Sep 11, 2026 9:00 AM
Ball for Fall: Q&A with Jessie McMillin
Explore 300+ Fall plant varieties at Ball for Fall, where growers can compare annuals, perennials, and Fall mums side-by-side to evaluate performance, color and growth habits.
Discover new mum introductions for next season, including Howdy Yellow, Ember Stripe, and Mesa Purple, while gaining inspiration from innovative Fall combinations featuring mums and complementary plants.
Connect with horticulture experts and advisors through educational sessions designed to help growers build stronger Fall programs, evaluate top-performing varieties, and identify new opportunities for retail success.
Our Ball for Fall event gives growers the chance to see a huge number of Fall varieties growing side-by-side in one place. This year, we're showcasing more than 150 mum varieties and more than 300 total Fall varieties, including mums, annuals and perennials. The trial also brings together mum varieties from Ball Mums, Dümmen Orange, Syngenta Flowers and Gediflora.
“Fall is such an important season for growers and retailers,” said Jessie McMillin, Product Manager – Mums for Ball Seed, when asked how the idea for Ball for Fall came about. “We wanted to create an opportunity for our customers to really immerse themselves in the crop,” she said.
So when we had the chance to chat with Jessie, we asked her to share some of the exciting new highlights in store for growers planning to visit us at our upcoming Ball for Fall event. Here, she answers all about her favorite varieties of mums this year, preferred pairings for Fall, and who should come visit this unique trial at The Gardens at Ball.
What are your favorite mums this year?
JM: There are so many great mums in the trial this year that it's hard to pick just a few! I'm especially excited about everyone seeing our three newest varieties: Howdy Yellow, Ember Stripe, and Mesa Purple. They will all be commercially available next year, and will be featured in our newest catalog that will release this Fall. I also love seeing how the different mum forms, colors and habits can create completely different looks in a finished program.
One of my favorite parts of the trial is being able to see the varieties side-by-side in the comparison beds. It makes it much easier to evaluate not only which varieties catch your eye, but which ones have the performance and habit that could really work for a grower's program.
What are some successful pairings with mums?
JM: I love using mums as the anchor of a Fall combination and then adding plants that complement them through texture, color and habit. I also think it's fun to look beyond the traditional orange-and-yellow Fall palette. Pairing mums with deeper reds, burgundies, purples and even softer tones can create combinations that feel fresh and a little more unexpected.
For me, the key is thinking about the entire finished combination — not just matching flower color. Texture, habit and how the plants work together are what can really make a Fall container stand out.
Can you give us some background on why Ball Seed decided to start “Ball for Fall” for customers?
JM: It's really about giving growers a place to compare, evaluate and get inspired while they're thinking about their programs for the following Fall season.
Anything else you'd like to add, or why should customers register?
JM: I would encourage any of our Midwest customers selling Fall crops to come see the trial in person. There will be so many beautiful plants to view and seeing the varieties growing side-by-side gives you a perspective that you can't get from a catalog or a photo.
This year, customers can compare 300+ Fall varieties and more than 10 mum families, attend educational sessions with our team of experts, and connect directly with horticultural advisors to talk through strategies for their own programs.
It's really an opportunity to spend a few hours immersed in Fall. Seeing what's new, evaluating what performs, getting ideas for combinations and talking with people who can help turn those ideas into successful programs. We are so excited to see you!
Registration is now open (only to the trade). RSVP for our Ball for Fall event here!
2027 New Garden Mums and Fall Favorites Catalog
Don't forget about the latest catalog featuring our 2027 New Garden Mums and Fall Favorites, including complementary varieties especially for the season. From grasses to echinacea, to marigolds and pansies, this catalog has a beautiful assortment of plants that has been trialed and evaluated for reliable performance designed to work together with Ball Mums.
