A cut above: Cut flower finds at CAST 2026
Plant breeders continue to bring new cut flower varieties to the market as consumer demand remains strong. As the many genus shown at California Spring Trials this year showed, bold colors, fragrance and sturdy stems are among the most sought-after features.
Dahlia ‘Coffee Shop Lavender Latte’
Cream-to-lavender shade blooms contrast with dark foliage for a dramatic look. Strong stems and fully double blooms hold up throughout the season.
Syngenta Flowers
Dianthus ‘American Pie Orange Meringue’
Part of the Whetman Dianthus Collection, ‘American Pie Orange Meringue’ features fragrant flowers on sturdy stems.
Pacific Plug & Liner
Rudbeckia ‘Claire Orange F1’
This new rudbeckia features a compact, uniform growth habit with abundant, pollen-free flowers.
American Takii
Gerbera ‘Garvinea Sweet Pastry’
Sweet Pastry offers abundant flowering and strong, weather-resistant performance. From early spring to the first frost, it shows excellent tolerance to rain, cold and diseases.
HilverdaFlorist
Sunflower ‘Always Sunny Gold’
Golden yellow flowers have dark centers. Pollen-free blooms last longer and have nectar to attract pollinators.
PanAmerican Seed
Dahlia ‘City Lights Compact Sunny Yellow’
Bold, golden yellow flowers stand out against dark foliage in this well-branched series.
Selecta One
Dianthus ‘Supra Cherry Picotee’
This early-flowering perennial has early flowers that continue to bloom all season.
Hem Genetics
Snapdragon ‘Snapstar Champagne F1’
One of four colors in the new series, Champagne has highly uniform double flowers on strong, upright stems.
Sakata
Photos by Teresa McPherson.
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