Dec 6, 2023
Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day 2023 results

On Nov. 30, 2023, breeders and attendees participated in Plantpeddler’s Poinsettia Variety Day in Cresco, Iowa, where over 175 commercial and pre-release Poinsettia varieties were featured for evaluation and review.

The trial was produced under natural season, commercially sustainable production protocol using limited PGRs. In addition, Mike Poretsky of A-ROO presented value-added upgrade treatments and packaging.

Genetics were submitted by Beekenkamp, Dümmen Orange, Express Seed, 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.

“With our leadership position in Poinsettias, this investment is for our retailers, growers, brokers, and breeding partners.” Mike Gooder, president of Plantpeddler, said. Another commitment of Plantpeddler is to facilitate best practices in the horticulture industry.

Red Variety Number 1: Kayla Red from Beekenkamp

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, throughout production higher-than-average temperatures and daylight were experienced.

“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 for the industry and our growers to see how varieties perform in North American, northern climate greenhouse conditions,” Gooder said.

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: