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CUT FLOWERS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION
AND THE HOME GARDEN
San Jose Field Station
Project Summary Report - Summer 1990
By Nancy Garrison, Farm Advisor, Santa Clara County
Revised 5/94
This project was conducted by Master Gardeners under the general supervision of Nancy Garrison, Farm advisor in Santa Clara County. Varieties were chosen from the viewpoint of the home gardener interested in growing cut flowers. Everything chosen for this trial was described in the proactive catalogs as being suited for this purpose. As it turned out, in our experience, some were not well suited for this purpose, but may have been better for something else, which I've mentioned.
Seeds of the 36 varieties we trialed were started in our greenhouse on April 3, 1990, placing 3 - 4 seeds in each cell of the six-packs. After the seedlings emerged they were thinned to one plant per cell. At 6 weeks they were moved to the lath house to harden off. Seedlings were field planted on May 1 and May 8, 1990. Each variety was given a 30 foot section of the row in which to grow, with 1 - 1 1/2 feet between plants, depending on the variety.
Ammonium sulfate was applied as a side dressing at the rate of 65 lbs./acre. Seedlings were irrigated by sprinklers as needed during establishment, then by weekly furrow irrigations subsequently.
For each variety, data was collected on:
I initiated vase life tests on July 23 with an early evening harvest and on August 21 with a morning harvest. I factored together the results of the two tests to arrive at the stated number of days of vase life. I used plain water in 12 ounce coca cola bottles, in a room lit only by fluorescent light. Room temperatures averaged about 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Each cultivar was replicated six times with single cut stems emerged in water up to within 1" of the top of the bottle, foliage to be submerged was removed. Data was collected every day to determine vase life for each cultivar.
I will write up this report in the order in which the flowers were grown in the field, using the block and row number designations from the plot plan. The seed source listed is the one that we used. It may be carried by other nurseries as well, so it should not be assumed to be one company's exclusive.
We found plant heights in our test oftentimes varied from the catalog description, thus I use the term 'actual' to differentiate between the catalog and what we actually measured.
Stem lengths are categorized by: short -- up to 10", medium 11-15", and long -- over 16".
A1 Zinnia haageana 'Persian Carpet' -- Actual plant height was 1 1/2', stem length medium-short, all plants in bloom June 19, full bloom July 17, lasting through late September. Some mildew present, but tolerable -- much more resistant than common garden zinnias. Colors were in the golds and mahoganies, with two tones common. Leaves were 3" long and quite narrow. Plants were neat and compact. Heat and drought resistant. Vase life was 5-7 days. Seed source was Stokes.
A2 Venidium fastuosm (Cape daisy) -- Actual plant height was 2 1/2' - 3', stem length tall, all plants in bloom June 12, with full bloom June 26 lasting through August 10 for the peak bloom. Flower color was bright calendula orange, with a striking black center. Interesting fuzzy buds were eye catching on the plant, but not good in vase. Plants were very floriferous. Plant habit was spreading, out to 3-4' wide, sprawling excessively. If used as a bedding plant, it should be planted to the back of the site and carefully staked. Vase life was 4-5 days. I don't think it's a good cut flower though, because it has a thick bending stem covered with abundant fuzz and foliage. Flowers close at night. Plant holds up to heat well. Drought tolerant needing good drainage. Seed source was Burpee.
A3 Iberis 'White Pinnacles' (Candytuft) -- Plant height 18" cut flower stem length short, all plants in block in bloom June 12 with peak bloom through August, after which time, flower spikes elongated to 8" of which only 2" was bloom, the rest seed pods. No apparent insect or disease problems. Plants were neat and compact with striking contrast between dark green glossy foliage and clear white flower spikes. Vase life 6 days. Seed source was Shepherds.
