Plantpeddler showcases 1500 varieties at 2025 event
Plantpeddler hosted Variety Day 2025 on Aug. 1 in Cresco, Iowa, featuring more than 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals from breeders around the world. The trial gardens included large containers, hanging baskets and beds, with attendees voting for their top three varieties.
Begonia ‘Sweetspice Appleblossom’ was named the 2025 winner and will be included in the company’s 2026 program. Begonias dominated the Top 25 list, earning 11 spots, with the remaining 14 going to 10 spring annual genera.
The event drew more than 500 attendees, including breeders, brokers, growers, garden center managers and other industry professionals. Alongside the trials, sponsors hosted a trade show with presentations on greenhouse structures and equipment. Speakers included representatives from Griffin/Westland, BFG, Stuppy Greenhouse, Westbrook Systems, Green-Tek, Dramm and BioTherm. Carlos Bogran of BioWorks opened the sessions with a presentation on biorational management of diseases and pests.
Two achievement plaques were presented to Brad Meyer of Bachman’s and Al Zylstra of Dramm.
The event followed the Educate the Educators Workshop on July 31, which was attended by representatives from more than 50 schools. That evening, Plantpeddler hosted its 45th anniversary celebration.
Plantpeddler’s next event, Poinsettia Variety Day 2025, is scheduled for Dec. 4, and Variety Day 2026 will be Aug. 7.
Watch the Plantpeddler Variety Day 2025 recap video now!
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