MARKETING GPN: Does monarda present any challenges for growers or retailers? Regina Coronado: Monarda needs good care at all levels since it cannot wilt but also likes well-drained soil. It cannot be grown crowded in the nursery or in the landscape - it requires good air circulation. Absolutely full sun for growing. Hans Hansen: Lack of air circulation or very close spacing during the production phase can lead to Botrytis, dropping of bottom leaves and mildew. Zoltan Kovacs: Monarda can be challenging to grow because of the space usage in the greenhouse and disease issues. Plants need to be grown outdoors in full sun with good spacing, heavy feed and more regular irrigation in containers. Plants can't be crowded in production in order to grow a florist-quality product for retail. Poor quality will not sell, which is challenging for retailers. Good crop will sell! It comes down to growing the perfect crop with attention to detail! GPN: Is there anything in the pipeline in the monarda category that you can share? Hans Hansen: Walters Gardens has had an extensive focus on monarda breeding in the past, and we continue to evaluate underutilized Pocahontas from Dümmen Orange species and crosses for garden value, performance, and uses. Mildew resistance and an increased diversity in flower color continue to be a focus. We are getting ready to launch a new mid-height series in the Proven Winners program that promises to have consumer appeal. Zoltan Kovacs: Dümmen Orange will continue developing more compact, better diseaseresistant varieties with very strong retail colors, excellent landscape performance. LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER SUBSCRIBE TO FOR FREE! L&GR provides information for retailers on: Marketing Merchandising Management Products Inspiration PRINT AND DIGITAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE LGRMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE Subscribe now at LGRMAG.COM/DIGITAL Preview the digital edition athttp://www.LGRMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE http://www.LGRMAG.COM/DIGITAL