Day 7 of California Spring Trials: Fast crop fertilizer, guaranteed geraniums and color research

Syngenta Flowers opened up its facility in Gilroy, Calif., and displayed products from its three divisions Thursday.

Growing media manufacturer Fafard has launched a full line of growing mixes that make it easier for growers to fertilize their crops. Through an exclusive agreement with The Scotts Co., Fafard has begun to incorporate Osmocote Start controlled-release fertilizer into its standard mixes. The fully coated fertilizer contains both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and micronutrients. The miniature fertilizer prills deliver even distribution feed for up six weeks. The mixes are intended for 4-inch pots and smaller.

Syngenta Flowers is expanding its Calliope geranium “Blooms All Summer. Guaranteed!” program. Trialed in Texas last year, the program has gone national, except for Florida. The program has also expanded to include both the Caliope and Caliente series. Growers participating in the program must purchase a minimum of 5,000 cuttings of either series. There is a marketing fee for each 6-inch or gallon pot (single cutting) and multiple cutting containers, including baskets, patio planters and window boxes. The marketing fee is collected with the purchase of a custom program tag ordered separately through John Henry Co.

The program guarantees if the geraniums fail to produce flowers throughout the summer, Syngenta Flowers refunds the full retail price to the consumer. A Syngenta Flowers representative said the company had very few claims with its Texas promotion in Lowe’s stores and consumers received refunds within two weeks of filing a claim.       

At the center of the custom-built greenhouse, attendees could take a tour of a giant color wheel display that showcased hot colors for retail and flower installations this season. According to Syngenta’s research, purple continues to be a top choice for women, pink increases gift purchases and yellow adds cheer (and attracts eyeballs) for gardens.

Thanks for following along with us this week. Watch our websites for even more follow-up coverage from the California Spring Trials! 

Day 6 coverage      Day 5 coverage      Day 4 coverage      Day 3 coverage      Day 2 coverage

Day 1 coverage