Day 6 of California Spring Trials: High on heuchera, liners made easy and first-time strawberries

At last year’s trials, Danziger showed a selection of perennials it was testing with growers in various locations across the country, including Connecticut, Michigan and Colorado. The Kia heuchera series is one of the new series the company has introduced. Consisting of seven initial varieties, plants are available in a range of leaf colors. Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5, the mounding plants are early to flower and are tolerant of heat and drought. Plants lend themselves to multiple uses in containers, mixed combinations and landscape plantings. Also on display were several experimentals with some unique foliage colors, including oranges, browns and chartreuse.

Oro Farms has simplified the liner ordering process by introducing its Liner Made Easy program. Working with Van Wingerden International in Asheville, N.C., and Head Start Nurseries in Gilroy, Calif., Oro has implemented this liner fulfillment program to enable growers to order the varieties they need knowing that they have been grown under uniform production protocols. Sales will be handled through the current broker network, and liners will be available in 102- and 100-count plug trays.     

In San Juan Buatista, Calif., ABZ Seeds exhibited at the spring trials for the first time. The company breeds strawberry varieties for ornamental and fresh market use. Flavor is the primary criteria for its F1 hybrid seed varieties. The company offers a number of varieties for different uses including those that have a vigorous trailing habit for hanging baskets and early flowering and compact plants better suited for higher density production. The early, compact types are seven to 10 days earlier than the trailing types. White, pink and deep rose flowered varieties are available in both the trailing and compact series.

Click here to view video coverage of the spring trials.