California, here we come

Editor’s note: Stops are grouped into Central and Northern Trials. For more details and additional varieties, visit greenhousemag.com

For years, California Spring Trials has been one of the most anticipated industry events and most major breeders are still showing their newest plants at the event. In the following preview, get the lowdown on the new stops, the new varieties and more.

To see a more in-depth preview of the plants you can expect to see at each stop, be sure to visit us at greenhousemag.com.

We asked this year's participants to give us the lowdown on what's new and how you can make the most of your trip. On the following pages, you'll find tips from the pros help you have some fun in California, as well as a list of the stops on the tour.

And if you’re attending CAST 2020, be sure to let us know by dropping us a line at kspirgen@gie.net. We hope to see you there!

As you're making your way along the coast, don't forget to make a pit stop or two and have a little fun.

Don't look down. If you're a Hitchcock fan, don't miss the bell tower in San Juan Batista's old Spanish mission. It was featured in Vertigo! And if you head to the back of the mission, you can stand on the edge of the San Andreas fault.

Stop for sea lions. In Moss Landing, make a pit stop to see the sea lions near the docks in Moss Landing. While you're there, make a stop at Sea Harvest for the fresh seafood and observation lounge.

Harbor cruise. Ventura Harbor, home to the Channel Islands National Park headquarters, is a nice stop along the route with abundant shopping, dining and nightlife options.

Eat, drink and relax. You've got to eat, so keep these local favorite spots on your list. They all come highly recommended by CAST participants!

Grower's Pub in Salinas — With a historic atmosphere, this spot features a classic menu and the original 1940's bar. Try the Angus beef and local vintages.

Padaro Beach Grille in Carpinteria — Casual food and a beach atmosphere help this tour favorite live up to its tagline, 'Where food and paradise collide.'

Freedom Meat Lockers and Sausage Company in Freedom — These guys boast that their steaks are so good they don't need steak sauce.

Lilian's Italian Kitchen in Santa Cruz — The menu is inspired by the owners' grandmother so expect traditional Sicilian recipes combined with some other Italian influences.

Syngenta Flowers

Featuring ThinkPlants,

March 28 – April 1, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2280 Hecker Pass Highway,

Gilroy, California, 95020

Contact: syngentameetings.us@one10marketing.com, (800) 427-1896

Danziger at Headstart Nursery

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4860 Monterey Road,

Gilroy, California, 95020

Contact: Dana Fernandez, dana-fer@danziger.co.il, (616) 899-2197

Benary and Benary+

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 195 Paulsen Road

Watsonville, California, 95076

Contact: Jen Calhoun, jcalhoun@benary.com

Pacific Plug & Liner

Includes Berger, Flamingo Holland, Terra Nova Nurseries, Quality Cuttings Team, and branded plant collections Encore, Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,

750 Casserly Road, Watsonville, California, 95076

Contact: April Herring-Murray, packtrials@ppandl.net, (831) 768-6300

Suncrest Nurseries

Featuring Cohen Nurseries, Hishtil Nurseries, Jaldety Nursery, Kamel Plastic Pots and Nir Nurseries

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,

400 Casserly Road, Watsonville, California, 95076

Contact: Susan Liou, info@globalplantsource.com, (718) 715-6369

Speedling

Featuring Ameriseed, Hem Genetics, Lambert, Plant Source International and Vista Farms

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2640 San Juan Highway,

San Juan Bautista, California, 95045

Contact: Frank Yaun, fyaun@speedling.com, (813) 431-0615

American Takii

Featuring HilverdaFlorist,

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

301 Natividad Road,

Salinas, California, 93906

Contact: Julia Paul, springtrials@takii.com, (831) 443-4901

Sakata Ornamentals

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

103 Boronda Road,

Salinas, California, 93908

Contact: Jiana Escobar, jescobar@sakata.com

Floricultura

Featuring ABZ Seeds, Beekenkamp and Monrovia,

March 28 – 31,

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

25425 Esperanza Road,

Salinas, California, 93908

Contact: Petra Dubbel, PDubbel@beekenkamp.nl, (612) 227-2072

Dümmen Orange at Avila Beach Resort

March 29 - 31,

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

By appointment only

6464 Ana Bay Road,

Avila Beach, California, 93424,

Contact: CAST@dummenorange.com

Windmill Nursery

Featuring Dramm, J. Berry Nursery, Kientzler, Oasis Growth Solutions and Skagit Gardens

March 28 – 31,

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

925 West Highway 246,

Buellton, California, 93427

Contact: Marc Englert, Marc@florep.com, (805) 850-8839

Seaside Gardens

Featuring PlantHaven, Suntory Flowers, Vivero International

Pop Up Exhibitors: Aris Green Leaf, Pacific Plug & Liner, Skagit Horticulture, Heritage Greenhouse Products, Southern Living Program, Sunset Program.

March 28 – 31,

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

3700 Via Real, Carpinteria, California, 93013

Contact: new.plants@planthaven.com, (805) 569-9179

Ball Horticultural Company

Featuring Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Burpee, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed, Morel Diffusion, Selecta One and Wave Petunias

March 28 - 31,

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

335 South Briggs Road, Santa Paula, California, 93060

Contact: Janessa Bender, springtrials@ballhort.com, (630) 588-3187

Green Fuse Botanicals

Includes One Floral, Schoneveld, Westhoff/PAC and TO Plastics

March 28 – April 1,

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

15245 Telegraph Road, Santa Paula, California, 93060

Contact: Jann Turner, jturner@green-fuse.com, (805) 933-5599