Another successful week of showcasing a wide range of new plant material at the Ball Grower Trials took place from December 3rd to 6th at Ball’s nursery site in Skye, Victoria. This event, held during the renowned Australian Horticultural Trials Week, attracted customers and retailers from across the country eager to see the latest new releases Ball had to offer.

Ball’s displays were thoughtfully designed to showcase the unique habits, vibrant colours, and improved traits of the standout varieties. This year, there was a strong focus on breeding advancements, including enhanced disease resistance and growth habits tailored to meet the evolving needs of home gardeners. Sustainable production practices and reduced chemical usage were also central themes, reflecting Ball’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.

 

Hero Products

Several key products emerged as highlights of the event:

  • Celosia ‘Burning Embers’: A new seeded variety with striking fiery tones.
  • Salvia ‘Blue Chill’: A stunning landscape display when planted en masse.
  • Begonia ‘Hula’: A seed-bred variety with exceptional performance.
  • Non-Stop Begonias: Showcasing dazzling blooms in five distinct colours.
  • Tomato ‘Little Bing’: A compact, seeded variety with excellent disease resistance, prolific fruiting, and manageable size—sure to be a favourite in garden centres.
  • Petunia ‘Velvet Champagne’: The latest addition to Ball’s popular petunia lineup, set to impress gardeners in 2025.

 

Expert Guidance and Hospitality

Ball’s full team of sales managers were on hand to assist customers, address their needs, and provide insights into the newest varieties set to hit garden centres in 2025. Guests enjoyed the warm hospitality, including delicious lunchtime pizzas—a much-appreciated treat during the humid weather.

Simon Gomme, Ball’s Managing Director, reflected on the event, stating:
“Our Grower Trials Week is a fantastic opportunity to connect with retailers, growers, and media. It’s a chance to align our breeding innovations and the grower performance of our varieties with ever-changing retail trends, keeping a strong focus on integrating every part of the supply chain.”

 

Stay Updated on Ball’s New Varieties

For those interested in exploring Ball’s full range of new releases, the New Varieties Brochure for 2025 is available. Contact Ball’s customer service team at (03) 9798 5355 to request your copy.