6 Cool Trends From California Spring Trials
June 18, 2018 
Greenhouse Grower’s team at California Spring Trials 2018 included
(l to r) Editor Laura Drotleff, Contributing Editor Dr. Allan Armitage, CAST Scholarship recipient Andrew Scheldorf, and Managing Editor Janeen Wright.
The week of California Spring Trials (CAST) is one point in the year in which I am utterly overwhelmed and exhausted, yet completely invigorated and refreshed. The opportunity to witness the introduction of hundreds of new varieties; see the exciting new marketing displays, vignettes, and ideas; and meet, reconnect with, and talk to the brilliant, fascinating, and warm people in our industry — not to mention the beautiful, incomparable scenery of California — provides me with what is truly like a shot of fresh air in my lungs after a long, musty winter cooped up in Ohio.
While traveling with my team of Managing Editor Janeen Wright and Contributing Editor Allan Armitage, and for the past two years Allan’s scholarship winner, we enjoy identifying some of the prevalent CAST trends, which we hope will inspire you, too. Here are some of the standouts:
Breeding for Disease Resistance. Whether it was TMV at Floranova, downy mildew at PanAmerican Seed, or black spot at Suntory Flowers and Plug Connection (and so on), breeders are working diligently to breed disease-resistant varieties. Ultimately, this will benefit everyone in the supply chain, from improving production to better postharvest to awesome garden performance. Keep up the good work!
Fragrance Is In; So Is Taste. There was an influx of roses coming into the market this year (Suntory, Plug Connection, Proven Winners), and each series’ attributes placed an emphasis on breeding fragrance back into the flower. And it didn’t stop at roses, either. Beekenkamp’s Fragrant Falls Dreams Begonia, the fragrant gardenia varieties at J. Berry Nursery, and others had fragrance at the forefront, as well. Breeding veggies and fruits for higher Brix is another welcome trend that will provide gardeners with more satisfying harvests, and keep them coming back for more.
Flowers and Food/Drink Pairings. One way to look at and promote working in our industry is that we grow the live goods that can be crafted into food, oils, and drinks. I like to think of growers as artisans, and Ball Horticultural Co. was hip to this idea with the snacks strategically placed throughout its trials, all the way to happy hour with Habeñero Pepper-infused cocktails! Independent garden centers could have fun with this.
Décor And Appeal to New Customers. Whether it was a decorated doorway for fall at Ball, Ch. Morel’s Christmas in July displays, or Dümmen Orange’s kitchen table full of offerings, using plants for seasonal and daily décor is becoming more important to all demographics. Throw in some of the breeding ingenuity (Tattoo vincas) and marketing moxie (Pacific Plug & Liner’s Battle of the Bands) and we’ll have more luck pulling in those younger consumers, too.
Storytelling. There is a story behind every plant and company in this business. One great example was the interactive timeline of Benary’s 175-year anniversary that made me proud to be associated with such commitment, from Benary and from every company on the tour. People adore history, and we can satisfy their curiosity with more backstories of plants and the growers who produce them.
Extended Seasons. There was a real emphasis on showing breeders’ breadth of product to remind growers and retailers that the use of plants and flowers doesn’t stop after the spring sales window. With the broad number of categories in our markets, from edibles to shrubs, comes opportunities for growers year-round.
Check out our California Spring Trials coverage for more ideas and trends from CAST.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
