Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1996Good Qualities
Nice color (3); Long stems (2); Produce best Didiscus I have ever managed to grow, strong stems.; Very productive, sturdy stems, slugs don't seem to bother it.; Vaselife.Problems
Plants require higher average temperatures than are normally available for germination in this area (Olds, Alberta). Plants grown from plugs, however, proved to do much better than the direct seeded plants. The major problem experienced at the Olds College plots, was the inability of the plants to take up nutrients thought to be a result of low average daily temperatures. Seeds sown to areas with better drainage showed better germination, but the season is just not long enough to produce useable stems.; I think this plant hates life in the south. Too hot here (Graham, NC).; Possible (not confirmed) stem rot (Fusarium?) on some plants late in season - rotted at soil line.; Crop failure due to starting too early.Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating¹ | Repeat Again Rating¹ | Ease of Cultivation Rating¹ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 5.8 | 13.5 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 2.0 |
¹1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Comments
Looks like the blue cultivars already available, but has longer stems.; Each of the varieties of the Didiscus in the 'Madonna' series displayed poor germination, both in the field and in a controlled environment. The relatively poor soil conditions and cool weather took their toll on these plants.; I cut Didiscus as single stems rather than whole; tall plant. It gets less tangled and wholesaler likes it this way. Sold at 20/bunch for $1.75/bu (sleeved).