - Plantpeddler

6. Dahlia ‘LaBella Medio Fun Purple Improved’
Beekenkamp

Lubega dahlia - Plantpeddler

Are you growing any of the above varieties? Have you visited any trials this summer? What are your favorite new varieties that you plan to add to your production? Shoot me an email at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com and let me know; I’d love to hear from you.

— Jasmina