Trials of new crops in Jersey are proving successful and could offer alternative products for the growing industry.

For the last eight years, Jersey's agriculture department has been conducting tests on different foliage plants for use in the flower industry.

Plants including eucalyptus and pittosporum are used in commercial flower arranging as the green foliage part of displays.

A trial area approximately the size of two tennis courts has grown well in the mild Jersey climate.

Now growers are being asked to tender for the chance to market the crops.

Ian Norris, the Agriculture Department's horticulture adviser, said it was important to provide alternative products.

Jersey's farmers are already being squeezed by competition from imports and the increasing pressure on the Jersey Royal potato industry.