Here at PanAmerican Seed we’re celebrating the end of 2022 with a re-cap of the most interesting and amazing things we’ve done this year.
We’ve gathered a list of the top news stories covered in 2022 for you to enjoy. As another year approaches, we look forward to making positive industry developments and many more ways to contribute to our community.
How can we help you make your 2023 one of the best years yet? Let us be a part of your planning process and contact your preferred supplier today for available varieties in seed and plugs. Happy New Year! (each link opens in a new window)
Fleuroselect Award for Rudbeckia Goldblitz
We kicked off our 75th Anniversary year with a gold-medal win for one of our newest perennial innovations – Rudbeckia Goldblitz. Gold Medals are given to new plants that surpass existing varieties in terms of breeding innovation and beauty. What a way to start 2022!
Wave Gets a New Consumer Website
This re-launch of www.wavegardening.com features a modern design with mobile-friendly navigation for shoppers on-the-go. It also engages our Wave Fan Club with ideas and tips for plant lovers of all levels of expertise.
New Facility Construction Begins for our European Location
On May 2, 2022, we broke ground in West Friesland (the Netherlands) for PanAmerican Seed’s new, state-of-the-art greenhouses and updated office building. The company is growing! And that means more R&D facilities for more seed innovations.
Beacon Impatiens Gives Back
In June, the team from Beacon Impatiens planted around the campus of Spectrios Institute for Low Vision in Wheaton, Illinois. Adding the beauty and color of Beacon Impatiens was just the thing their gardens needed to shine the light on this incredible organization that received a portion of global seed sales this year.
Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre Wins AAS Award
In July, Echinacea Artisan™ Yellow Ombre from Kieft Seed™ won an All-American Selections Regional Award. With its bright color and uniform habit, this pollinator magnet wowed judges in the Southeast, West and Northwest. It’s the first F1 hybrid seed Echinacea collection from the company’s Kieft Seed perennials lineup.
HandPicked Vegetable Harvest Supports Local Food Bank
In September, at this year’s HandPicked Vegetables one-day harvest event at our Elburn, Illinois, research field we were able to harvest and donate 5,443 lbs. of fresh vegetables! Our annual harvest of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplant were shared with our local Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Beacon Impatiens Donates to 2022 Charities for Low Vision
In October, Beacon Impatiens proudly donated a portion of its global seed sales to two lesser-known charitable organizations fighting macular degeneration and low vision: Spectrios Institute for Low Vision in the US and Macular Society in the UK. PanAmerican Seed hosted Spectrios Institute with a special presentation at its West Chicago offices. Former Elburn Facility Manager Mark Chalmers spoke about his personal experience with low vision and how much the institute helped empower him to live and work with this disease. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next charity.
Wave Van Debuts at Hometown Event in West Chicago, IL
During the Halloween season, the newly wrapped and colorful Wave Van debuted at a hometown event in West Chicago, Illinois. “Boo Bash” is a trick-or-treat trail for residents and their kids. They dress in their Halloween costumes and take part in fun games and crafts at Reed Keppler Park District Activity Center. The Wave Team handed out pink cotton candy, Wave gear, and of course sweet candies. Watch for the Wave Van to roll into more North America locations and events in 2023!
Coral Candy Coleus Receives AAS National Award
In November, Coral Candy Coleus by PanAmerican Seed was named an All-America Selections National Award Winner. It’s the first seed coleus ever to win this coveted designation. With its modern color and bold, unique pattern, this premium sun coleus is a show-stopper in landscapes, as well as full-sun containers and flower pots.
Guatemala School Renovation Completed
And finally, in December, the team at Floricultura, the Ball Horticultural Company production farm in Jalapa, Guatemala, was proud to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the renovation and remodeling of Los Achiotes School. Last year, the team made a pledge of funds to remodel the elementary school located just outside the farm, which many of the employees’ own children attend. Renovations included an overhaul of the school’s kitchen facilities to allow for improved ventilation, upgraded classrooms with screens and projectors, resurfacing of the sports area, and of course, new landscaping along the school’s perimeter with plants from Floricultura.