Syngenta Flowers/Goldsmith Seeds in Gilroy had plenty of new introductions to look at during our only trial stop on our final day. One variety that got a lot of attention was the new Lanai Twister Pink verbena. The flower’s clusters have a pink center surrounded by white. The Lanai series is early to bloom with large flowers, and the plants have exceptional powdery mildew resistance. Considered one of Syngenta’s “Heat Lovers,” the series has received 20 trial awards since 2006. The series has 15 varieties, including an improved Peach.
Two new cyclamen series were introduced, including the Winfall F1 mini series, which is ideal for high-density production in 2½- to 4½-inch pots. The plants have a tight habit and grow under low temperatures. They are well suited for fall and winter production, both indoors and outdoors. The series starts with four solid colors, Rose, White, Salmon and Scarlet; two variegated, Purple Picotee and Pink Flame, as well as a mix of all of the colors. The new Friller standard series consists of Scarlet, Purple, White and a Mix. These vigorous, uniform plants produce plenty of flowers. The series flowers up to three weeks earlier than other fringed varieties.
The Pinto Premium series of geraniums is an upgrade to the Pinto, a popular seed-produced series. There are five colors (Lavender, Coral, Deep Red, Rose and Splash). The plants have a reduced leaf size and shorter flower peduncles allowing growers to produce more on the bench, as well as shipping more plants on delivery carts. The uniformity and early flowering of the plants makes them easy to program and produce for early spring promotions.
Syngenta has introduced the Accent Premium impatiens series, which comes from new breeding. The series begins with five solid colors and two star patterns. The plants have a uniform habit and flowering and are well suited for 4-inch and larger containers. The Accent Premium plants are larger than those in the Xtreme impatiens series.
Rogers, Syngenta’s vegetable division, has selected some of its varieties, including tomatoes, peppers, squash and melons, which are suitable for home garden production. Growers who produce vegetable transplants for retail can purchase the seed through Ball Seed and Express Seed.