Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Richard O. Kelly[1], Rick Schoellhorn[2], Zhanao Deng[3], and Brent K. Harbaugh[4]

Summary. We evaluated 135 cultivars from 32 genera in replicated class tests on assorted crops at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Bradenton, Fla. [lat. 27.4 N, long. 82.5 W; AHS Heat Zone 10; (American Horticultural Society, 1999); USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 9b (U. S. National Arboretum, 1990)] in the spring/summer of 2002. In this report we provided objective plant measurements of vegetative and flower characteristics, earliness of flowering, flower divergence (Table 1, sprayed field), as well as subjective ratings that permit readers to evaluate foliage and flower characteristics (Table 2, sprayed field) and the affects of pests (Tables 3, unsprayed field) at different times during the season, and to evaluate performance over time. Subjective ratings were on a scale from 1 to 7 with the highest rating of 7 for excellent. In general, cultivars with vegetative and floral ratings > 5.7 were considered outstanding, 5.3 to 5.6 as very good, 5.0 – 5.2 as good, 4.0 to 4.9 as fair and < 3.9 as to poor. Outstanding, very good and good cultivars are listed below.

Outstanding cultivars (> 5.7) were: Purple Knight [alternanthera (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Silver Falls’ [dichondra (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Kiss Bronze Star’ (gazania - bronze to yellow shift class), ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ (gazania – yellow class), ‘Purple Lady’ [iresine (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Perfection Mixture’ (marigold, African – mix class), ‘Janie Gold’ (marigold, French – dwarf gold class), ‘Safari Tangerine’ (marigold, French – dwarf orange class), ‘Aspen Red’ (marigold, French – dwarf red/yellow class), ‘Safari Yellow’ (marigold, French – dwarf yellow class), ‘Durango Tangerine’ (marigold, French – tall orange class), ‘Durango Red’ (marigold, French – tall red/yellow class), ‘Durango Yellow Improved’ (marigold, French – tall yellow), ‘Durango Bolero’ (marigold, French – tall yellow/red), ‘Melanie’ and ‘Million Gold’ (melampodium – gold class), ‘Lemon Delight’ (melampodium – yellow class), ‘Saratoga Antique Shades’ (nicotiana – green/purple, blue-violet/white class), ‘Saratoga White’ (nicotiana – white class), ‘Purple Majesty’ (ornamental millet class), ‘Duchess Deep Blue’ (torenia – blue (dark)/white class) and ‘Duchess Pink’ (torenia – pink (dark)/white class).

Very Good cultivars (5.3-5.6) were: ‘Tycoon Blue’ (ageratum – dwarf blue class), ‘Hawaii Mixture’ (ageratum – dwarf mix class), ‘Fields Blue’ (ageratum – medium blue class), ‘Fields Purple’ (ageratum – medium purple, red-violet to blue-violet class), ‘Wonderland White’ (alyssum, sweet – white class), ‘Tropical Yellow’ (canna – yellow/orange class), ‘Kiss White’ (gazania – white class), ‘Kiss Yellow’ (gazania – yellow class), ‘Maverick Light Salmon’ (geranium – salmon class), ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’ (lisianthus – dwarf white/blue class), ‘Inca II Gold’ (marigold, African – gold class), ‘Safari Red’ (marigold, French – class), ‘Durango Mix’ (marigold, French – mix class), ‘Saratoga Mixture’ (nicotiana – mix class), ‘Miss Tilly Blue’ (platycodon – blue class), ‘Prairie Sun’ (rudbeckia – g old/yellow w/green eye class), ‘Peek-A-Boo’ (spilanthes class), ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’^†[5] (vinca – rose class), ‘Zinnita Orange’ (Zinnia elegans – dwarf orange class).

Good cultivars (5.0-5.2) were: ‘Bella Pink’ [abutilon – pink class (hanging basket)],.‘Leilani’ (ageratum – tall blue class), ‘Kiss Bronze’ (gazania – bronze class), ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and ‘Tiger Mix’ (gazania – mix class), ‘Kiss Orange’ (gazania – orange class), ‘Daybreak Orange Cream’ (gazania – orange/cream class), ‘Kiss Mahogany’ (gazania – rose/white class), ‘Maverick Star’ [geranium – pink (dark)/white class], ‘Maverick Coral’ (geranium – orange shades/tints class), ‘Sapphire Double White’ (lisianthus – double white class), ‘Forever White’ (lisianthus – white class), ‘Antigua Mixture’ (marigold, African – mix class), ‘Inca II Orange’ (marigold, African – orange class), ‘Discovery Yellow’ (marigold, African – yellow class), ‘Good Morning Blue’ (morning glory – class), ‘Good Morning Pink’ (morning glory – pink class), ‘Good Morning Violet’ (morning glory violet class), ‘Good Morning Red’ (morning glory red class), ‘Toto Rustic’ (rudbeckia – red/gold to yellow with dark eye class), ‘Fiesta Del Sol’ (tithonia class), ‘Merlot Mix Improved’ (verbena – mix class), ‘Stardust Mix’^† (vinca – mix class), ‘Pacifica Peach’^† (vinca – salmon class), ‘Crystal White’ (zinnia angustifolia – white class), ‘Crystal Yellow’ (zinnia angustifolia – yellow class) ‘Zinnita Yellow’* (zinnia elegans – yellow class).

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Florida Agricultural Expt. Station, and donations of money, seeds and fertilizer from the following companies: American Takii Seed, Ball Seed Company, Bodger Seeds, Ernst Benary of America, Floranova, The EarthBox, Flower Fields-Goldsmith, Kieft Seeds Holland, PanAmerican Seed, Sakata Seed America, The Scotts Company, Speedling, and Syngenta Seeds. We thank Joyce Jones, Nancy West and Gail Bowman for their excellent technical support.

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate performance of assorted crops in a seasonal replicated trial that may be used by growers, landscapers, consumers and seed companies as well as the scientific community.

Materials and Methods

Seeds of 135 cultivars from 35 were sown between 7 Feb. and 7 Mar. into a soil mix containing peat, vermiculite and perlite (3:2:1, volumetric) prepared and amended with dolomite 7 lbs./yd³ (3.2 kg/m³), gypsum 3 lbs./yd³ (1.4 kg/m³) and Micromax (The Scotts Co., Marysville, Ohio) 1.0 lb./yd³ (0.45 kg/m³). This mix was used to maintain compact transplants, supplying phosphate only through soluble fertilizer applications. Germination occurred between 72 to 75 °F (22 to 24 °C) in a growth room with a photosynthetic photon flux of 30 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 for 24 hours from cool-white fluorescent lamps. Immediately after germination, seedlings were transplanted into Todd^â planter flats [model 128: 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches x 2.5 inches (3.8 cm x 3.8 cm x 6.4 cm) cells; Speedling Incorporated, P. O. Box 7220, Sun City, Florida] containing the same soil mix used for seed sowing, and placed into a screen-sided, fiberglass-covered greenhouse. Seedlings were fertilized with a 15N-0.87P-16.6K water-soluble fertilizer (15-2-20 Ca-Mg Excel; Scotts Co., Maryville, Ohio) solution applied at the rate of 50 to 250 mg/L twice weekly. Fertilizer concentrations were adjusted during seedling development to meet individual requirements for each species.

