Trial: Annual

Years Trialed: 2001

Good Qualities

Colors/good color range (3); Prolific producer (3); multi-petals on flowers; Strong stems; Bright daisy flower, good height; Some of my customers loved it and others won't buy it; Looked great out in the field, not a lot of interest from buyers though, Zone 2 - still looks wonderful Sept 25th!; Very dependable cut flower, use a lot of this cultivar in mixed bouquets, no deer damage (as opposed to Cosmos 'Bright Lights'; Did very well in spite of no rain; Very hearty - kept producing until I mowed the bed - my other cosmos in the bed had stopped, but it was still producing.

Problems

Short vase life of 3-5 days (3); Difficult to decide when to harvest as 1st flower or as a spray; Few problems, need to be careful on cutting; cut buds early to avoid shatter; Easily bruised flowers; Aphids; Quite tall - some wind (blown down) damage, late in the season, these are not staked.

Comments

Started out as a problem, but ended as a success, we seeded in the greenhouse but far too early -- so pinched the crop twice before setting out, plants out in the field were 32 ft tall and many very strong breaks; Similar to Purity, Sensation, Dazzler, and Combo; Some powdery mildew late in growth cycle, but not significantly more than other cultivars; Planted too late - short day plant, got lots of plant but little flowering. Light to deep pink, have been harvesting 1st bloom; Good in combination with 'Early Wonder', extends the Cosmos bloom.

Trial Data

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