Helianthus 'Starburst Aura'

Trial: Annual

Years Trialed: 2002

Good Qualities

Nice double yellow/gold color (5); Axillary buds, uniform small flower good stem; Good, unusual flower form - striking - strong grower - good 2nd cuts - long stems; Really nice flower form - They look a lot better in real life than they do in the pictures; Beautiful thick flower head; Very few insect problems, great strong stems; Very small, nice for bouquets, petals have an interesting fuzzy-looking appearance; Medium stem production; Looks like a double; Interesting flower shape.

Problems

Too short (4); Long petals, Some vertical-facing flowers, green center; Slow to flower; Deer damage - this cultivar is the favored of all sunflowers - deer decimate this variety; Vulnerable to insect damage, got ratty looking fast; Will not open more when cut before fully open - Has short postharvest; Everything (centers and laterals) seemed to bloom at once; Very multi-branching.

Comments

This is by far the favorite; Matured in 12 days, tiny heads 2 inches across at best; Unique combination of form and color - This one took me a while to like but by the end of the summer I saw many possible design uses; Similar to other 'Starbursts'.


Trial Data

Helianthus 'Starburst Aura'
Yield (stems/plant) Stem Length (inches) Market Appreciation Rating¹ Repeat Again Rating¹ Ease of Cultivation Rating¹ Average Spacing (in2)
Wholesale Retail Consumer
Average 2.8 21.1 4.0 3.8 4.2 3.8 4.1 125
Range of Responses 1-9 10-40 2-5 3-5 3-5 2-5 3-5 18-432


¹1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.


Supplier

Seedsense Ltd. 7, Bradfield Close North Walsham Norfolk NR28 oHL England