Bedded bliss

摘要

This year's bedding plant pack trials showed a range of innovation, a wealth of introductions and many improvements to existing series. Talk was about people rather than plants at this year's bedding plant pack trials, held in the Netherlands from April 30 to May 5. It proved to be an chance for growers and buyers to discuss how the European seed market will be affected by Ball Horticulture's buy out of the David Colegrave Group. For the plants on trial, the focus was on consolidation and improvements to existing lines, rather than innovation, with existing colours and additional colours being added to existing lines. Despite poor weather earlier in the year, the growers had produced some quality material for visitors. One of the breeding trends was for perennials as bedding, which enables bedding plant growers to extend their selling season. The Prime Perennial Collection from Kieft Seeds is one example, with the Aquilegia vulgaris 'Winky' series and Geranium 'Radio'. Goldsmith Seeds unveiled the Aquilegia 'Origami' Series. This is marketed as the only aquilegia that can flower in late August or September. Waller Genetics, also now part of Ball Horticultural, introduced FloraFirst Perennials, which do not need a vernalisation period and flowerin their first season.