Plantpeddler releases Variety Day results

The top variety at Plantpeddler's annual Variety Day was Helianthus Sunfinity Double Yellow from Syngenta Flowers, as selected by attendees during the 2024 event on Aug. 2 in Cresco, Iowa.

The event highlighted more than 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets and beds from a global array of breeders in an array of garden color.

The day saw a record number of attendees, including breeders, sponsors, brokers, growers, garden center managers and industry professionals.

Presentations this year focused on two primary topics. The day began and ended covering the global young plant supply chain with Nathan Sell of Kientzler/InnovaPlant and Pablo Corzo and Brian Krug of Syngenta Flowers and Kapok Plantas. Mid-day featured disease management presentations from Janna Beckerman with Envu and Chris Currey of the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. Jim Gideon spoke on the new greenhouse covering, UbiGro.

Variety Day participants voted on their favorite three varieties. After this year's winner, Sunfinity Double Yellow (available in the 2025 Plantpeddler program), the rest of the Top 25 was once again dominated by begonias, with nine winning varieties. The remaining 16 represent a mix of 12 spring annuals genera.

Sunfinity Double Yellow

Plantpeddler Poinsettia Variety Day 2024 is on Dec. 5. The Educate the Educators Workshop is July 31, and Plantpeddler Variety Day 2025 is Aug. 1. Plantpeddler also celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2025, with expanded events planned.

Watch a short video recap of Variety Day 2024 below: