Results from Plantpeddler’s 2026 Variety Day Event

Plantpeddler hosted its 2026 Variety Day on Friday, August 7, 2026, a day focused on the goal of “Testing the Best in the Midwest”. Attendees were welcome, once again, with perfect weather in Northeast Iowa. The event highlighted more than 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets, and beds from a global array of breeders, all in a vivid display of garden color. Near-record attendance included breeders, sponsors, brokers, growers, garden center managers, and industry professionals.

Prior to Variety Day, Thursday night’s “Feast at the Farm” at Stone Creek Farm kicked off the event, providing early arriving attendees an evening to enjoy camaraderie, networking, a BBQ spread that featured Iowa sweet corn, and a performance by the band Incognito.

Along with the activities in the Trial Gardens, supporting sponsors hosted a trade show during the Variety Day event. A full slate of presentations on the main stage began with Lisa Heredia representing Danziger, followed by Dr. Raymond Cloyd of Kansas State University speaking on broad mites. The third presentation of the day was Caleb Wilson of Syngenta Professional Solutions, with the wrap-up provided by Morgan Terry and Rick Vulgamott of Smurfit Westrock.

At Variety Day, participants also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite three varieties. In a competition dominated by the top three vote-getters, Begonia ‘Waterfall Encanto Pink’ came out on top as part of the 2027 Plantpeddler Begonia program. This year’s Top 25 was a diverse genetic blend with overall domination by hanging basket selections, with 19 spots. Calibrachoa had the highest number of winners at seven. MultiLiners also had a good year, with several in the Top 25.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Plantpeddler Events

Plantpeddler’s 2026 Poinsettia Variety Day will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, and next year’s Variety Day is Friday, Aug. 6, 2027. For more information, images, variety submittals, and sponsorship opportunities for this or other Plantpeddler events, please contact the team at [email protected].