California Spring Trials 2025 (CAST) kicked off yesterday, marking the start of five days along the California coast. Nearly 30 companies, including breeders and propagators, are showcasing their new and existing varieties across 10 different locations, stretching from north to south.
From North to South or South to North?
Whether individually, with colleagues or clients, or as part of large organized groups, growers, brokers, retailers, plant buyers, and others travel to California to explore the trials along the coastline. Is it busy? It depends. Typically, the first and last days at the northern and southern stops see the highest traffic, while the mid-event days bring more visitors to the central locations. Most attendees tend to begin their journey at either the northern or southernmost points. At the end of the event, participating companies can assess whether it was busier or quieter compared to previous years.
5-day event
Over the years, we've witnessed an increasing number of companies collaborating with other breeders to showcase their varieties. This trend has contributed to a gradual reduction in the number of locations and has paved the way for the event to evolve from its original two-week format (previously known as the Pack Trials) into a more streamlined 5-day event. This year, the event is once again slightly shorter. While it was six days last year, it's now down to five days. However, many locations, which previously operated for four days last year, are continuing the same practice this year, with several locations being closed on Saturday.
Curious to get a sneak peek? We've already received some photos from Beekenkamp and Hem Genetics, who are presenting their varieties at Green Fuse Grove in Somis, alongside Westhoff, Schoneveld, and, of course, Green Fuse Botanicals. Check them out below!
And how was the first day here? According to René Knijn of Hem Genetics, the first day was great. "From 8 o'clock in the morning, it was already filled with visitors here, and that didn't stop until 6:00 PM in the afternoon."
© Beekenkamp PlantsBeekenkamp team: Charlie Duft, Sirekit Mol, Kat Wolper, Kathy McKay, Jeroen Steenbergen, and Marc Driessen.
© Beekenkamp Plants Beekenkamp's Labella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Amber and Pericallis POP series.
© Hem Genetics FDThe team of Hem Genetics, who presented their products at the
© Hem GeneticsVisitors checking out Hem Genetic's varieties
Stay tuned for more photos!
Are you also exhibiting or visiting CAST? Feel free to send in your selfie. Then, we can include them in our photo report that we will publish on Monday March 31.