2018 Trial Participants
- Ball FloraPlant
- Ball Ingenuity
- Dümmen Orange
- Earthwork Seeds
- Kieft Seed
- Mark Adams Greenhouses
- PanAmerican Seed
- Proven Winners
- Selecta
2018 Trial Season
We trialed approximately 150 cultivars this year at our off-campus field site, located at Bluegrass Lane in Ithaca, NY. The trials got off to a good start with lovely weather and average temperatures. Although precipitation was overall less than average for June, July, and August, we seemed to receive all of it at once, with approximately 4 inches in a one-week period at the end of July and nearly 2 inches in a single day in early August! Predictably, some genera were severely affected (Osteospermum, some Calibrachoa, some Verbena), while others thrived (Solenostmeon, Begonia, Salvia).
The growers and educators who attended our annual Floriculture Field Day on August 8 chose our field day favorites, and attendees at our August 11 open house chose our consumer favorites. We’ve also included our top performers based on bi-weekly ratings and trial manager Kendra Hutchins’ favorites.
Top performers, based on our biweekly ratings:
Field Day favorites, based on ratings by attendees at our August 8 Floriculture Field Day:
Consumer favorites, based on ratings by attendees at our August 11 open house:
Trial Manager Kendra Hutchins’ favorites:
Calendula Lady Godiva Yellow, Proven Winners. This beauty put out bloom after bloom all season long. It withstood heat as well as prolonged and heavy rain that devastated other varieties. It is an absolute standout in terms of garden performance, and was a favorite note only of mine, but of bees and butterflies as well.
Ipomoea FloraMia Rosso, Dümmen Orange. A unique, multi-hued Ipomoea featuring shades of rose, bronze, olive, and purple. It filled in fast, and performed well in full-sun, with lovely color all summer long.
Coleus Main Street Broad Street, Dümmen Orange. I love the color contrast on this Coleus; the deep burgundy leaves are edged with chartreuse in an elegant, eye-catching combo. The plants are compact, highly uniform, and late to flower. As far as I am concerned, this variety is the perfect Coleus.
Dahlia City Lights Purple, Selecta. With dark leaves that are reminiscent of wrought iron, and rich purple blooms ornamented with dazzling yellow pollen, this variety is the epitome of simple sophistication. It flowered beautifully all summer long, with minimal care required.
Salvia Interspecific Big Blue, PanAmerican Seed. I first saw this variety at Ball Australia and was excited to have it in this year’s trials; it didn’t disappoint. Big Blue is a vigorous plant with showy and continuous blue blooms, a true garden powerhouse.