Plugs were transplanted to ground beds from 26 Mar. to 29 April. Plants were arranged with five or six plants/plot (depending on species), having one plant in the center of each plot and four plants spaced equidistantly from it, or plants were placed in a straight line down the center of the bed, if they are very large, or three abreast in two rows spaced 9 inches between plants, if they were very small. Distances between plants ranged from 8 inches (20.3 cm) to two feet (61.0 cm). Space between plots ranged from 1.3 to 4.7 feet (0.4 to 1.4 m), depending on species. Abutilon, begonia and iresine were grown in a structure with 30 % shade. Shaded beds were 32 inches (81.3 cm) wide x 6 inches (15.2 cm) high, spaced 6.5 ft (2 m) apart from center and beds for full sun crops were 32 inches (81.3 cm) wide x 8 inches (20.3 cm) high, spaced 5 ft. (1.5 m) apart from center. All beds were fumigated > 14 days prior to planting with a mixture of 66% methyl bromide and 33% chloropicrin at 392 kg/ha (350 lb/acre) and covered with white-on-black polyethylene film. Irrigation water was supplied to full sun crops through subsurface seepage irrigation water supplied from lateral ditches spaced 12.8 m (42 ft) apart and to shaded crops through two trickle tubes (Chapin Turbulent Twin-Wall^®; Chapin Watermatics Inc., Watertown, New York) placed on either side of the center plants. Osmocote Plus^® 15N-3.9P-9.9 K fertilizer (15-9-12 (5-6 mo.) slow release type with micronutrients; The Scotts Co., Maryville, Ohio) was applied by hand to each plant on the soil surface approximately an inch from the plant stem under the plastic mulch at 262 lb/row acre (294 kg/ha) of nitrogen. (Kelly, Harbaugh and Schoellhorn, 2002).

Integrated pest management was employed to determine when pesticide applications were needed to control arthropod pests and plant pathogens. During the experiment (26 Mar to 15 July), temperature @ 2 ft (61.0 cm) ranged from a low of 12.0°C (53.6 °F) to a high of 34.3 °C (93.7 °F). Total rainfall of 50.93 cm (20.1 inches) occurred from 26 Mar to 15 July. No rain fell in March, while 78.2% [39.82.0 cm (15.7 inches)] fell between 1 June and 15 July.

Three plants per plot were selected between 1 May and 11 June (Table 1) from the center and edge of each plot, and the plant height (from the stem base to the inflorescence tip), plant width and flower diameter were recorded. Plants in each plot were selected from the same positions in that plot. Days from sowing to first open flower and flower divergencewere recorded. Flower divergence represents the number of days required for the first plant in a plot to unfurl the first flower to the last plant to unfurl its first flower in that plot. Subjective ratings for foliage and flower quality were made for each cultivar within classes between 27 April and 15 July (Table 2). Average foliage and flower ratings represent relative cultivar quality within a class, measured in a field sprayed on demand, following pest scouting. Pest symptoms were rated between 18 May and 15 July (Table 3) in an unsprayed field (simulating a homeowner environment). Where necessary, the causal agents were confirmed by a plant pathologist or entomologist. Each cultivar was rated on a 1 to 7 scale with the highest rating of 7 for excellent. Plant characteristics that merited a 7 were: (1) all plants in a plot had full and uniform foliage; (2) foliage and flowers were free of pest symptoms; (3) plants were free of abnormalities or weaknesses such as lodging; and (4) flowers were numerous and uniformly distributed over the plant.

In order to provide meaningful performance comparisons, cultivars were divided into classes based on color and plant growth habit. Color hues with similar shades and tints were grouped together into one class.

The choice of best of class for spring 2002 was determined by comparing the adjusted overall performance (OP_adj) ratings. This value was arrived at by adjusting the formula for overall performance (OP) as OP = (Q + P)/2, where Q = average foliage rating + average flower rating (expressed as “Overall Foliage/Flower Rating” in Table 2) and P = overall pest ratings (Table 3). OP_adj = Q + P_adj/2, where the formula for the adjusted overall pest rating is expressed as P_adj = P - (dp x dpf), and where dp = number of dead plants/plot and dpf = dead plant factor. The value dpf = number of plants per plot/highest rating possible (7). The dpf for a five-plant pot is 5 plants/7, or 0.71. It was necessary to use OP_adj, as opposed to OP, to account for plant loss due to soilborne pests. The cultivar with the highest overall performance received best-of-class honors. Differences in these ratings may not be statistically significant. If two or more cultivars had equal overall ratings, another rating category, such as overall foliage/flower ratings (Table 2) was used to make the choice, and so forth, until a better performer was selected. This type of choice is necessary in order to select a single cultivar every season as the standard by which all others in the class may be compared in future seasons, thus limiting the number of cultivars necessary in a trial. If a class only contains one cultivar, that cultivar becomes the uncontested best of class. Ratings for this evaluation ranged from 3.2 to 6.2. Some crops suffered excessive plant death, due to susceptibility to soilborne pathogens, forcing us to evaluate healthy looking plants as non-replicated single plot observations.

Each class was analyzed as a separate experiment. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with three blocks each containing six plants that represented the experimental unit. All data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods, and means of dependent variables significant at the 0.05 level of probability were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (PROC ANOVA, SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina).

Results and Discussion

Note on replication/non-replication. The vinca crop was evaluated as a non-replicated observation, due the affects of soilborne pathogens, by combining surviving plants of a cultivar from all its plots into one observation. Though useful data was gathered on vinca in this trial, best-of-class was not selected for vinca this season and the crop will be reevaluated next spring. A few other crop cultivars had one surviving plot at some stage during the trial, requiring some ratings to be recorded as observations; these latter crops have those ratings marked with the dagger (†) to indicate they are observational ratings.

Abutilon (Abutilon x hybridum) pink class (ground bed). ‘Bella Pink’ had a flower diameter of 6.8 cm (2.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 96 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 2.7, and the overall pest rating was 4.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.7. ‘Bella Pink’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Abutilon (Abutilon x hybridum) pink class (hanging basket). ‘Bella Pink’ had a flower diameter of 7.3 cm (2.9 inches). No first bloom opened data was taken. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.8, and the overall pest rating was 5.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Bella Pink’ was grown in hanging baskets for comparison with those grown in ground beds to observe differences in performance and display, not for the establishment of best-of-class.

African daisy (Dimorphotheca aurantiaca) orange class. ‘Spring Flash Orange’ had a flower diameter of 2.7 cm (1.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 93 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 2.3, and the overall pest rating was 4.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.6. ‘Spring Flash Orange’ was uncontested best-of-class.

