Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1997
Good Qualities
Beautiful color (3); Stems were pinched back after second leaves to encourage branching, plants bushy but fairly small and very short; Uniform; Excellent stem length, stands well; Many side blooms.
Problems
Tarnished plant bugs got the blossoms (even before the Aster Yellows go the rest). Poor germination; Crop failure. Spring too wet. Plants browned and withered; While these cultivars had wonderful color, the head size was so big that marketability is limited. We were very dry and irrigation kept them alive but growing slowly.
Comments
Some years I can get some asters before the bugs and yellows get the blossoms but not this year; While this was a late bloomer, the heads did dry quite nice; Looks like 'Sea Shells' from Johnny's; Good germination.
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating¹ | Repeat Again Rating¹ | Ease of Cultivation Rating¹ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6.0 | 12 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.3 |
¹1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
Benary Seed 1444 Larson St. Sycamore, IL 60178
