Last year, Takii added its new pollen free variety of Helianthus 'Sunrich Gold' to the already very popular 'Sunrich' series. During maturation of the flower the heart turns from green to a soft golden colour. Sunflower seed is now the most important product of Takii in terms of turnover. More recently, Californian plant breeder Dr. Tom Heaton has introduced the 'Pro-Cut Orange' and a number of sister varieties with different flower colours. 'Pro-Cut' varieties are said to be worthy contendors with Takii varieties and will be first available to growers in the spring 2004 in four colours: Orange, Bicolour Orange, Lemon and Peach. Experimental whites and reds are expected in 2005. The flowers of both the F1 hybrid series are pollen free and those of 'Pro-Cut' are slightly smaller than those of 'Sunrich' but with an extra row of petals. The main advantage of 'Pro-Cut' is early flowering: from sowing in the first half of April, flowering is 7-10 days earlier. Vase -life also excellent. Grower requests for trial samples are welcome. Contact the Belgian flower seed and young plant grower Rudy Raes Fax 0032 93356699, E-mail: info@raes.be www.raes.be. Seed is also available from the UK Company Seed Sense Ltd.