African daisy (Dimorphotheca aurantiaca) yellow class. ‘Spring Flash Yellow’ had a flower diameter of 4.3 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 97 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 2.2, and the overall pest rating was 4.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.2. ‘Spring Flash Yellow’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Agastache (A. astromontana) purple, blue-violet class. The first bloom opened 60 days after sowing for ‘Pink Pop’. Only one rating was possible early in the season before the crop died. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0, and the overall pest rating was 4.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.8. ‘Pink Pop’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ageratum (A. houstonianum) dwarf blue class. The first bloom opened 60 days after sowing for ‘Tycoon Blue’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.4, and the overall pest rating was 6.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Tycoon Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ageratum (A. houstonianum) dwarf mix class. The first bloom opened 61 days after sowing for ‘Hawaii Mixture’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.4, and the overall pest rating was 6.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Hawaii Mixture’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ageratum (A. houstonianum) medium blue class. The first bloom opened 60 days after sowing for ‘Fields Blue’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.6, and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.6. ‘Fields Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ageratum (A. houstonianum) medium purple, red-violet to blue-violet class. The first bloom opened 63 days after sowing for ‘Fields Purple’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.4, and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.4. ‘Fields Purple’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ageratum (A. houstonianum) tall blue class. The first bloom opened 60 days after sowing for ‘Leilani Blue’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2, and the overall pest rating was 6.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.1. ‘Leilani Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Alternanthera (Brazilian joyweed; Alternanthera dentata) class (foliage ground cover). The average foliage rating for ‘Purple Knight’ was 6.0, and the overall pest rating was 6.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.2. ‘Purple Knight’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Alyssum, sweet (Lobularia maritima) rose/white. Only one rating early in the season was possible for ‘Wonderland Copper’ before the crop died. The first bloom opened 37 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 4.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.6. ‘Wonderland Copper’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Alyssum, sweet (Lobularia maritima) white class. Only one rating early in the season was possible for ‘Wonderland White’ before the crop died. The first bloom opened 42 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.2, and the overall pest rating was 5.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.4. ‘Wonderland White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Begonia, angelwing (Begonia x hybrida) pink class. ‘Dragon Wing Pink’ had a flower diameter of 3.6 cm (1.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 102 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.1, and the overall pest rating was 5.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.8. ‘Dragon Wing Pink’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Begonia, anglewing (Begonia x hybrida) red class. ‘Dragon Wing Red’ had a flower diameter of 4.2 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 118 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9, and the overall pest rating was 4.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.8. ‘Dragon Wing Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Canna lily (Canna x generalis) yellow/orange class. ‘Tropical Yellow’ had a flower diameter of 11.0 cm (4.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 90 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.7, and the overall pest rating was 6.6. This crop was also planted in the landscape as a perennial. Rust was observed to be a serious problem in fall. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.6. ‘Tropical Yellow’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Celosia, spiked (Celosia x hybrida) dwarf purple, red-violet class. ‘Kosmo Purple Red’ had an overall rating for foliage/flower quality of 4.4, and the overall pest rating was 3.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.8. ‘Kosmo Purple Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Cleome (spider flower; Cleome hasslerana) mix class. ‘Sparkler Mix’ had a flower diameter of 4.5 cm (1.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 67 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0, and the overall pest rating was 2.9. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.8. ‘Sparkler Mix’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Cuphea (Cigar Flower; Cuphea ignea) red class. The first bloom opened 59 days after sowing for ‘Ignea Dynamite’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 3.9. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.1. ‘Ignea Dynamite’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf bronze class. ‘Hello Bronze Shades’ had a flower diameter of 7.6 cm (3.0 inches), and the first bloom opened 69 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 3.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.0. ‘Hello Bronze Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf pink class. ‘Hello Pink Shades’ had a flower diameter of 6.8 cm (2.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 62 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.7, and the overall pest rating was 3.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.6. ‘Hello Pink Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf red class. ‘Hello Scarlet Shades’ had a flower diameter of 7.1 cm (2.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 65 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.4, and the overall pest rating was 3.4^†. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.9^†. ‘Hello Scarlet Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf rose class. ‘Hello Rose Shades’ had a flower diameter of 7.3 cm (2.9 inches), and first bloom opened 65 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0, and the overall pest rating was 4.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.2. ‘Hello Rose Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf white class. ‘Hello White’ had a flower diameter of 7.0 cm (2.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 63 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2, and the overall pest rating was 4.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.1. ‘Hello White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dahlia, bedding (Dahlia x hybrida) dwarf yellow class. ‘Hello Yellow Shades’ had a flower diameter of 7.4 cm (2.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 64 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8, and the overall pest rating was 2.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.3. ‘Hello Yellow Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum) tall blue class. ‘Summer Blues’ had a flower diameter of 2.7 cm (1.1 inches), and first bloom opened 107 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 1.5. No plants survived for a pest rating. ‘Summer Blues’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dianthus (pink; D. chinensis) red/purple, red-violet/white class. ‘Corona Cherry Magic’ had a flower diameter of 6.0 cm (2.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 98 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8, and the overall pest rating was 3.4^†. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.7^†. ‘Corona Cherry Magic’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dianthus (Sweet William; Dianthus barbatus interspecific) tall mix. ‘Amazon Neon Duo’ had a floret diameter of 1.9 cm (0.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 91 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 5.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.8. ‘Amazon Neon Duo’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Dichondra (silver ponysfoot; Dichondra argentia) (foliage ground cover). The average foliage quality rating was 4.5 for ‘Silver Falls’, and the overall pest rating was 7.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Silver Falls’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) bronze class. ‘Kiss Bronze’ had a flower diameter of 4.9 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 64 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.4, and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.2. ‘Kiss Bronze’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) bronze to yellow shift class. ‘Kiss Bronze Star’ had a flower diameter of 4.2 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 61 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.1, and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Kiss Bronze Star’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) mix class. Flower diameter was 5.5 cm (2.1 inches) for ‘Gazoo Formula Mix’, 4.3 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and 5.3 cm (2.1 inches) for ‘Tiger Mix’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 68 days for ‘Gazoo Formula Mix’, 69 days for ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and 61 days for ‘Tiger Mix’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8 for ‘Gazoo Formula Mix’, 5.2 for ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and 5.1 for ‘Tiger Mix’. The overall pest rating was 4.8 for ‘Gazoo Formula Mix’, 6.1 for ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and 6.0 for ‘Tiger Mix’. The overall performance rating was 4.3 for ‘Gazoo Formula Mix’, 5.6 for ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ and 5.5 for ‘Tiger Mix’. ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’ was selected best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) orange class. Flower diameter was 5.6 cm (2.2 inches) for ‘Gazoo Clear Orange’, 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘Gazoo Orange with Ring’ and 5.3 cm (2.1 inches) for ‘Kiss Orange’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 66 days for ‘Gazoo Clear Orange’, 68 days for ‘Gazoo Orange with Ring’ and 64 days for ‘Kiss Orange’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8 for ‘Gazoo Clear Orange’, 4.1 for ‘Gazoo Orange with Ring’ and 4.5 for ‘Kiss Orange’. The overall pest rating was 5.1 for ‘Gazoo Clear Orange’, 5.6 for ‘Gazoo Orange with Ring’ and 5.6 for ‘Kiss Orange’. The overall performance rating was 4.4 for ‘Gazoo Clear Orange’, 4.9 for ‘Gazoo Orange with Ring’ and 5.1 for ‘Kiss Orange’. ‘Kiss Orange’ was selected best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) orange/cream class. ‘Daybreak Orange Cream’ had a flower diameter of 4.8 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 64 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 6.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.2. ‘Daybreak Orange Cream’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) red class. ‘Gazoo Red with Ring’ had a flower diameter of 4.7 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 75 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8, and the overall pest rating was 3.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.6. ‘Gazoo Red with Ring’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) rose/white class. ‘Kiss Mahogany’ had a flower diameter of 4.8 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 63 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9, and the overall pest rating was 5.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.1. ‘Kiss Mahogany’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) rose to white shift class. ‘Kiss Rose’ had a flower diameter of 3.9 cm (1.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 63 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.1, and the overall pest rating was 5.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.7. ‘Kiss Rose’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) white class. Flower diameter was 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) for ‘Gazoo Clear Vanilla’ and 4.7 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Kiss White’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 63 days for ‘Gazoo Clear Vanilla’ and 62 days for ‘Kiss White’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.7 for ‘Gazoo Clear Vanilla’ and 6.0 for ‘Kiss White’. The overall pest rating was 3.9 for ‘Gazoo Clear Vanilla’ and 4.9 for ‘Kiss White’. The overall performance rating was 4.8 for ‘Gazoo Clear Vanilla’ and 5.4 for ‘Kiss White’. ‘Kiss White’ was selected best-of-class.

