West Coast Reasons

Jennifer Zurko

If you’ve never attended California Spring Trials or just thought it wasn’t worth it, here are some reasons you should consider a trip to the West Coast at the end of March:

• The main focus is to see new stuff—not just to see new varieties, but to get new inspiration and learn new information.

• It’s also about what’s good—what’s working in the marketplace, what’s been a surprise success, etc.

• What’s good AND new … to you? Maybe you missed out on something cool or it completely slipped your mind.

• Networking and seeing people right before the peak of spring never gets old. And I think we’re all a little more appreciative of that now.

• You’ll be getting technical information straight from the breeders’ experts. It’s not often you get one-on-one time with them.

So you see? There are at least five good reasons to go to the California Spring Trials (although I’m sure there are more, like California in spring—especially if you live in a place where it’s still winter in March). If I’ve convinced you, the trials will be held March 29 to April 2, and we have this handy listing and map to help you plan your trip. Please note that not all of the stops are open the entire time of the event, so pay attention when referring to the dates and times listed with the stops.

If you aren’t able to make it, the Bobbleheads will be there, as always. Chris Beytes, Bill Calkins, our excellent video producer Osvaldo Cuevas and I will be going to every stop to bring you all of the highlights via our Acres of buZZ! newsletter and on our GrowerTalks YouTube channel. You can find more information, including hotel and restaurant suggestions, at californiatrials.com.

CAST 2023

Syngenta Flowers
Also featuring ThinkPlants Perennials
March 29-April 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2280 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, CA 95020
Email: syngentameetings.us@one10marketing.com
Contact during event: (408) 310-1257

Danziger (at Headstart Nursery)
March 29-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
4860 Monterey Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
Contact: Dana Fernandez
Email: fdana@danziger.co.il
Tel: (616) 899-2197

Benary and Benary+
March 29-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; April 2: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
195 Paulsen Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Contact: Jen Calhoun
Email: jcalhoun@benary.com

Suncrest Nurseries
Featuring Cohen Nurseries, Hishtil Nurseries, Jaldety Nursery, Kamel Plastic Pots, Nir Nurseries, Prudac and Saad-Assaf Nursery
March 29-April 2, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
400 Casserly Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Contact: Susan Liou
Email: susan.liou@globalplantsource.com
Tel: (718) 715-6369

American Takii
Also featuring HilverdaFlorist, OHP and Sahin
March 29-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
301 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
Contact: Maria Martinez
Email: springtrials@takii.com
Tel: (831) 443-4901

Sakata Ornamentals
Also featuring Kientzler North America
March 29-31: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; April 1: 8:00 a.m. to noon
103 Boronda Road
Salinas, CA 93908
Contact: Samantha Sicard
Email: ssicard@sakata.com
Tel: (408) 763-9485

Dümmen Orange
(at Filipponi Ranch)
March 29-31, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1850 Calle Joaquin
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Email: CAST@dummenorange.com

Santa Barbara Polo Club
Featuring PlantHaven, Pacific Plug & Liner, Plant Development Services (Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection), Suntory and Vivero
March 29-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3300 Via Real
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Email: jeanette.bett@planthaven.com
Tel: (805) 570-7974
Register at planthaven.com/cast2023

Ball Horticultural Company
Featuring Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Burpee Home Gardens, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, Morel Cyclamen, PanAmerican Seed and Selecta One
March 29-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
335 South Briggs Road
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Contact: Janessa Bender
Email: springtrials@ballhort.com
Tel: (630) 588-3187
Register online at ballhort.com/springtrials

Green Fuse Grove
Also featuring Beekenkamp, Hem Genetics, Schoneveld and Westhoff
March 29-April 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8220 Stockton Road
Somis, CA 93066
Contact: Courtney Rodriguez
Email: crodriguez@green-fuse.com
Tel: (808) 933-5599