I got a call from another Va grower a few days ago. Seems he and a Md grower are having a hard time finding standard pots. (Standard pots are the taller grower pot compared to the shorter azalea pot). Last time I tried to order some 5" standard they were out of stock but I did not think anything of it. But it seems that from Boston to Va standard pots can no longer be had. This area's pot supply is control by Dillon/Reb and ITML/Kord and it seems that they have decided to no longer produce standards. This really does not surprise me since I have not been able to buy a 5.5" light weight azalea for a couple years. I called ITML about the 5.5" Kord pot and was told that the die was broken and it would not be repaired.
Ever since the 5.5" pot was taken off the market and being forced to sit through a 'yogurt' pot sale presentation while waiting to be given an AHS medal, I have been saying pots as we know them are a thing of the past. Beside Dillon and ITML I do not know what other manufactures there are out there. Dillon and ITML control this area with an iron fist. But I have received plants from FLA and the west coast in non Dillon/ITML pots. What brand pots are you guys using or seeing? Any favorites? Does anyone know a source for 5.5" azaleas? If we are going to have to start buying pots from FLA or the west coast, this area's growers will have to go in together so we can buy by the pallet. UPS on single boxes would kill us yet again.
Pat