Gazania (treasure flower; Gazania rigens) yellow class. Flower diameter was 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) for ‘Gazoo Clear Yellow’ and ‘Gazoo Yellow with Ring’, 4.9 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ and 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘KissYellow’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 70 days for ‘Gazoo Clear Yellow’, 69 days for ‘Gazoo Yellow with Ring’, 66 days for ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ and 65 days for ‘KissYellow’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0 for ‘Gazoo Clear Yellow’, 3.9 for ‘Gazoo Yellow with Ring’, 5.3 for ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ and 4.9 for ‘KissYellow’. The overall pest rating was 5.8 for ‘Gazoo Clear Yellow’, 5.9 for ‘Gazoo Yellow with Ring’, 6.1 for ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ and 5.8 for ‘KissYellow’. The overall performance rating was 4.9 for ‘Gazoo Clear Yellow’ and ‘Gazoo Yellow with Ring’, 5.7 for ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ and 5.4 for ‘KissYellow’. ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’ was selected best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) orange shades/tints class. Floret diameter was 3.0 cm (1.2 inches) for ‘Maverick Coral’ and ‘Maverick Salmon’, and 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) for ‘Maverick Light Salmon’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 81 days for ‘Maverick Coral’, 86 days for ‘Maverick Salmon’ and 79 days for ‘Maverick Light Salmon’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9 for ‘Maverick Coral’, 3.8 for ‘Maverick Salmon’ and 5.3 for ‘Maverick Light Salmon’. The overall pest rating was 5.1 for ‘Maverick Coral’, 4.0 for ‘Maverick Salmon’ and 5.3 for ‘Maverick Light Salmon’. The overall performance rating was 5.0 for ‘Maverick Coral’, 3.8 for ‘Maverick Salmon’ and 5.3 for ‘Maverick Light Salmon’. ‘Maverick Light Salmon’ was selected best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) pink, dark class. ‘Maverick Pink’ had a floret diameter of 3.2 cm (1.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 64 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2, and the overall pest rating was 5.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.7. ‘Maverick Pink’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) pink, (dark)/white class. ‘Maverick Star’ had a floret diameter of 3.2 cm (1.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 84 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.4, and the overall pest rating was 4.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Maverick Star’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) purple, blue-violet (light)/white class. ‘Maverick Quicksilver’ had a floret diameter of 2.8 cm (1.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 87 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2, and the overall pest rating was 4.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.2. ‘Maverick Quicksilver’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) purple, red-violet (light) class. ‘Maverick Lavender’ had a floret diameter of 3.3 cm (1.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 80 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.5, and the overall pest rating was 5.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.9. ‘Maverick Lavender’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) purple, red-violet class. ‘Maverick Violet’ had a floret diameter of 3.5 cm (1.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 86 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.1, and the overall pest rating was 4.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.4. ‘Maverick Violet’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) red class. ‘Maverick Red’ had a floret diameter of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 87 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 3.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.0. ‘Maverick Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) red shades/tints class. ‘‘Maverick Scarlet’’ had a floret diameter of 3.4 cm (1.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 58 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.9, and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.4. ‘‘Maverick Scarlet’’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) white class. ‘Maverick White’ had a floret diameter of 2.8 cm (1.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 82 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0, and the overall pest rating was 4.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.3. ‘Maverick White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Helichrysum [dwarf curry plant; H. microphyllum (Plectostachys serphyllifolia)] class (foliage ground cover). The first bloom opened for ‘Silver Mist’ 134 days after sowing. Though insignificant as individuals, collectively, the flowers change the overall color of the plant and their production may be of interest to some. The average foliage/flower quality rating was 3.0 for ‘Silver Mist’, and the overall pest rating was 6.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.9. ‘Silver Mist’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Iresine, annual (bloodleaf; Iresine herbsii) class (foliage ground cover). The average foliage quality rating for was 5.7 for ‘Purple Lady’, and the overall pest rating was 5.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.7. ‘Purple Lady’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian; Eustoma grandiflorum) dwarf white/blue class. ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’ had a flower diameter of 4.1 cm (1.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 99 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.2, and the overall pest rating was 5.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian; Eustoma grandiflorum) dwarf white/pink class. ‘Sapphire Pink Rim’ had a flower diameter of 3.2 cm (1.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 98 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0, and the overall pest rating was 4.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.7. ‘Sapphire Pink Rim’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian; Eustoma grandiflorum) dwarf double white class. ‘Sapphire Double White’ had a flower diameter of 6.7 cm (2.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 106 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.6, and the overall pest rating was 5.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Sapphire Double White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian; Eustoma grandiflorum) white class. ‘Forever White’ had a flower diameter of 6.1 cm (2.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 100 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0, and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Forever White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian; Eustoma grandiflorum) white shades/tints, purple, blue-violet class. ‘Florida Silver’ had a flower diameter of 5.4 cm (2.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 103 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3 and the overall pest rating was 4.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.2. ‘Florida Silver’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, African (Tagetes erecta) gold class. ‘Inca II Gold’ had a flower diameter of 6.7 cm (2.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 51 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9, and the overall pest rating was 5.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Inca II Gold’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, African (Tagetes erecta) mix class. Flower diameter was 6.3 cm (2.5 inches) for ‘Antigua Mixture’ and 6.2 cm (2.4 inches) for ‘Perfection Mixture’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 50 days for ‘Antigua Mixture’ and 56 days for ‘Perfection Mixture’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.5 for ‘Antigua Mixture’ and 5.2 for ‘Perfection Mixture’. The overall pest rating was 6.0 for ‘Antigua Mixture’ and 6.5 for ‘Perfection Mixture’. The overall performance rating was 5.2 for ‘Antigua Mixture’ and 5.8 for ‘Perfection Mixture’. ‘Perfection Mixture’ was selected best-of-class.

Marigold, African (Tagetes erecta) orange class. ‘Inca II Orange’ had a flower diameter of 7.1 cm (2.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 50 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2, and the overall pest rating was 6.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.2. ‘Inca II Orange’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, African (Tagetes erecta) yellow class. Flower diameter was 6.0 cm (2.4 inches) for ‘Discovery Yellow’, 7.5 cm (3.0 inches) for ‘Inca II Primrose’ and ‘Inca II Yellow’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 55 days for ‘Discovery Yellow’, 53 days for ‘Inca II Primrose’ and 50 days for ‘Inca II Yellow’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.4 for ‘Discovery Yellow’ and ‘Inca II Primrose’, and 3.9 for ‘Inca II Yellow’. The overall pest rating was 5.7 for ‘Discovery Yellow’, 5.0 for ‘Inca II Primrose’ and 4.9 for ‘Inca II Yellow’. The overall performance rating was 5.0 for ‘Discovery Yellow’, 4.7 for ‘Inca II Primrose’ and 4.4 for ‘Inca II Yellow’. ‘Discovery Yellow’ was selected best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) dwarf gold class. ‘Janie Gold’ had a flower diameter of 4.3 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 34 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.2, and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Janie Gold’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) dwarf orange class. ‘Safari Tangerine’ had a flower diameter of 6.1 cm (2.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 41 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9, and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Safari Tangerine’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) dwarf red/gold class. ‘Safari Red’ had a flower diameter of 4.8 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 41 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.8 and the overall pest rating was 6.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.6. ‘Safari Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) dwarf red/yellow class. ‘Aspen Red’ had a flower diameter of 4.8 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 41 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.8 and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.7. ‘Aspen Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) dwarf yellow class. ‘Safari Yellow’ had a flower diameter of 5.7 cm (2.2 inches), and the first bloom opened 41 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.3 and the overall pest rating was 6.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Safari Yellow’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) tall mix class class. ‘Durango Mix’ had a flower diameter of 5.8 cm (2.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 42 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.7 and the overall pest rating was 6.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.5. ‘Durango Mix’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) tall orange class. ‘Durango Tangerine’ had a flower diameter of 5.8 cm (2.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 43 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9 and the overall pest rating was 6.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Durango Tangerine’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) tall red/yellow class. ‘Durango Red’ had a flower diameter of 5.8 cm (2.3 inches), and the first bloom opened 43 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.1 and the overall pest rating was 6.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.7. ‘Durango Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) tall yellow class. ‘Durango Yellow Improved’ had a flower diameter of 6.0 cm (2.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 42 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0 and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.7. ‘Durango Yellow Improved’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Marigold, French (Tagetes patula) tall yellow/red class. ‘Durango Bolero’ had a flower diameter of 5.5 cm (2.2 inches), and the first bloom opened 40 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.2 and the overall pest rating was 6.5. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.8. ‘Durango Bolero’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Melampodium (Melampodium paludosum) gold class. Flower diameter was 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) for ‘Melanie’ and ‘Million Gold’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 53 days for ‘Melanie’ and 52 days for ‘Million Gold’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 6.1 for ‘Melanie’ and 5.8 for ‘Million Gold’. The overall pest rating was 6.4 for ‘Melanie’ and 6.6 for ‘Million Gold’. The overall performance rating was 6.2 for ‘Melanie’ and ‘Million Gold’. ‘Melanie’ was selected best-of-class, based on the overall foliage/flower rating.

