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The use of saline irrigation water may be inevitable in the future since the freshwater supply is decreasing over time. In some regions of the United States, producers of both ornamental and agronomic crops are already facing a limited supply of high-quality water. Therefore, it is necessary to' determine the salt tolerance of commonly used greenhouse bedding plants to minimize potential salt damage before use of nonpotable water sources is mandated. Research screening several bedding plants has not taken place for more than two decades. Therefore, we undertook experiments to screen popular bedding plants; for salt tolerance during greenhouse production. Transplants were exposed to 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, or 80 him sodium chloride (NaCl) in the irrigation water for 5 weeks resulting in average substrate pour-thru electrical conductivity (EC) values of 4.0 (control), 7.0, 9.8, 12.1, or 14.2 dSm⋅-1, respectively. Pansy (Viola tricolor) and zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia), the most sensitive species examined, exhibited 100% mortality when exposed to an EC of 14.2 dS⋅m-1. The least affected species for dry weight (DW) was snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) with a 54% reduction as EC increased from 4.0 to 14.2 dS⋅m-1. Only fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida) and snapdragon were unaffected by an EC of 7.0 dS⋅m-1, whereas at 9.8 dS⋅m-1 all of the species had a significantly reduced DW as compared with control plants. Verbena (Verbena xhybrida), petunia (Petunia xhybrida), coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), and begonia (Begonia hiemalis) were the only species that did not undergo a significant height reduction in comparing 9.8 dS⋅m-1 to control. A classification of the 14 species is created here on the basis of plant DW to provide guidance as to which species could be irrigated with more saline water while not compromising plant growth and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Florida has a climate similar to many locations in the southeastern United States and parts of Asia, Europe, and Australia. Thus, Florida is an important testing ground for new bedding plant cultivars not only in the United States, but around the world. The authors evaluated 125 petunia (Petunia x hybrida) cultivars in replicated class tests at Bradenton, Fla. (lat. 27°4′N, long. 82°5′W) in 2000-04 and at Balm, Fla. (lat. 27°8′N, long. 82°2′W) in 2005-06. In this report they establish petunia classes and cultivar standards for each class, and provide objective plant measurements of vegetative and floral characteristics, and subjective performance ratings. Petunia cultivars were grouped into 73 classes based on the distinguishing characteristics for petunia, which are plant type and height, and flower type, color, and color pattern. Comparisons were made within each class to determine performance and to select a cultivar as the standard for the class--a plant with the highest overall performance rating that can represent the class in future trials against new cultivars. During the initial trials, larger numbers of cultivars were evaluated and eliminated from future comparisons when each class standard was selected. Many flower colors and color combinations, as well as plant types and other distinctive characteristics have been developed for bedding plants. By creating class standards for each distinctive characteristic, better choices over a wider range of classes are available to growers and landscapers in this climate. Cultivars with an outstanding overall performance rating (combined foliage, flower, arthropod feeding symptom, and disease symptom ratings ≥5.5 points on a 1 to 7-point scale) for class standard selections were (floribunda, single mix class) 'Madness Waterfall Mix' and [single purple (dark), red-violet class] 'Madness Magenta'; [grandiflora, single blue (dark) class] 'Eagle Blue', (single orange shades/tints class) 'Ultra Salmon', and [single purple (dark), red-violet class] 'Storm Violet'; and [spreading, normal, orange (dark) shades/tints class] 'Ramblin' Salmon Capri', [orange (light) shades/tints class] 'Ramblin' Peach Glo', [pink (dark) class] 'Wave Pink', [purple (dark), blue-violet class] 'Avalanche Lavender', [purple (light) blueviolet class] 'Ramblin' Lavender', (red class) 'Avalanche Red Improved', (rose class) 'Avalanche Rose Improved', (white class) 'Plush White', and [spreading, tall; blue (dark) class] 'Wave Blue'. These cultivars would likely perform well in the southern United States or areas of the world with similar heat and cold hardiness zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on several bedding plants, cut flowers and vegetables that have been awarded by All America Selections in the U.S. Celosia; Petunia F; Vinca.

Part I. Focuses on numerous spring bedding plants introduced by the major plant propagators in United States in the 1997 pack trials event. Definition of pack trials; Hot topics at the pack trials; Major bedding categories that dominate the 1997 pack trials; Information on the bedding plants introduced by the plant propagators.

Provides information on the pansy, a bedding plant found in the United States, and gives advice on planting and caring for the plant. INSET: How Do I Start Pansies From Seed?.

The article offers information on the attribution of signet marigold, Tagetes tenuifolia, in the U.S. It is an annual flower that develops a rounded, billowy form which is 12 inches tall, although its flowers are smaller than those of bedding types, they are more profuse and less brassy. Some sources reveal that the flowers are edible and impart a lemony flavor to salads, pasta and vegetable dishes.

