The annual Flower Trials, held in the Netherlands in June during week 24, are open days for commercial young plant producers. Teagasc advisor Dónall Flanagan and colleagues from The College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens, attended this year’s event.
The gathering provides growers from around the world a chance to explore leading annual and perennial plug and seed producers, and to learn about their latest product lines. Many Irish growers participated this year, seeking to stay ahead with the latest plant selections.
Key trends at the Flower Trials included increased resistance to diseases and extreme weather conditions, alongside overall improved plant performance. Volmary introduced two new disease-resistant lines: the phytophthora-tolerant potato, Adessa® Protect, and the phytophthora-resistant tomato, Philovita. Dummen Orange showcased TMV-resistant Petunia Intrinsa and white rust-resistant Chrysanthemum Intrinsa. Plantipp’s Phlox paniculata Bambini® series boasts improved mildew resistance. French rose company Meilland introduced Sugar CANDY ROSE®, noted for its exceptional disease resistance. Syngenta presented Vinca Cora XDR, highly resistant to phytophthora blight.
In response to recent summer heatwaves in Europe, young plant producers have focused on developing heat and stress-resistant varieties. Resilience to wet summers was also addressed, with Sakata demonstrating its rain-tolerant Beauti-Cal, an X Petchoa hybrid of Calibrachoa and Petunia, in a simulated shower.
Sustainability was a key theme, with the introduction of peat-free plugs from Syngenta and Benary’s Be Green range of chemical and microplastic-free seeds.
The highlight of the event was Florensis’ new introduction, Dalina® Maxi Starburst Pink, which won the ‘FleuroStar’ award from industry judges. This striking Dahlia is expected to be highly sought after in 2025. ✽
For more information on any element of this e-zine, please contact: Michael Gaffney, Acting Head of Teagasc Horticulture Development Department. Email: michael.gaffney@teagasc.ie; www.teagasc.ie.