Melampodium (Melampodium paludosum) yellow class. ‘Lemon Delight’ had a flower diameter of 2.7 cm (1.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 50 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.6 and the overall pest rating was 6.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.1. ‘Lemon Delight’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) blue class. ‘Good Morning Blue’ had a flower diameter of 8.9 cm (3.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 50 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0 and the overall pest rating was 6.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Good Morning Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) pink class. ‘Good Morning Pink’ had a flower diameter of 9.3 cm (3.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 50 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8 and the overall pest rating was 6.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Good Morning Pink’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) blue-violet class. ‘Good Morning Violet’ had a flower diameter of 9.7 cm (3.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 51 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0 and the overall pest rating was 6.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.1. ‘Good Morning Violet’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) red class. ‘Good Morning Red’ had a flower diameter of 9.0 cm (3.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 50 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8 and the overall pest rating was 6.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Good Morning Red’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) rose class. ‘Cameo Elegance’ had a flower diameter of 6.4 cm (2.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 49 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.3 and the overall pest rating was 4.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.7. ‘Cameo Elegance’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Nicotiana (flowering tobacco; Nicotiana alata) green/purple, blue-violet/white class. ‘Saratoga Antique Shades’ had a flower diameter of 4.3 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 56 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 6.4 and the overall pest rating was 5.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.0. ‘Saratoga Antique Shades’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Nicotiana (flowering tobacco; Nicotiana alata) mix class. ‘Saratoga Mixture’ had a flower diameter of 3.6 cm (1.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 60 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.8 and the overall pest rating was 5.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.6. ‘Saratoga Mixture’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Nicotiana (flowering tobacco; Nicotiana alata) white class. ‘Saratoga White’ had a flower diameter of 4.9 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 56 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 6.3 and the overall pest rating was 5.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.9. ‘Saratoga White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Ornamental millet (Pennisetum glaucum) class. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 63 days for ‘Purple Majesty’ . The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.6 and the overall pest rating was 6.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.1. ‘Purple Majesty’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Platycodon (balloon flower; Platycodon grandiflorum) class. ‘Miss Tilly Blue’ had a flower diameter of 6.0 cm (2.4 inches), and the first bloom opened 83 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0 and the overall pest rating was 5.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.5. ‘Miss Tilly Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) purple, red-violet class. ‘Sundial Fuchsia’ had a flower diameter of 5.3 cm (2.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 48 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.9. There were no disease ratings for this crop. ‘Sundial Fuchsia’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) gold class. ‘Sundial Gold’ had a flower diameter of 4.9 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 47 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.6. There were no disease ratings for this crop. ‘Sundial Gold’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta) red/gold to yellow with dark eye class. ‘Toto Rustic’ had a flower diameter of 7.2 cm (2.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 117 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.1 and the overall pest rating was 5.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.2. ‘Toto Rustic’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta) yellow with dark eye class. ‘Toto Lemon’ had a flower diameter of 5.3 cm (2.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 105 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.5 and the overall pest rating was 4.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.7. ‘Toto Lemon’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta) red/bronze class. ‘Autumn Colors’ had a flower diameter of 10.0 cm (3.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 129 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3 and the overall pest rating was 5.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.9. ‘Autumn Colors’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta) red/gold to yellow class. ‘Cordoba’ had a flower diameter of 6.5 cm (2.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 110 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.7 and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.8. ‘Cordoba’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta) gold/yellow w/green eye class. ‘Prairie Sun’ had a flower diameter of 12.0 cm (4.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 137 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3 and the overall pest rating was 6.4. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Prairie Sun’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (gentian sage; Salvia patens) class. The first bloom opened 107 days after sowing for ‘Blue Angel’. Only one rating was possible early in the season before the crop died. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 2.9. No plants survived for pest ratings in the unsprayed field. ‘Blue Angel’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) dwarf red class. The first bloom opened 78 days after sowing for ‘Rookie Scarlet’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.6, and the overall pest rating was 3.3^†. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.9^†. ‘Rookie Scarlet’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall dark blue-violet class. The first bloom opened 85 days after sowing for ‘Salsa Purple’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.8, and the overall pest rating was 3.7^†. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.4^†. ‘Salsa Purple’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall purple, light blue-violet/white class. The first bloom opened 67 days after sowing for ‘Blue Ribbon’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0, and the overall pest rating was 3.9. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.0. ‘Blue Ribbon’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall purple, red-violet/orange class. The first bloom opened 81 days after sowing for Sizzler Burgundy Stripe . The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.3, and the overall pest rating was 3.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.6. Sizzler Burgundy Stripe was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall purple, red-violet/blue-violet class. The first bloom opened 78 days after sowing for Sizzler Burgundy Halo. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.9, and the overall pest rating was 3.2^†. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.7^†. Sizzler Burgundy Halo was uncontested best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall red class. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 83 days for ‘Sahara Red’, 76 days for ‘Salsa Scarlet’ and 71 days for ‘Salvador Red’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.2 for ‘Sahara Red’, 4.9 for ‘Salsa Scarlet’ and 4.1 for ‘Salvador Red’. The overall pest rating was 3.4 for ‘Sahara Red’, 4.0 for ‘Salsa Scarlet’ and 3.9 for ‘Salvador Red’. The overall performance rating was 3.8 for ‘Sahara Red’, 4.4 for ‘Salsa Scarlet’ and 4.0 for ‘Salvador Red’. ‘Salsa Scarlet’ was selected best-of-class.

Salvia (scarlet sage; Salvia splendens) tall red/white class. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 79 days for Sizzler Red Halo and 87 days for Sizzler Red Strip Improved. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 2.8 for Sizzler Red Halo and 3.6 for Sizzler Red Strip Improved. The overall pest rating was 3.8 for Sizzler Red Halo and 3.2 for Sizzler Red Strip Improved. The overall performance rating was 3.2 for Sizzler Red Halo and 3.4 for Sizzler Red Strip Improved. Sizzler Red Strip Improved was selected best-of-class.

Spilanthes (toothache plant; Spilanthes oleracea) class. ‘Peek-A-Boo’ had a flower diameter of 1.6 cm (0.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 70 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.7 and the overall pest rating was 6.3. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.5. ‘Peek-A-Boo’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Tithonia (Mexican sunflower; Tithonia rotundifolia) class. ‘Fiesta Del Sol’ had a flower diameter of 6.8 cm (2.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 79 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3, and the overall pest rating was 5.9. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.1. ‘Fiesta Del Sol’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Torenia (wishbone flower; Torenia fournieri) blue (dark)/white class. ‘Duchess Deep Blue’ had a flower diameter of 2.1 cm (0.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 63 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.7, and the overall pest rating was 6.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.2. ‘Duchess Deep Blue’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Torenia (wishbone flower; Torenia fournieri) pink (dark)/white class. ‘Duchess Pink’ had a flower diameter of 2.1 cm (0.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 62 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.3, and the overall pest rating was 6.8. The adjusted overall performance rating was 6.0. ‘Duchess Pink’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Verbena (Verbena x hybrida) mix class. Flower diameter was 2.2 cm (0.9 inches) for ‘Liberty for All’ and 2.1 cm (0.8 inches) for ‘Merlot Mix Improved’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 54 days for ‘Liberty for All’ and ‘Merlot Mix Improved’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.6 for ‘Liberty for All’ and 4.9 for ‘Merlot Mix Improved’. The overall pest rating was 4.6 for ‘Liberty for All’ and 5.6 for ‘Merlot Mix Improved’. The overall performance rating was 4.6 for ‘Liberty for All’ and 5.2 for ‘Merlot Mix Improved’. ‘Merlot Mix Improved’ was selected best-of-class.

