Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Partners with Flowerbulb.eu on North American Lily Variety Trials
July 15, 2026 | 3 min to read
OBERLIN, Ohio – 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 USDA Hardiness 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 series, including Menton, Forehand, Amberwaves and Down Force. Throughout the growing season, growers will document stem quality, productivity, disease resistance, vase life and market acceptance, 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 said. “This trial gives them valuable feedback from experienced commercial growers working under real-world conditions rather than 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 horticulture industry.
Trial participants span the continental United States, representing diverse geographic regions and climate zones, including the Northeast and Midwest, Southeast and Gulf Coast, Great Plains, and the Desert and Mountain West.
Participants employ a wide range of production methods, including outdoor field production, raised beds, high tunnels, 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 floral arrangements,” said Crone. “From classic fragrant Oriental lilies to the productive LA hybrids that have transformed commercial production, these flowers continue to captivate growers and customers alike. This trial will help determine which Asiatic and LxA varieties are best suited for North American specialty cut flower growers.”
The ASCFG has a proven track record with variety trials. The organization’s annual seed trials have become a trusted industry resource, providing honest, practical feedback from commercial growers that helps both breeders and growers make informed decisions about new varieties.
Bulbs have already been shipped to participating growers, and planting is 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 during the winter or spring of 2027.
A dedicated trial webpage featuring participant profiles, growing updates, photo galleries and final results will be available 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.