How it Works

The first step in creating a repository for trial data was to create a set of Standardized Trialing Protocols along with a Minimum Set of Standardized Scoring Procedures. After those two things were created, we sent an invitation to various trial grounds asking if they would participate. Click the tab entitled "Trial Gardens" to see the current list of participating trial garden locations.

After that step was completed, we invited the flower breeders to participate. A complete list of sponsoring breeders can be found in the "Sponsors" tab.

Each breeder has uploaded the new varieties they will trial for this season and have provided the trial grounds of their choice with the seeds or cuttings of those varieties. After the trialing season, those trial managers will enter their respective trial data into the database this site provides.

Breeder FAQ: Does this mean I will have to support every single one of these trial sites equally?
Answer: No, you can still support any trial you choose, to any extent you choose. Only those companies who choose to pay the initiation launch fee and the yearly fee will have their varieties on the National Trials Database. Plus, you determine how many varieties are at each trial site.

Breeder FAQ: How much does it cost?
Answer: There is an initial fee of $3,000 and then $1,200 annual usage fee that will be invoiced each January.

Breeder FAQ: What about those companies who elect to not pay the initiation launch fee? Can they later pay just the $1,200 and still get full benefits? Answer: No, all companies will have to pay the $3,000 fee before they are able to include their varieties in the trials and use the National Trials Database. Then they will also pay the $1,200 annual usage fee.

As with any idea in its infancy stage, we anticipate that this concept will continue to grow, change and become more robust. We mention this because as of right now, the trialing requirements are pretty basic and we will depend on the participants to direct us on which improvements and enhancements you want to see with this site.

General FAQ: Will this site information be available to consumers?
Answer: Not yet. We have listened to the breeding companies and although this information will be extremely valuable to consumers, garden centers, growers and more, the consensus is to keep it password protected for the first 12 to 18 months in order to work out any kinks.

Best regards,

Allan Armitage, University of GA

Diane Blazek, All-America Selections/National Garden Bureau

Timothy Howard, Clarity Connect

Jimmy Turner, Dallas Arboretum