T h e Annuals M o s t Popular Person-to-Person by David Keeler, Finished Sales White Impatiens Red Impatiens Dusty Miller I t can be difficult to list the “Most Popular” annuals—we strive to have a good reason for every variety we offer. Nevertheless, if you are limited on space, or have a limited budget, here are some tips for you. White Alysum Purple Impatiens Blue Lobelia 1. We find Impatiens our most popular specie, followed by petunias, pansies, and marigolds. Next in line would be Begonias, Alyssum, Lobelia, and Snapdragons. 2. Some of our top selling varieties are White Impatiens, Red Impatiens, Dusty Miller, White Alyssum, Purple Im- patiens, Blue Lobelia, Dwarf Yellow Marigold, Pink Impa- tiens, Red Begonias, Mixed Impatiens, Bonanza Bolero Marigold, and Red Salvia. Yellow Marigold Petunias Pansies 3. Our most popular vegetables are Tomatoes, Cucum- bers, Peppers, Winter Squash, Summer Squash, and Lettuce. 4. Top Selling Varieties include Cucumbers (Slicing, Bush, and Pickling), Zucchini, Broccoli, Lady Bell Pep- pers, Buttercup Squash, Early Girl Tomatoes, Sweet 100 Tomatoes, Goldbar Squash, and Beefmaster Tomatoes. Pink Impatiens Red Begonia Mixed Impatiens P utting it all together, we would suggest of- fering as wide a selection as possible. Even if you have limited space, try the following: 1. Start with cool weather varieties. This would include Pansies, Viola, Snapdragon, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, etc. Also, try Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Parsley, and Lettuce. Bonanza Marigold Red Salvia Tomatoes 2. As the weather warms up (varies from April to mid May, depending on location), bring on your Impatiens, Petu- nias, and Marigolds, etc. Also bring in your tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and summer squash. 3. Make sure to keep a good selection, in addition to your “Most Popular” varieties. Some of the top varieties of flowers are White or Silver—but these need the deeper colors to contrast with in your customer’s gardens. Cucumbers Summer Squash Broccoli 4. It’s important to know your market area. Impatiens are #1 in slightly warmer climates such as southern New England or coastal areas; more northern or inland areas tend to use more marigolds and petunias, while still using good numbers of impatiens. 5. Don’t underestimate the value of “old fashioned” vari- eties. If yours is the only garden center in your area that carries cleome or cosmos, you’ve just provided custom- ers with a good reason to shop with you! Peppers Buttercup Squash Jolly Farmer PRODUCTS INC. 56 Crabbe Road Northampton, NB Canada E7N 1R6 ® Sweet 100 Tomatoes U.S. address: Box 787, Houlton, ME 04730 Web Site: www.jollyfarmer.com e-mail: sales@jollyfarmer.com Phone: 800-695-8300 Fax: 800-863-7814