Page 3 - Griffin Gazette Fall 2015

PerfectPractice Makes
5 Tips to Make the Most
of Sampling Opportunities
Each year, growers everywhere face the same dilemma: How do
you freshen your assortment while maintaining the “bread and
butter” items that go out the door with every order? Adding and
discarding colors is pretty easy. Adding something completely new
or changing varieties or series in large-volume classes can be more
daunting. With so many new introductions every year, it’s easy to be
overwhelmed by the choices and the learning curve associated with
adding new items to your production.
Trialing can be a terrific tool in situations like this, helping you
determine which varieties are the best fit for your business. Does
the item enhance your assortment? Does it offer production
advantages? Practicing production via trialing can also help ensure
a successful new-product launch.
Effective trialing, however, isn’t easy. The best time to trial is during to the breeder’s recommendations. Slight adjustments for
your regular production period for the crop in question, which can
make it easy to lose track of a trial. We often hear, “It must’ve been
OK because it looks like we sold it.” That’s great, but how much did
we really learn? Consider these tips to maximize your trialing efforts:
1. Honesty is the Best Policy
Be honest with yourself about how many trials you can effectively
manage. For many growers, it may be three to five key varieties. In
the deluge of new introductions each year, you’ll often spot a few that
“speak to you.” Trust your instinct and focus on those first. Whether
it was the breeder’s promotion, an expert’s review, a photograph, a
trial you viewed or something else, if the variety piqued your interest
it’s likely to connect with your customers, too.
2. Do Your Homework
Find out all you can about a variety up front. Consult the breeder’s
literature (both print and online). Consider trade-magazine articles.
Ask your SHS Griffin sales rep for more details. Is there a product
By Jeanne Svob, SHS Griffin Business Manager
form available that might make production easier for you? Does
the item contribute to production efficiencies with earlier flowering,
better branching or reduced needs for labor, heat or chemicals?
3. Timing is Everything
Schedule your trial plants or seeds at the appropriate time. Make sure
you have a culture sheet from the breeder, and that you understand
the product requirements and timing. Breeders usually conduct a
few production trials before introduction and they often have some
basic cultural information to share. Crop culture is generally available
via the breeder’s website, or it can be requested from your SHS
Griffin sales rep.
4. Follow the Instructions
Grow the product, especially for the first time, according
your circumstances might be necessary, but follow these
recommendations as closely as possible. If you're testing the
breeder’s claim of a production advantage (e.g., fewer PGRs, faster
finish, lower heat requirements), you may not see those advantages
if you deviate from the breeder’s protocol.
5. Success is a Team Sport
Mark the trial in your greenhouse with a special flag or label color so it’s
easy to spot. Make sure all of your growers are aware of the trial and
any special cultural needs. Assign someone to record performance
at each stage of production, weekly through the growing on and
finishing stages. Take photographs to supplement those notes!
When the busy season subsides and you’re ready to make a final
decision, you’ll be really glad to have that documentation.
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