Verbena (Verbena x hybrida) purple, (dark) red-violet class. ‘Quartz Burgundy Eye’ had a flower diameter of 2.0 cm (0.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 55 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.3, and the overall pest rating was 4.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.7. ‘Quartz Burgundy Eye’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Verbena (Verbena x hybrida) purple, red-violet. ‘Quartz Magenta’ had a flower diameter of 2.0 cm (0.8 inches), and the first bloom opened 56 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.9, and the overall pest rating was 3.7. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.8. ‘Quartz Magenta’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) mix class. ‘Stardust Mix’ had a flower diameter of 4.8 cm (1.9 inches), and the first bloom opened 88 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.3 and the overall pest rating was 5.2. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.2.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) pink class. Flower diameter was 4.1 cm (1.6 inches) for ‘First Kiss Blush’ and 4.9 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Pacific Icy Pink’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 93 days for ‘First Kiss Blush’ and 94 days for ‘Pacific Icy Pink’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.0 for ‘First Kiss Blush’ and 5.3 for ‘Pacific Icy Pink’. The overall pest rating was 3.9 for ‘First Kiss Blush’ and 4.6 for ‘Pacific Icy Pink’. The overall performance rating was 3.9 for ‘First Kiss Blush’ and 4.9 for ‘Pacific Icy Pink’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) pink (dark) class. ‘Victory Deep Pink’ had a flower diameter of 4.2 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 102 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.5, and the overall pest rating was 4.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 4.3.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) purple, blue-violet class. Flower diameter was 4.0 cm (1.6 inches) for ‘Heatwave Blue w/Eye’, 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘Victory Blue’ and 4.8 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Victory Lavender’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 100 days for ‘Heatwave Blue w/Eye’, 93 days for ‘Victory Blue’ and 95 days for ‘Victory Lavender’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3 for ‘Heatwave Blue w/Eye’, and 4.8 for ‘Victory Blue’ and ‘Victory Lavender’. The overall pest rating was 3.7 for ‘Heatwave Blue w/Eye’, 4.3 for ‘Victory Blue’ and 4.2 for ‘Victory Lavender’. The overall performance rating was 4.0 for ‘Heatwave Blue w/Eye’, 4.5 for ‘Victory Blue’ and 4.5 for ‘Victory Lavender’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) purple, red-violet class. Flower diameter was 4.4 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘First Kiss Orchid’, 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘Heatwave Raspberry’ and 4.0 cm (1.6 inches) for ‘Sunstorm Lilac’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 93 days for ‘First Kiss Orchid’, 94 days for ‘Heatwave Raspberry’ and 91 days for ‘Sunstorm Lilac’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.3 for ‘First Kiss Orchid’, 5.0 for ‘Heatwave Raspberry’ and ‘Sunstorm Lilac’. The overall pest rating was 3.5 for ‘First Kiss Orchid’, 3.2 for ‘Heatwave Raspberry’ and 4.7 for ‘Sunstorm Lilac’. The overall performance rating was 3.9 for ‘First Kiss Orchid’, 4.1 for ‘Heatwave Raspberry’ and 4.8 for ‘Sunstorm Lilac’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) red class. Flower diameter was 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘Big Ruby’, 4.4 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘First Kiss Cherry’ and ‘Sunstorm Bright Red’, 4.8 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘First Kiss Ruby’, 4.2 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘Heatwave Cherry’ and 4.7 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Heatwave Red’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 93 days for ‘Big Ruby’, ‘First Kiss Cherry’ and ‘Sunstorm Bright Red’, 95 days for ‘First Kiss Ruby’, 89 days for ‘Heatwave Cherry’, 97 days for ‘Heatwave Red’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.3 for ‘Big Ruby’, 4.0 for ‘First Kiss Cherry’, 3.8 for ‘First Kiss Ruby’, 4.3 for ‘Heatwave Cherry’, 5.0 for ‘Heatwave Red’ and ‘Sunstorm Bright Red’. The overall pest rating was 4.0 for ‘Big Ruby’ and ‘Heatwave Red’, 3.9 for ‘First Kiss Cherry’, 3.7 for ‘First Kiss Ruby’, 3.6 for ‘Heatwave Cherry’, and 3.5 for ‘Sunstorm Bright Red’. The overall performance rating was 4.6 for ‘Big Ruby’, 3.9 for ‘First Kiss Cherry’ and ‘Heatwave Cherry’, 3.8 for ‘First Kiss Ruby’, 4.5 for ‘Heatwave Red’ and 4.3 for ‘Sunstorm Bright Red’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) rose class. Flower diameter was 5.2 cm (2.0 inches) for ‘Experimental Rose w/Eye’ and 5.3 cm (2.1 inches) for ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 96 days for ‘Experimental Rose w/Eye’ and 78 days for ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.8 for ‘Experimental Rose w/Eye’ and 6.0 for ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’. The overall pest rating was 3.4 for ‘Experimental Rose w/Eye’ and 4.7 for ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’. The overall performance rating was 4.0 for ‘Experimental Rose w/Eye’ and 5.3 for ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) orange shades/tints class. Flower diameter was 4.4 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘First Kiss Coral’, 3.7 cm (1.5 inches) for ‘First Kiss Peach’, 5.3 cm (2.1 inches) for ‘Pacifica Peach’ and 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) for ‘Sunstorm Apricot’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 97 days for ‘First Kiss Coral’, 107 days for ‘First Kiss Peach’, 83 days for ‘Pacifica Peach’ and 91 days for ‘Sunstorm Apricot’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 4.8 for ‘First Kiss Coral’, 3.3 for ‘First Kiss Peach’, 5.8 for ‘Pacifica Peach’ and 4.5 for ‘Sunstorm Apricot’. The overall pest rating was 5.0 for ‘First Kiss Coral’, 4.7 for ‘First Kiss Peach’ and ‘Sunstorm Apricot’, and 4.2 for ‘Pacifica Peach’. The overall performance rating was 4.9 for ‘First Kiss Coral’, 4.0 for ‘First Kiss Peach’, 5.0 for ‘Pacifica Peach’ and 4.6 for ‘Sunstorm Apricot’.

Vinca (Catheranthus rosea) white class. Flower diameter was 3.6 cm (1.4 inches) for ‘Cooler White’, 4.4 cm (1.7 inches) for ‘First Kiss Polka Dot’, 3.9 cm (1.5 inches) for ‘Heatwave White’ and 4.7 cm (1.9 inches) for ‘Victory Bright Eye’. After sowing, the first bloom opened in 96 days for ‘First Kiss Polka Dot’, 94 days for ‘Heatwave White’. First flower data was not recorded for ‘Cooler White’ or ‘Victory Bright Eye’. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.5 for ‘Cooler White’, 4.0 for ‘First Kiss Polka Dot’, 5.0 for ‘Heatwave White’ and 4.5 for ‘Victory Bright Eye’. The overall pest rating was 4.3 for ‘Cooler White’, 5.0 for ‘First Kiss Polka Dot’, 4.7 for ‘Heatwave White’ and 3.0 for ‘Victory Bright Eye’. The overall performance rating was 3.9 for ‘Cooler White’, 4.5 for ‘First Kiss Polka Dot’, 4.8 for ‘Heatwave White’ and 3.7 for ‘Victory Bright Eye’.

Zinnia (narrow-leaf zinnia; Zinnia angustifolia) white class. ‘Crystal White’ had a flower diameter of 2.9 cm (1.1 inches), and the first bloom opened 53 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0, and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Crystal White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Zinnia (narrow-leaf zinnia; Zinnia angustifolia) yellow class. ‘Crystal Yellow’ had a flower diameter of 4.0 cm (1.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 53 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.1, and the overall pest rating was 5.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.0. ‘Crystal Yellow’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Zinnia (garden zinnia; Zinnia elegans), dwarf orange class. ‘Zinnita Orange’ had a flower diameter of 4.4 cm (1.7 inches), and the first bloom opened 5.1 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.1, and the overall pest rating was 6.1. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.6. ‘Zinnita Orange’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Zinnia (garden zinnia; Zinnia elegans), dwarf white class class. ‘Zinnita White’ had a flower diameter of 3.4 cm (1.5 inches), and the first bloom opened 46 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 3.1, and the overall pest rating was 4.0. The adjusted overall performance rating was 3.5. ‘Zinnita White’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Zinnia (garden zinnia; Zinnia elegans), dwarf yellow class. ‘Zinnita Yellow’ had a flower diameter of 4.1 cm (1.6 inches), and the first bloom opened 46 days after sowing. The overall rating for foliage/flower quality was 5.0, and the overall pest rating was 5.6. The adjusted overall performance rating was 5.3. ‘Zinnita Yellow’ was uncontested best-of-class.

