Photo: Blaine Moats
Key Points About Wave’s Introduction of Spreading Petunias: Prior to 1995, spreading petunias that were easy to grow were not available. Wave’s entry into the market changed that.
Five-Year Breeding and Testing Process: The development of new Wave petunia varieties involves a thorough five-year process of testing to ensure qualities such as consistent structure, color, and flowering capabilities.
30th Anniversary Celebrations: Wave collaborated with photographer Anne Geddes on an exclusive collection of images featuring babies and Wave petunias, and established National Wave Day on May 3rd.
Known for their distinctive pink pots and vibrant blooming colors, Wave petunias have become a widely recognized annual flower brand. Since their launch in 1995, Wave petunias have been a top-selling choice globally, available in a variety of bright colors and patterns. This year, Wave is commemorating its 30th anniversary by reflecting on its legacy of innovative horticulture.
Introducing Our Experts:
– Katie Rotella, Senior Public Relations and Digital Manager at Ball Horticultural Company
– Lisa Lacy, Director of Product Management at PanAmerican Seed
Looking Back: Before the introduction of Wave petunias, spreading petunias that were easy to grow were not present in the market. The iconic pink-pot petunias were discovered by chance and later developed into the first Wave petunia, the Wave Purple Classic.
After the success of Wave Purple Classic, Wave petunias quickly became the top-selling petunias in North America. The Wave brand has since expanded to include varieties like Tidal Wave, Easy Wave, and Shock Wave, offering a wide range of colors and robust growth. Additionally, Wave introduced pansy varieties with vibrant colors and exceptional vigor in 2012.
Producing Exceptional Petunias: While Wave’s process of growing, testing, and distributing flower varieties may seem effortless, it involves numerous steps and assessments to ensure each Wave petunia variety meets high standards. Lisa Lacy emphasizes that it takes about five years from seed acquisition for a new Wave petunia variety to reach the market.
The selection process involves multiple trials to identify petunias that align with the Wave brand’s standards. Various attributes such as structure, color quality, flowering pattern, and more are evaluated meticulously. In addition to trialing, extensive research is conducted to cater to the needs of both commercial growers and home gardeners. The process of developing and distributing a new variety requires careful planning and foresight to meet future gardening trends.
Rotella and Lacy highlight Wave’s commitment to precision and dedication to providing exceptional petunias for gardening enthusiasts.
The distinguishing feature of these plants is their ease of growth and beauty. According to Rotella, there is someone working on your behalf. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Wave collaborated with renowned photographer Anne Geddes to produce a special collection of photos featuring babies wearing Wave-petunia-inspired hats in pink pots. Rotella notes that the partnership between Wave and Geddes is a natural fit, given their shared artistry, use of color, and commitment to progress. This collaboration celebrates the connection between vibrant flowers and the wonder of new life. Additionally, Wave has introduced the inaugural National Wave Day on May 3 as a reminder to appreciate beauty, growth, and connection. To participate in the festivities, you can wear pink, host a potting party, plant something pink, or gift a Wave petunia to a loved one. When purchasing a Wave petunia, look for a special plant tag featuring a baby bee photo by Geddes. By submitting the tag and your receipt, you could win a professional photoshoot with Geddes in New York City. The contest runs until July 30, with the photoshoot scheduled for September of this year.
