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