b'Where Flower Fame BeginsThe ASCFG plays a critical role in connecting flower farmers, researchers and seed companies. Founded in 1988, the ASCFG supports the cut flower industry by promoting education, research and networking opportunities. Membership has grown significantly in the past decade, reflecting a growing demand for local and sustainably grown flowers.The ASCFG has been essential in promoting cut flower pro-duction, said Dole. When the local flower movement took off, membership skyrocketed from around 600 to nearly 3,000 at its peak.Today, ASCFG members represent a broad spectrum of growers from small-scale farmers with just an acre or two to larger operations spanning hundreds of acres. The seed trials are a cornerstone of the organizations efforts, helping members stay on the cutting edge of whats new and exciting in the flower world.A double-flowered echinacea variety highlights the ornamental evolution driven by collaborative seed trials,Dirt, Data and Discoverywhere unexpected traits can turn familiar species intoField production dominates the seed trials, a method thats as standout cut flowers.PHOTO: JOHN DOLE practical as it is picturesque. While some varieties thrive under cover, most are planted outdoors across the U.S. and Canada.Field production is all across the United States and Canada, even into higher regions like Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, Dole explained. Its very low-cost and sustainable, which is what drove an increase in cut flower production about 10 years ago.That surge in interest coincided with the rise of the local food and flower movement. Membership in the ASCFG grew dra-matically as consumers sought out homegrown blooms with a smaller environmental footprint.Even if they arent certified organic, most growers are very sustainability-oriented, said Dole. The way their farms are laid outwith lots of species packed into small areasmimics natural conditions. Its pollinator heaven.Surprising StarsOver the years, Dole has witnessed some unlikely stars emerge from the trials. Take the small-flowered Zinnia, for instance. When it first entered the trials, it seemed like just another varia-tion. But it quickly became a grower favorite.At the time, Zinnias were mostly large-flowered types, Dole said. This one had quarter- to half-dollar-sized flowersperfect for pops of color in bouquets. Growers loved it. The breeder said it wouldnt have gone anywhere if it hadnt been in the trials.Marigolds followed a similar path. Once considered too pun-gent for bouquets, theyve since found a solid fanbasethanks in part to their cultural significance.Marigolds were practically ignored at first, Dole said. But then folks started to notice their importance for Day of the Dead Echinacea Coral Craze on display during seed trials,celebrations and among South Asian communities. Now theyre showcasing how breeding has expanded coneflower from aa major crop.medicinal crop into a high-impact ornamental with bold,Eucalyptus also made a splash. Although its always been market-ready color.PHOTO: JOHN DOLE popular, recent trials reignited interest in growing it from seed.30/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2026'