Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1997
Good Qualities
Excellent color (3); The Benary Victoria was superior to the other Victoria I had grown. The color was vibrant and the plant more vigorous and the stem length longer. The fall bloom color was a much richer blue. Carefree, long blooming; Pretty when dried; Very prolific germination. Can tolerate light frost; No problems.
Problems
Would be a good, uniform bedding plant. Good strong color..but it is way to short for a cut flower; All but 25 germinated out of 128 cell pack. Too much rainfall-rotted in field; By the time the stems get long enough the blooms weren't pretty anymore. Wish the stems were longer, sometimes wilted, but most of the time it would perk back up; Skinny spikes limit versatility in design work.
Comments
Possible use as a fresh cut, it appears to shatter easily when dried; Salvia farinacea 'Blue Bedder' is a much taller variety.
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating¹ | Repeat Again Rating¹ | Ease of Cultivation Rating¹ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 8.3 | 15 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 4.5 |
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
