Dec 9, 2021

Plantpeddler Reveals Results from 2021 Poinsettia Variety Day

On Dec. 2, Plantpeddler presented its 2021 Poinsettia Variety Day featuring a trial of 175 commercial and pre-release poinsettia varieties in the company’s greenhouses in Cresco, Iowa.

Attending this year’s event were representatives from all commercial poinsettia breeders, broker representatives and growers from 21 states and two European countries.

The trial was produced under natural season commercial sustainable production protocol using limited PGRs. In addition, Fantasy Colors paint guru Andrew Lee (Ball) demonstrated value-added poinsettia paint and upgrade treatments.

Genetics represented, were submitted by Beekenkamp, Dümmen Orange, Lazzeri, Rinehart Poinsettias, Selecta, Suntory and Syngenta Flowers. Plantpeddler is licensed by all breeders represented and is 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 Gooder, president of Plantpeddler.

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. Gooder said, “The poinsettia trial and Variety Day event emphasizes our commitment to the 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.”

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 Top 10 Reds were:

1. ‘Kayla Red’ — Beekenkamp
2. ‘Robyn Red’ —Beekenkamp
3. ‘Ranch Red’ — Rinehart
4. ‘Serena Red’ — Lazzeri
5. ‘Prestigious’ — Dümmen Orange
6. ‘Mirage Red’ — Syngenta Flowers
7. ‘Aries Red’ — Beekenkamp
8. ‘Pepita’ — Rinehart
9. ‘Christmas Eve Red’ — Selecta One
10. ‘Toro Red’ — Syngenta

The Top 10 Non-Reds were:

1. ‘Superba New Glitter’ — Lazzeri
2. ‘Alaska’ — Lazzeri
3. ‘Christmas Feelings Merlot’ — Selecta One
4. ‘Christmas Beauty Princess’ — Selecta One
5. ‘Jack Frost’ — Rinehart
6. ‘Glow Orange’ — Selecta One
7. ‘Robyn Pink’ — Beekenkamp
8. ‘Candy Bubblegum’ — Syngenta
9. ‘Premium Ice Crystal’ — Dümmen Orange
10. ‘Early Polly’s Pink’ — Dümmen Orange

Next year’s Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day trial event will take place Dec. 1, 2022.

Plantpeddler’s Variety Day trial event showcasing Annuals is Aug. 5, 2022.

For more information contact Plantpeddler at 800.827-1654 and info@plantpeddler.com.