Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Partners with Flowerbulb.eu on North American Lily Variety Trials
July 15, 2026 | 3 min to read
OBERLIN, OH — The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) has partnered with Flowerbulb.eu, the promotional and educational platform of Royal Anthos, the Dutch trade
association representing the flower bulb industry, to conduct a comprehensive lily variety trial across
North America. Twenty experienced, specialty cut flower growers from diverse regions will evaluate
premium European lily varieties throughout the 2026 growing season.
The program represents a significant bridge between European breeding innovation and North American
specialty cut flower production, providing valuable insights into how European lily genetics perform
across the continent’s varied climates and growing methods.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for our members to access cutting-edge lily varieties and provide real-
world feedback directly to European breeders,” said Steve Crone, Executive Director of the ASCFG. “Our
trial participants represent zones 3 through 10, from Oregon to Oklahoma, growing in fields, raised beds,
and high tunnels. The data they collect will benefit the entire North American specialty cut flower
industry.”
Trial participants will evaluate 10 lily cultivars representing multiple cultivars, including Menton,
Forehand, Amberwaves, and Down Force. Throughout the growing season, growers will document stem
quality, productivity, disease resistance, vase life, and market appreciation, providing comprehensive
performance data across diverse North American growing conditions.
“European lily breeders are eager to understand how their varieties perform in North American specialty
cut flower production,” Crone noted. “This trial gives them valuable feedback from experienced
commercial growers working under real-world conditions, not controlled research environments.”
Dr. John Dole, Professor of Horticulture at North Carolina State University and internationally recognized
floriculture expert, will compile and analyze all trial data. His comprehensive research report will be
published in The Cut Flower Quarterly, the ASCFG’s member magazine, reaching more than 3,000
specialty cut flower growers across North America.
The trial program is supported by Garden Media Group, which is providing strategic public relations and
media outreach to amplify trial results throughout the horticultural industry.
Trial participants span the continental U.S., representing diverse geographic regions and climate zones:
● Northeast and Midwest
● Southeast and Gulf Coast
● Great Plains
● Desert and Mountain West
Participants employ various production methods, including outdoor field production, high-tunnel systems, heated greenhouses, and container cultivation, ensuring comprehensive evaluation across the full spectrum of North American specialty cut flower growing conditions.
“Lilies have long been a cornerstone of cut flower production, valued for their dramatic blooms,
exceptional vase life, and versatility in arrangements,” said Crone. “From classic fragrant Orientals to the
productive LA hybrids that have revolutionized lily production, these flowers continue to captivate
growers and customers alike. This trial will help determine which which Asiatic and LxA varieties are
best suited for North American specialty growers.”
The ASCFG has a proven track record with variety trials. The organization’s annual seed trials have
become a trusted resource in the industry, providing honest, practical feedback from commercial growers
that helps seed companies and growers make informed decisions about new varieties.
Bulbs are already shipped to trial participants, with planting well underway. Data collection will continue
throughout the growing season, with final evaluations due in October. Trial results will be published in
The Cut Flower Quarterly in the winter or spring 2027.A dedicated trial webpage will feature participant profiles, growing updates, photo galleries, and final
results at ascfg.org.
ABOUT THE ASCFG
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is North America’s only trade association dedicated
exclusively to specialty cut flower growers. Founded in 1988, the ASCFG represents more than 2,500
members, providing education and networking for specialty cut flower production.