Conclusions and Comments

Overall Performance and Best of Class Cultivars

While early or late season performance, a particular plant height, or shade of the same color may be a selection criteria outweighing seasonal performance, the combined foliage and flower ratings represent an overall view of performance for each cultivar in its class over the entire season. We considered cultivars with an adjusted overall performance rating > 5.7 as outstanding, 5.3 to 5.6 as very good performers, 5.0 – 5.2 as good and 4.0 – 4.9 as fair and < 3.9 as to poor. This is a summary of cultivar selections listed by performance and class order, with best of class indicated with an asterisk (*) and non-replicated observational ratings (due to excessive plant death from soilborne pathogens) marked with a dagger (†) after the cultivar name.

Outstanding cultivars (> 5.7) were: Purple Knight* [alternanthera (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Silver Falls’* [dichondra (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Kiss Bronze Star’* (gazania - bronze to yellow shift class), ‘Kiss Golden Yellow’* (gazania – yellow class), ‘Purple Lady’* [iresine (foliage ground cover) class], ‘Perfection Mixture’* † (marigold, African – mix class), ‘Janie Gold’* (marigold, French – dwarf gold class), ‘Safari Tangerine’* (marigold, French – dwarf orange class), ‘Aspen Red’* (marigold, French – dwarf red/yellow class), ‘Safari Yellow’* (marigold, French – dwarf yellow class), ‘Durango Tangerine’* (marigold, French – tall orange class), ‘Durango Red’* (marigold, French – tall red/yellow class), ‘Durango Yellow Improved’* (marigold, French – tall yellow), ‘Durango Bolero’* (marigold, French – tall yellow/red), ‘Melanie’* and ‘Million Gold’ (melampodium – gold class), ‘Lemon Delight’* (melampodium – yellow class), ‘Saratoga Antique Shades’* (nicotiana – green/purple, blue-violet/white class), ‘Saratoga White’* (nicotiana – white class), ‘Purple Majesty’* (ornamental millet class), ‘Duchess Deep Blue’* (torenia – blue (dark)/white class) and ‘Duchess Pink’* (torenia – pink (dark)/white class).

Very Good cultivars (5.3-5.6) were: ‘Tycoon Blue’* (ageratum – dwarf blue class), ‘Hawaii Mixture’* (ageratum – dwarf mix class), ‘Fields Blue’* (ageratum – medium blue class), ‘Fields Purple’* (ageratum – medium purple, red-violet to blue-violet class), ‘Wonderland White’* (alyssum, sweet – white class), ‘Tropical Yellow’* (canna – yellow/orange class), ‘Kiss White’* (gazania – white class), ‘Kiss Yellow’ (gazania – yellow class), ‘Maverick Light Salmon’* (geranium – salmon class), ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’* (lisianthus – dwarf white/blue class), ‘Inca II Gold’* (marigold, African – gold class), ‘Safari Red’* (marigold, French – class), ‘Durango Mix’* (marigold, French – mix class), ‘Saratoga Mixture’* (nicotiana – mix class), ‘Miss Tilly Blue’* (platycodon – blue class), ‘Prairie Sun’* (rudbeckia – gold/yellow w/green eye class), ‘Peek-A-Boo’* (spilanthes class), ‘Landscaper Rose/Yellow Eye’^† (vinca – rose class), ‘Zinnita Orange’* (Zinnia elegans – dwarf orange class).

Good cultivars (5.0-5.2) were: ‘Bella Pink’* [abutilon – pink class (hanging basket)].‘Leilani’* (ageratum – tall blue class), ‘Kiss Bronze’* (gazania – bronze class), ‘Kiss Frosty Mix’* and ‘Tiger Mix’ (gazania – mix class), ‘Kiss Orange’* (gazania – orange class), ‘Daybreak Orange Cream’* (gazania – orange/cream class), ‘Kiss Mahogany’* (gazania – rose/white class), ‘Maverick Star’ [geranium – pink (dark)/white class], ‘Maverick Coral’ (geranium – orange shades/tints class), ‘Sapphire Double White’* (lisianthus – double white class), ‘Forever White’* (lisianthus – white class), ‘Antigua Mixture’ (marigold, African – mix class), ‘Inca II Orange’* (marigold, African – orange class), ‘Discovery Yellow’* (marigold, African – yellow class), ‘Good Morning Blue’* (morning glory – class), ‘Good Morning Pink’* (morning glory – pink class), ‘Good Morning Violet’* (morning glory – violet class), ‘Good Morning Red’* (morning glory – red class), ‘Toto Rustic’* (rudbeckia – red/gold to yellow with dark eye class), ‘Fiesta Del Sol’* (tithonia class), ‘Merlot Mix Improved’* (verbena – mix class), ‘Stardust Mix’^† (vinca – mix class), ‘Pacifica Peach’^† (vinca – salmon class), ‘Crystal White’* (Zinnia angustifolia – white class), ‘Crystal Yellow’* (Zinnia angustifolia – yellow class) ‘Zinnita Yellow’ (Zinnia elegans – yellow class).

Pests indicated as being found on our website are located on the pest web page “Bedding Plant Pests and Their Control” at this URL address: http://vtgcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/pages/bedding_plant_pests_and_their_co.htm. Soilborne pathogens had a serious effect on some susceptible crops. Fusarium was a primary cause of disease in the form of crown rot. The organism may survive for many years in soils (even in fallow periods) as thick-walled spores known as conidia or chlamydospores, or as hyphae (fungal threads) (Schwartz, 1999) and be spread in soil, dust and by equipment, wind and irrigation water (Gonsalves, 1994). Our fields not only contain populations of this and other common soil pathogens, but they also have been and are inoculated with Florida strains of these and foliar/flower diseases as plant pathologists, breeders and weed scientists conduct their research on plant improvement and protection. Since these diseases are present and can be persistent, and because we have a good source of the inoculum in our location, it offers us a good opportunity to evaluate each crop species exposed to the effects of pathogens that may not be present elsewhere.

Abutilon was grown in ground beds and in hanging baskets for comparison. No plant losses occurred in the baskets containing sterile soil mix, while some losses occurred in ground beds. Unidentified species of whitefly (probably Bemisia sp.) (Featured Creatures, 1996-2003) and aphids were a problem all season. Virus symptoms were not detected this season.

African Daisy did not perform well in spring trials. Plant death came early in the season with many losses to soilborne pathogens. Surviving plants later developed large dark circular lesions with yellow halos that were identified by plant pathologists as a rust (Puccinia sp.) and can be seen on our pest web page under “Rust on Cape Daisy”.

Agastache did not have any foliage or flower pest symptoms; however, crown rot eliminated plants in 2/3 of the plots in the unsprayed field before the second pest rating began; therefore, the second rating is an observation and only the first rating is factored into the overall performance. Surviving plants in the second rating did not show any pest problems.

Ageratum was more severely attacked by worms (primarily a small unidentified looper-like species). Twospotted spider mites [Tetranychus urticae Koch (Arachnida: Acari: Tetranychidae)] were a problem all season, but their combined affect with whitefly later in the season resulted in unacceptable levels of damage for some cultivars, consistently in all plots. The looper adult and pupa may be seen on our pests web page under “Arthropod Pests” and “Worms – Lepidopterous Larvae and Adults”.

Alternanthera, a foliage bedding plant (see also: iresine), was attacked by a leafroller species, but damage symptoms did not lower ratings below acceptable. No plant death or foliar symptoms occurred.

Alyssum foliage and flowers did not show any significant signs of damage from pests. Some damage from a beetle species was observed. Some plant death occurred from soilborne pathogens. The white cultivar was the most vigorous alyssum cultivar.

Begonia (B. x hybrida) did not experience any significant pest damage to foliage or flower. Insect feeding on flower and foliage spots were detected. Plant loss occurred in all plots.

Canna did not have any significant pest problems during the season; however, this crop was also planted in the landscape as a perennial. Rust was observed to be a serious problem during fall.

Celosia was severely affected by Fusarium crown rot (a species was isolated by plant pathologists) early in the season. Surviving plants showed severe worm feeding symptoms late in season.

