15
P
OTS& TRAYS
•
THECOMMERCIALGREENHOUSEGROWER • FEBRUARY 2017
to its VTGplant pot series
(which includes sizes 9cm,
10cm, 11cm, 12cm, 13cm
and 14cm). The pots in the
VTG series also boast an
improved shape and smaller
diameter at their base, which
reduces the lower volume of
the pots and therefore
reduces growers’ substrate
costs. The popular German
brand has also updated its
MXCplant pot range, to
include a new 5.5cm size. A
representative for the
company says:
“
The excellent
irrigation anddrainage
properties of itsmulti-hole
profile bottom allow for a
rapid and healthy growth.
Moreover, highly opaque
colours also block light from
penetrating the pot walls. This
prevents the deterioration or
damage of the root system.
There are no internal stacking
ridges, which is an additional
benefit, allowing the roots to
grow undisturbed.” Both new
sizes are available fromUK
stockists.
Looking great on the shelf
Attractive labels, aswell as
coloured and cover pots, also
remain an important
consideration for the
horticulture sector as its
products strive to catch the
eye of the consumer. Breed
says: “Colouredpots
continue to sell steadily
although this remains a niche
the customer’s heart sank
thinking hewas in for a bad
day. By the end of it he had
completely sold out while his
opponent had amuch
quieter time. I am now in the
third year with this customer
who has purchased six
pallets of these pots each
year, amounting to 18,270
pots.” Fargro’s range of
quirky and colourful pots and
containers, sourced from
across the globe, also
continues to delight
consumers. The firm’s
representative SoniaMarshall
says: “We supplymany
leading brands such as CTi,
Lamela, Pasquini &Bini
alongside our own designs of
baskets, willow and tinmetal
andwooden containers. Ideal
for both grower/retail markets
these are supplied in a
variety of colours, finishes,
shapes and sizes.”
Evidently, the power of
presentation should not be
underestimated. And despite
the unpredictability of the
exchange rate, an
increasing number of pots
and trays to choose from
should help growers to look
forward to producing some
stunning plants and displays
this year.
u
The irrigation anddrainageproperties of PöPPELMANN
MXC 5.5cm allow for fast andhealthy growth.
market.” Both Everett, and
SimonGodfrey – sales
representative for Aeroplas
stockistsBrinkmanUK, note
that Aeroplas’ new 25 cm
hanging basket, which is
available in a number of
different colours, is proving to
be popular. Additionally, Keith
Berners, area salesmanager
for supplier LBSHorticulture,
observes that: “The
commercial growers inmy
area are verymuch creatures
of habit and the rangewe
stock in pots and trays tends
to reflect this. If anything,
there’s been some
movement in increasing size
from 9cm to 10.5cm (with
trays to suit), which produces
a better plant in both size
and rooting ability. Any sign
of change, however, ismore
with the colour of the pots.”
He adds: “Colour actually
enhances the presentation of
the plant and, whilst the
colouredpot ismore
expensive, the returnwhen
sold at retail more than
covers this expense.
The best example I have is
a customer, who sells at RHS
plant fairs, whowas
positioned opposite another
grower selling the same
plant. The customer had
grown his in a 5.5ltr square
roundpot in burgundywhile
the grower opposite had the
same plant in a 3ltr black
pot. The price differential was
£19.99 against £28.00 and
