Methods & Climate

Plants:

312 bedding plant cultivars evaluated Oct. 31,1996 through April 24, 1997

All-America Selections Display Garden at E.V. Smith Research Center, a unit of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station located in Shorter, 26 miles east of Montgomery, Ala. (latitude 32 30' N, longitude 85 40'W)

Raised beds were tilled and fumigated with methyl bromide in the spring of 1996. A commercially available slow-release fertilizer (18-6-12) was pre-plant incorporated into beds based on soil test recommendations. No other fungicides, insecticides or additional fertilizer were applied during the trial period.

Transplants were planted on Oct. 16, 1996. Twelve plants per entry (2 rows of 6 plants) were grown in full sun.

Rainfall was supplemented with overhead sprinkler irrigation to provide an equivalent of 1-inch of water per week. No deadheading of spent flowers or other maintenance was performed on any plants except hand weeding.

Eight plants of 12 per entry were evaluated every 2 weeks. Flowering plants were rated on floral displays, while size, shape, and freedom from insect or disease blemishes were also considered. The following ratings were made by the same individual in whole number units:

0--indicated the plant had died
1--a small display of foliage with no flowers present
2--adequate foliage with one or two flowers present
3--sufficient foliage and floral display to be attractive in the landscape
4--above average floral display and sufficient foliage display
5--superior floral display and sufficient foliage display.