Cleome produced attractive, compact and uniform plants that were severely infested by a stem borer, cabbage webworm [Hellula rogatalis (Hulst) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)]. Borer holes could be seen in leaf axils. The larvae feed in the center of the stem inhibiting flowering. Some plant death may have been caused by soilborne pathogens, but more damage can be attributed to this insects heavy feeding on the unsprayed plants. Plants in the sprayed field were in better condition, but were still affected by the insect larvae, which can protected inside the stem. During the season, this pest was reported in other parts of central Florida. The insect can be controlled, allowing this award-winning cultivar to be grown. The damage, the insect and more information links may be found on our pest web page under “Arthropod Pests”.

Cuphea lost many plants early in the season. Surviving plants did not show pest symptoms.

Dahlias were affected by flower thrips [Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan)] and twospotted spider mite, lowering some ratings below an acceptable level all season. No flower or foliage disease symptoms adversely affected performance. Plant death from soilborne pathogens occurred and was more severe for some cultivars.

Dianthus is a genus that can be very susceptible to Fusarium crown rot. Dianthus leaves are used as a diagnostic tool for identifying the species of this fungus. Plant loss from this disease occurred in both D. barbatus and D. chinensis. No foliage or flower pest caused ratings to fall to unacceptable levels.

Gazania was affected by twospotted spider mites, lowering ratings below acceptable levels in some cases. Flower thrips did not cause serious damage. Leafminer was observed. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.) symptoms lowered some ratings to fair on some cultivars, and spots were observed. Some plant death occurred.

Geranium suffered from worm damage (unidentified larvae similar to cabbage looper), leaf spots and a blight causing a V-shaped necrosis on the leaf and some black areas on stems. Isolations were not attempted. Pythium and bacteria, such Ralstonia and Xanthomonas, can cause similar symptoms, but the leaf spots, combined with the other symptoms resembled Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii. Earlier studies in the mid part of the twentieth century and repeated studies at our research center (unpublished) have shown that this organism can be a simple leaf spot, while some strains may be systemic, moving down from the spot or through the soil into the roots and up through the vascular system of the stem, causing wilt. Some plant death occurred from this or another soilborne pathogen. Fusarium was also isolated and identified by plant pathologists. Some surviving plants did not show pest symptom ratings that fell below acceptable levels.

Helichrysum did not express any pest symptoms. Plant death was not significant.

Iresine is a foliage bedding plant (see also: alternanthera) attacked by a leafroller species, but damage symptoms did not lower ratings below acceptable. No plant death or foliar symptoms occurred.

Lisianthus ratings of foliage and flower pests were lowered primarily by whiteflies. Some spots were observed and some foliage blighting. Fusarium crown rot affected this crop, but was variable.

Marigolds showed symptoms of twospotted spider mite, worms [southern and beet armyworm, [Spodoptera eridania and S. exigua (Huebner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and leafminers [Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Insecta: Diptera: Agromyzidae)]. The affects of the worms were minor or short lasting; however spider mites, though were minor in May were severe in June. Some minor leaf spots were observed, but did not adversely affect ratings. Graymold (Botrytis cinerea) did lower some flower ratings for African marigold flowers later in the season. Marigolds now tend to hide old blooms (often expressed as “burring the dead”) with new growth and flowers, keeping a fresh look; however, with African marigolds, the disease may proliferate in these hidden large blooms, causing the disease to move down the stem and kill the plant. Some plant death was attributed to this condition, but losses due to soilborne pathogens were insignificant. Mite and worm damage to marigolds may be seen on our pests web page under “Arthropod Pests”.

Melampodium expessed symptoms of worm feeding, mites, leafminer and powdery mildew. None of these pests adversely affected ratings.

Morning glories were severely affected by mites all season. Worms were a secondary problem. Flowers were unaffected. Rust was detected later in the season on the abaxial (underside) portion of the leaves, but symptoms did not appear on the axial (top) portion of the leaf. Plant death from soilborne pathogens occurred in only one cultivar earlier in the season.

Nicotiana was affected more severely by worms and leaf spots later in the season and graymold on flowers earlier in the season. Thrips feeding symptoms on flowers was observed earlier in the season, but damage was minor, and a leafroller was observed.

Ornamental millet was free from pest symptoms until late in the season, when rust was detected; however this did not lower the ratings below good to fair by early June.

Platycodon had some plant loss in each plot, but no pest symptoms were observed on the surviving plants. Other cultivars of this crop from different breeding lines were grown in another location at this facility in 2001 and also suffered plant losses.

Rudbeckia foliage had some worm damage and spots, but did not lower most ratings below the acceptable level. Thips feeding symptoms on flowers did lower some ratings below acceptable. Plant losses ranged from none to a few/plot.

Salvia species had some insect feeding and disease spot symptoms that did not significantly affect ratings. No Salvia patens plants survived before pest evaluation was initiated. Significant plant death also occurred for Salvia splendens, but enough plots survived for most cultivars to be properly evaluated; however, this crop will be re-evaluated in a future trial without donation, and a new strategy will be attempted to keep down plant losses.

Spilanthes showed worm and mite symptoms early in the season, but ratings remained high, until late in the season when plot condition varied from good to poor from these pests. No plants died.

Tithonia was not adversely affected by pests. Cucumber beetle [Diabrotica balteata LeConte (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] and flower thrips did cause some damage, but ratings remained good. An Alternaria sp. was identified on foliage in the plug stage in the greenhouse and was controlled successfully. A leaf necroisis of undetermined origin, examined by plant pathologists - believed to be a physiological condition, lowered foliage ratings below an acceptable level late in the season. This has been seen before and in other locations. Damage to tithonia flowers by the cucumber beetle may be seen on our pest web page in the beetle section under “Arthropod Pests”.

Torenia did not have any foliage or flower pest symptoms. Plant loss was minor.

Verbena was infested by twospotted spider mites, thrips and leafminer, with little affect on performance. Graymold symptoms later in the season had some affect, but most plants were still good. Some plant loss to soilborne pathogens occurred.

Vinca foliage had no pest symptoms. Flowers were affected by thrips feeding damage and in some cases this was severe. The major impact by disease on this crop occurred from Fusarium crown rot. Plants were drenched with Heritage^®, followed by Banrot^® (according to plant pathologist recommendation) before planting. Despite these measures, the crop losses were severe, requiring the combining of ratings from the surviving healthy plants in all the plots into one “observation”, resulting in a non-replicated trial for the species. Some other crops suffered a similar fate, while other species remained healthy, regardless of location in the field. The vinca cultivars evaluated in this trial will be re-evaluated in a future trial without donation, and a new strategy will be attempted to keep down plant losses.

Zinnias were primarily affected by mites and worms, following the same pattern as marigolds, but mites were more severe for Z. elegans than Z. angustifolia. A few leafminers were observed. Spots affected the white Z. elegans rating earlier and the yellow Z. angustifolia later in the season. Graymold also affected flowers, but ratings were still acceptable. A bacterium believed to be Xanthomonas-like was isolated from white Z. elegans plants in the greenhouse.

Variety Trials Website

This report may be found in the Articles, Papers & Reports link on the variety trials web page [http://vtgcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/index.htm] for viewing, sending a link or printing (PDF format). Digital images of the spring 2002 assorted cultivars evaluated in this report may be found in the Recently Completed Trials section of Current & Recent Trials, also located on the web page.

Note

The information in this report is a summary of experimental results and does not provide recommendations for crop production. Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended or endorsement implied.

Florida Automated Weather Network. 2003. FAWN: Florida Automated Weather Network. 25 Oct. 2003. <http://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/>.

Kelly, R. O., Brent Harbaugh and Rick Schoellhorn. 2002. Evaluation of Impatiens Cultivars as Bedding Plants – Spring 2001. GCREC Bradenton Res. Rept. BRA 2002-9.

[1] Variety trials coordinator

[2] Associate professor of floriculture

[3] Assistant professor of floriculture

[4] Professor of floriculture

[5] A dagger represents cultivars surviving in one plot or data collected when only one plot survived.