Pack | Flower | Euro Trials

Pack trials, flower trials, Euro trials – these are some of the terms you encounter when dealing with European varieties’ shows. However, it is not that complicated. Basically it is all the same: breeders and young plant companies open their doors for some days so that visitors can meet their new varieties.

Among the visitors there are producers and purchasing agents of big garden centres studying the new trends. There are breeders who are interested in their colleagues’ products and last but not least there are journalists from many countries who want to inform their readers about the latest plant developments. In our trade journal DEGA you will be able to find the most important news and developments over the summer and autumn months. The English word trial that is used by everybody is misleading because trials don’t show the results of scientific trials as carried out by experimental stations and institutes. Breeders show their well-tried and already successful assortments as well as their new varieties. You could compare pack trials with fashion shows whereas pack trials are more realistic than fashion shows because their products are actually found on the market. And breeding is also a much longer process than tailoring an exotic dress. Therefore the product must be more than a one - day wonder. All the pack trials present bedding and balcony plants for the main season but as they are attracting many visitors breeders also show their other novelties such as spring varieties, cut flowers or pot plants.

Pack and Flower Trials

Why are there different names for the same kind of varieties’ show? The oldest term is pack trial, it is also the only show taking place outside Europe. As early as the end of March there are pack trials in California for example. In Europe pack trials are offered by quite a number of companies in April supported by Fleuroselect, the international organisation of ornamental plant industry. There are three characteristics for flower trials: first they take place in mid June ( 11 – 13 June 2008 ) enabling the customer to see the bedding and balcony plants in full bloom. Secondly pack trials show mostly generatively propagated plants in comparison to the vegetatively propagated varieties presented by flower trials. Thirdly flower trials are superbly organised by their participating companies. New exhibitors are only accepted if their profile fits into the group’s concept. (www.flowertrials.nl) Main focus of the European pack trials and flower trials are the Netherlands due to the concentration of horticulture and short distances.

Euro Trials

Encouraged by the flower trials’ success German young plant companies decided to offer their own Euro trials in 2007. This year they will take place from the 11-13 June. Their aim is to attract the interested public to visit German companies. (www.eurotrials. com) As the Euro trial concept was developed by the “ team young plants “ of the ZVG the idea is not only to show new varieties but also to cherish the personal relations between customer and company.

It is worth visiting!

Being informed about the latest developments is the best way for future economic success. The exhibiting companies will gladly help you with your travel organisation.

Christoph Killgus