K-State Flower Field Day

The Annual Flower Trials and Prairie Star Program by Kansas State University Research & Extension

It’s been cold and wet! Then hot and dry! What will survive? What will thrive? Attend the K-State Flower Field Day to stay up to date on the best performing annual flowers for the region.

Registration starts at 11:00. New format this year - Come for lunch!

12:00 - Welcome from Cheryl Boyer, K-State Extension Specialist and Trials Director. Grab a sandwich and a seat and get ready for the K-State Flower Field Day!

12:15 - 2:15 McHutchison Horticulture Distributors is sponsoring a lunch and culture clinic with Dummen Orange. Hear Emily Mason, Product Manager, explain their newest varieties and go into a propagation/culture presentation and discussion. This will be a great learning opportunity to get the latest information straight from the expert.

2:30 - 3:15 Paul Karlovich – Director of Research & Development, C. Raker and Sons. Paul brings insight on how things have performed in the famous Raker’s trial in Michigan. He will also discuss new releases from the Hort Courture brand.

3:15 - 4:00 Patrick Bellrose – Owner, Fahr Greenhouse. Pat will provide an update on the state of the landscape industry in St. Louis as it pertains to varieties, bed preparation and maintenance. The extreme weather patterns from the changing climate are affecting what they plant. What can we learn from our neighbor to the East?

4:15 - 5:00 Nelson Darden – South Central & Eastern Regional Sales Manager, EuroAmerican. Nelson joins us to talk about the New Varieties and Must Have’s from Proven Winners and EuroAmerican. See some of the unique new plants in the trials!

5:00 - 5:30 Robin Ruether – Trials Manager, K-State. Robin will end the day by discussing how cultivars have performed locally in the K-State flower trials.

Talks are followed by a barbecue feast and ample time to wander the trials.

Registration includes a lunch, trial evaluation book, handouts, Prairie Star promotional item, and barbecue dinner in addition to the educational sessions and research trials.

Email registrations are also accepted (to: rruether@ksu.edu), with cash or check due at the event.

Direct questions to rruether@ksu.edu or 913-856-2335 x106

Thank You to our local, national, and international sponsors and participants:

Family Tree Nursery, McHutchison, VFletcher Consulting, Kaw Valley Greenhouses, Suburban Lawn & Landscape, Proven Winners, Dummen Orange/Red Fox, Ball/PanAmerican Seed, Benary,
Suntory, Hort Couture, EuroAmerican, Beekenkamp, All-America Selections