Focuses on the bedding plant and gardening products business of Ukrop's Super Markets in the U.S. Comment from Donna Schultz, floral category manager, on the market opportunity of the outside vendor in the company's floral category business; Information on the floral business in supermarkets in the region; Discussion on sales and profits from the business.

Gives advice on gardening and plants suitable for mountains and plains in the United States. Information on the best month to plant bedding plants outdoor; Flowers in bloom during May; How to control insect pest.

The article discusses the production process of Garden Treasures from Green Heart Farms which is a collection of micro-miniature roses for bedding plant applications. The roses are rated in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 4b to 11 and reach 12 inches tall and wide, and are available in 32-, 72- and 128-cell Ellepots and 4&frac;-inch pots. Details pertaining to the cycle production of 32-cell to 128-cell liners are also presented.

The article offers gardening tips and ideas for June in the U.S. During such month, the author believes that it is the best month to plant Mandevillas in ones garden because it offer beautiful flowers from summer until frost and these can be planted on a trellis, arbor or fence. After one finished watering the plants using hose, it is recommended to fill up the watering can and give the plants a quick drink in between regular waterings.

The article features the potted cyclamens of Cyclamen persicum. Hortus Group's Hans Gerritzen suggests several seed-propagated cyclamen hybrids, including ruffled silver foliage and miniatures. As houseplants, Cyclamen persicum thrives under an indirect sun and a cool environment. According to the article, cyclamens are becoming popular as bedding plants in warmer areas of the United States.

The article reports on the aim of the fertilizer industry for market growth in the U.S. A market research from Packaged Facts shows sales of organic fertilizers and growing media will take off over the next five years where organics are a $360 million market. Some businesses anticipates a time when customers will demand organic options including bedding plants and nursery stock. The larger companies are starting to explore the organic market.

The article presents information about a trial for ornamental cabbages and kale at Portsmouth Field and at the Royal Historical Society's Garden Wisley. The plant is commonly grown in Europe and the U.S. for winter bedding and containers. The Floral Trials Sub-Committee is judging them to see how they perform in Great Britain.

Presents the schedule of several conferences and other events concerning the horticultural service industry in the U.S. from February 1 through April 13, 2005. Connecticut Bedding Plant Meeting at Toland County Extension Center in Vernon, Connecticut; Integrated Agricultural Systems course at Camp Living Water in Bryston City, North Carolina; National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association Spring Meeting at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.

Presents a letter to the editor about the raised bedding plants in March issue of the 'Sunset' magazine. Purchase of supplies from the Home Depot; Decision to modify design of a bit; Number of plants annually and perennials.

The article focuses on the importance of branding in bedding plant industry in the U.S. It offers information on Proven Winners LLC, brand that promote its product through multiple media formats. It mentions that Ball Ornamentals developed a shrub business through acquiring licensed varieties from plant breeders.

Identifies the four winners of the 1998 All-America Selection contest of bedding plants and vegetable cultivars. Details on the Victorian Rose; Information on the Prism Sunshine.

Presents tips for gardeners in the West Coast on producing commercial-quality bedding plants during the month of January. Attention to be paid to the critical elements in seed-starting; Germination of seeds; Ways to furnish enough bottom heat for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants on cold nights.

Lists the top-selling bedding plants for 1993 as reported by the Professional Plant Growers Association. Impatiens; Geraniums; Petunias; Begonias; Pansies; Vinca; Lobelia; Marigolds; New Guinea impatiens; Verbena; Percent of total sales for each plant.

The article reports on the winners of a plant and orchids competition in United States. All-America Selections (AAS) 2008 gave the bedding plant award to Osteospermum 'Asti White', the cool season bedding plant award to Viola 'Skippy XL Plum-Gold' and the vegetable award to Solanum melongena 'Hansel'. Meanwhile, the 200-pound orchid Dendrobium spectabile became the grand champion in the 62nd Miami International Orchid Show held in March 2-4, 2007.

Reports the plan of Scotts Co. and PlantGenix Inc. to develop bedding plants with long-lasting blooms in Ohio. Identification of plant genes responsible for producing ethylene; Development of plants with more blooms and color; Application of technology to perennials and woody ornamentals.

Focuses on United States-based Bedding Plants Foundation Inc.'s issuance of research reports on growing methods and technologies. Evaluation of various zero-runof subirrigation systems; Fundraising for BPFI research projects.

Reports on the results of the survey by the Professional Plant Growers Association on the top selling bedding plants in the United States for 1994. Impatiens as the top selling bedding plants; Details of the survey; Contact information.

Reports on the YardenCare Co.'s establishment of the Jerry Baker, College Freshmen Scholarship through the Bedding Plants Foundation Incorporated (BPFI). Awarding of Jerry Baker scholarships to college freshmen pursuing careers in horticulture, landscaping or gardening.