Highlights and Results from Plantpeddler’s 2025 Poinsettia Variety Day
On a frigid December day, the poinsettia industry descended upon Cresco, IA, for Plantpeddler’s annual Poinsettia Variety Day. With double-digit negative temperatures outside, guests found the greenhouses warm, inviting, and colorful. For the commercial poinsettia industry, this trial has become a must-attend event. Hosted on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, representatives from all poinsettia breeding companies, along with growers, retailers, brokers, and allied trades, were in attendance. Breeders presented on their top introductions, with Mike Poretsky of A-ROO discussing value-added upgrade treatments and packaging. Additionally, Caleb Wilson of Syngenta Professional Solutions held a training on proper drench application techniques.
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Genetics were submitted by:
Plantpeddler is licensed by all breeders represented and prides itself on being a one-stop shop for premium poinsettia liners.
The Plantpeddler Poinsettia Trial and Variety Day event emphasizes the company’s commitment to the industry by showcasing genetics under northern U.S. growing conditions. As a leading young plant provider, this event represents an investment in the success of retail, grower, broker, and breeding partners. A commercial production trial of poinsettias is an important way for the industry and growers to evaluate variety performance, improve their selections, and therefore increase profitability. Another commitment of Plantpeddler is to educate growers on best practices in the horticulture industry.
At Poinsettia Variety Day, a blind vote was conducted to determine the 2025 Best of Class White – 5 Year Challenge. This contest pitted the five top finishing white varieties in the Non-Red class over the past five years. The varieties were:
- Alaska
- Alpina
- Brilliant White
- Jack Frost
- Pure White
In a close competition, Brillant White garnered the winning vote count.
2025 Poinsettia Variety Day — Best of Class White – 5-Year Challenge
2025 Best of Class White – 5 Year Challenge. | Plantpeddler
Again, this year, “non-traditional” novelty varieties ranked at the top of the trial in both the Red and Non-Red categories. This reflects the industry’s drive to keep innovating this holiday classic to stimulate consumer interest and sales. Congratulations also go out to all the winning varieties.
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:
2025 Poinsettia Variety Day — Red Variety Top 10
2025 Red Variety Top 10. | Plantpeddler
2025 Poinsettia Variety Day — Non-Red Variety Top 10
2025 Non-Red Variety Top 10. | Plantpeddler
Mark your calendars now for next year’s Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day trial event on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026. Plantpeddler’s Variety Day trial event showcasing Annuals is Aug. 7, 2026. For more information, contact Plantpeddler at [email protected].
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