CAST 2022: American Takii, HilverdaFlorist and Sahin

New zinnia breeding and beautiful ornamental kale varieties were on display at the international seed breeder's stop.


American Takii created beautiful displays of cut ornamental kale to showcase its versatility as a decorative plant at this year's California Spring Trials stop in Salinas. See what else the international seed company had in store:


Although not yet released, Zinnia Belize is an interesting new development in breeding. The series will have both single and double varieties. No PGRs are required due to their compact nature, which will also give retailers a neat bench presentation. Its planting density can also be increased for higher production capacity. American Takii is hoping to release the series next year.

The Crane Ruffle series is a new cut-flower type of flowering kale (brassica). Crane Ruffle is the first uniform ruffle-leaf flowering kale, according to the breeder. Its texture brings a contemporary flair to arrangements and bouquets. Stem length is 20-36” and if sown between July and August it will flower by the end of October in most zones. Colors include Bicolor, Red, Rose and White.

New for Sahin this year are the Baby Orange and Baby Rose Tropaeolum. Featuring dark green leaves, the flowers sit nicely on top of the foliage instead of amongst the leaves. The compact nasturtium has a uniform, mounded shape that's great for pots or window boxes.

HilverdaFlorist had some exciting news to share as well. Beginning Nov. 1, American Takii's Royal Gerbera series will be available under HilverdaFlorist, which will expand its Giant and Maxi Gerberas.

OHP shared some helpful hints with visitors, including how its insecticide Pradia can be applied to open blooms. And technical manager Carlos Bogran explained that OHP is in the process of expanding its Astun label to include leaf spot, rhizoctonia and fusarium. Bogran also reminded visitors that its Fireworxx herbicide is OMRI certified, labeled for use inside the greenhouse and a helpful alternative to glyphosate.