Fan Favorites From Plantpeddler’s Variety Day

Posted by Brian Sparks|August 19, 2020

Plantpeddler’s annual Variety Day, held on Friday, August 7 in Cresco, IA, was not just a showcase of new plant varieties. It was also a celebration of the company’s 40^th anniversary.

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Drone View of Plantpeddler Trial Gardens
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First Place: Bracteantha ‘Granvia Gold’ (Suntory)
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Second Place: Begonia ‘I'conia Upright Fire’ (Dümmen Orange)
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Third Place: Begonia ‘Encanto Pink’ (Beekenkamp)
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: 1-5
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: 6-10
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: 11-15
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: 16-20
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: 21-24
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Plantpeddler Variety Day Top 25 Varieties: four ties at 25

The trials were held in a new site completed this spring, and represent an investment in grower success by “Testing the Best in the Midwest.” The event showcased nearly 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets, and beds from a global array of breeders.

Growers, breeders, brokers, and retailers spent the day evaluating the trial gardens, attending seminars by industry professionals, and touring the greenhouses. Presenters included Broch Martindale of Corteva; Elizabeth Burdett of Selecta; Mike Faber and Ivan Izzo of BFG; Nathan Sell of Dümmen Orange; and Dr. Christopher Currey of Iowa State University.

Participants had the opportunity to vote on their top three varieties. The winner this year, Bracteantha ‘Granvia Gold’, finished seventh in 2019, and was the overwhelming first choice for 2020.

Up next for Plantpeddler is its Poinsettia Variety Day on Dec. 3, 2020, and the 2021 Plantpeddler Variety Day on Aug. 6, 2021.