Sakata Helianthus Vincent series

August 2025
Bloom Boom: Striking cut flowers at California Spring Trials By Heather Machovina

Many genus showcased at CAST proved that bold colors, bloom sizes and appealing shapes are what the market is demanding.

The North American market for cut flowers remains strong as consumers fill their garden beds and patio containers with better options for use in personal floral arrangements or to sell at local markets. Sunflowers are a favorite, and the breeding work of many genus showcased at California Spring Trials this year proves that bold colors, bloom sizes and appealing shapes are what the market is demanding.

Helianthus Vincent series

Sakata

Sakata Helianthus Vincent series — Vincent sunflowers are a top seller, with strong stems and flowers that bloom at a 45-degree angle for great presentation in a vase. It’s downy mildew-resistant, pollen-free and day-length neutral for production year round.

Syngenta Flowers

Erysimum ‘Erysistible Fire’

Syngenta Flowers Erysimum ‘Erysistible Fire’ — This wallflower is a pollinator magnet, and the range of colors makes it a great cut flower addition. It’s Zone 5 hardy and ideal for early spring programs as it flowers early and continues to bloom into summer.

Benary

Craspedia ‘SolarPop’

Benary Craspedia ‘SolarPop’ — New for dried and fresh arrangements, the large, golden globes that bloom also attract many beneficial insects. Suitable for landscape or container growing.

American Takii

Brassica Crane series

American Takii Brassica Crane series — Sunflowers are the most popular cut flower option here too, but flowering kale is increasing in popularity as awareness around it grows. Growers can expect uniform growth in height and head size.

PlantHaven International

Dianthus ‘Scent First Lemon Sparkler’

PlantHaven International Dianthus ‘Scent First Lemon Sparkler’ — A hardy yellow dianthus with a compact, mounding habit of 12 inches. The flowers have a strong fragrance with hot pink specks throughout warm yellow petals. Great for a cutting garden.

Danziger

Osteospermum ‘Besties Dynamic Bicolor’

Danziger Osteospermum ‘Besties Dynamic Bicolor’ — The series is named Besties because they can be mixed and matched easily. The upright habit is great for containers and the prolific, multi-colored flowers make a great cut flower choice.

HilverdaFlorist

Gerbera ‘Garvinea Sweet Chili’

HilverdaFlorist Gerbera ‘Garvinea Sweet Chili’ — This new Garvinea is heat- and cold-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases. It’s the first red with black center, blooming from early spring until the first frost.

ThinkPlants

Helleborus ‘HGC Ice N’ Roses White’

ThinkPlants Helleborus ‘HGC Ice N’ Roses White’ — This new, heat-tolerant series of hellebore features large flowers that bloom in an upright and outward-facing habit.

Sahin

Cenraurea Moschata ‘Sweet Vanilla’

Sahin Cenraurea Moschata ‘Sweet Vanilla’ — This scented cut flower, part of the Bride series, is a magnet for pollinators.

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