The Value of Growing Petchoa SuperCal®

Last winter I wrote a blog post about this relatively new genus and series. Now that the growing season has begun for next spring, it’s definitely worth revisiting the SuperCal series as they continue to grow in demand and popularity.


SuperCal Terracotta

What makes SuperCal unique is that they’re a genetic cross between the Petunia and Calibrachoa genera. What makes them a value is that the cross brings the best characteristics of each genus to the series, and pretty much gets rid of the icky traits. Examples: Large showy flowers (petunia genetics), non-sticky leaves (Calibrachoa), flower power (both), tolerance to high soil pH (petunia), self-cleaning plants (both), excellent performance in both cool and warm environments (both).



SuperCal Neon Rose

We conducted a thorough container trial of the SuperCal’s this summer at our facility here in Rochester, NY. Our unusually hot and dry summer really put this series to the test, and I must say we were very pleased with the overall results. The advantage for growers is the SuperCal’s can be grown cool, so that’s a nice energy savings. For the end user, the good news is they performed exceptionally well in high heat and direct sun! The claim of self-cleaning was evident in our trials throughout the summer. We never had to deadhead the plants – EVER. Consider that a nice energy savings on the consumer side!
 

My favorite of the series is Neon Rose. The containers were packed with flowers and the color really popped – two great traits. Rest assured there are several other colors that round out the series, such as new Blushing Pink, Blue, Cherry, Terracotta, Violet, and more.



I could go on and on about the SuperCals… and I will, but not today! You’ll be seeing more details about the SuperCal series as we progress towards spring. As a professional grower, if you haven’t added the SuperCal’s to your product line, here is a strong ‘heads up’ to consider them. The liners are available through our Plug & Liner program. 



SuperCal Blue

For home gardeners, be sure to ask for the SuperCal’s by name at your local garden center next spring. We are also working on a home gardener mail order transplant program that will include the SuperCal’s. Details of the program should be available by late November.

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Posted by Harris Seeds Ornamentals at 11:27 AM

That’s right! Even MORE New Flower Introductions for 2013!

Can you tell that there’s a plethora of new intro’s for the 2013 gardening season? And I’m not even done yet! Today’s post wraps up the new variety highlights. And guess what - there are even more in addition to what I’ve covered in these last four blog posts! Stay tuned as I’ll be covering some of these in more detail throughout the year. In the meantime, take peek below. Clicking here will give you even more detail of the varieties below.

Vegetative Liners

• Super Bells® Lemon Slice Calibrachoa – This new Proven Winners® variety has looked bright and zesty in the trials I’ve visited this spring and summer. Plants are covered in lemon yellow and white flowers in a distinctive star pattern.

  

  Super Bells® Lemon Slice Calibrachoa

• SunPatiens® Compact Electric Orange New Guinea Impatiens – This new, high-impact color lights up SunPatiens’ 2013 line. You’ll be hearing more from me about the entire SunPatiens series during the course of the season!

  

  SunPatiens® Compact Electric Orange New Guinea Impatiens

• Calliope® Hot Pink Geranium – The award-winning interspecific Calliope series welcomes three new colors, including bold Hot Pink. Superior branching fills containers quickly for a premium finish.

  

  Calliope® Hot Pink Geranium

• Clio Magenta Cleome – This upright bushy newcomer provides inspiration in both gardens and large containers.

  

  Clio Magenta Cleome

• SuperCal® Artist Rose Petchoa – The SuperCal’s are gaining in recognition, and deservedly so. New Artist Rose provides a nice color addition to this fantastic series. You’ll be hearing more from me about the entire SuperCal series during the course of the season!

  

  SuperCal® Artist Rose Petchoa

• New multi-liners galore! There are a number of new multi-liner combinations from various breeders. Consider multi-liners of Proven Winners, and Celebrations, of Trixi’s and Mixi’s, of Kwik Combo’s™ and more! Click here for just a snapshot of multi-liner combo’s. More detail to follow as we go through the season. Stay tuned!

  

  Multi-Liners

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Posted by Harris Seeds Ornamentals at 3:08 PM