A4 Chrysanthemum carinatum 'Merry Mix' (tricolor Daisy) -- Actual height was 4', too much foliage in relationship to flowers, flower wasn't really tricolor, it was mostly a bright lemon yellow with some yellow and whites. Individual flower stems were short, requiring that whole stalk be cut to get usable stem lengths. Flowering began June 26 with peak full bloom around July 10, petering out by the end of July. Flowers were small - 1 1/2" across and somewhat overwhelmed by the almost succulent foliage. Plant breaks out in the center and flops badly. Plants mildewed moderately. Vase life was 5 days. Seed source was Country Garden.
A5 Coreopsis tinctoria 'Finest Mixed' (Annual coreopsis or calliopsis) -- Actual plant height was 3' tall. Plant has a growth habit similar to cosmos, with nice green lacy foliage which is covered with an abundance of mahogany centered golden blooms 1 1/2" in diameter. It has dark buttons with contrasting yellow pollen. Blooms are held well on the outside of the plant. Short stems made plant unsuitable for cut flower production. Flowering began June 26 with full bloom July 17. Plants need to be severely cut back after peak bloom or plant will grow too tall, with some long stems breaking out. By early August, plants were past peak and looked ratty. Plants are drought tolerant and heat resistant. Vase life was 3-5 days. Seed source for project was Stokes.
A6 Callistephus chinensis 'Custom Mix' (China asters) -- Late flowering, heavy blooming, short season, spectacular flower for cutting. In full bloom August 14 though August 29. Plant height 2 - 2 1/2', which requires staking. Plant has medium-long cutting stems. Flower colors pink, rose, white, lilac, amethyst, salmon, violet and ruby wine. Blooms varied from having short tight petals like a pompom to others which were more open and loose with uncupped petals. Flower size was 2" - 3 1/2" in diameter. Seed source Shepherds. Vase life was over 7 days.
A7 Silene 'Royal Electra' -- Long blooming hot pink flowers, which are good as cut flowers, as well as bedding plants. Plant height is 12" - 14" with wiry, short stems, but usable flowers for cutting, although they only last about 3 days in the vase. Suitable cut flowers for medium-small bouquets. Individual flowers within clumps of 2 dozen or more flowers, are < 1/2" in size. Full bloom was June 26 through August 31. Blue-gray green foliage is bright and attractive. Seed source was Parks.
A8 Iberis umbellata 'Brilliant Mixture' (Evergreen Candytuft) -- Very pretty bedding plant suitable for cut flowers for small bouquets, because of short stems. Whole plant looks like a bouquet, with flowers in the same color range as asters. Flowers are borne on short compact plants until late August when stalks elongate and form seedpods on lower section of stalks. Foliage is deep dark green. Vase life 3 days. Seed source Parks.
A9 and 10 Lychinus viscaria 'Rose Angel' and 'Blue Angel' -- Attractive, compact, mounding 10" tall plant completely covered with 1/2" deep bright rose or blue flowers. May be a good bedding plant, but it has a short bloom season. Suitability for cut flowers is poor because of short stems and short Vase life - only 3 days. Blooming began July 10 and peaked through August 10. Plants had no problems with insects or disease. Seed source was Stokes.
A11 Dianthus caryophyllus (Fragrance Carnations) -- Highly fragrant carnations with a rich clove scent that is unrivaled. Strength of fragrance varied by color. Plants were 28" tall, with short stems, suitable for small bouquets, potpourris. Late blooming started July 17, continuing into September. Colors were crimson, scarlet, deep rose, pink, creamy yellow and white. Vase life 5 days. Seed source Shepherds.
A12 Papayer rhoeas (Double Flowered Shirley Poppy) -- Gorgeous mixed colored blooms in the pinks and salmon colors. Three inch in diameter flowers are borne on 18-36" tall single stems, perfect for cutting except I couldn't get anymore than 2 brief days of vase life from them. Ideally suited for a wildflower mix. Blooming started on June 26 and lasted until about July 10. Seed source was Burpee.
B1 Impatiens balsamina (Touch-Me-Not-Balsam) -- Colors ranged from salmon, pink and white to rose. Plant height was 2' flowers were borne directly on thick succulent stems up and down the length of the plant, somewhat hidden in the lush foliage. Best flowering if side branches are removed. Interesting garden plant. Definitely not a good cut flower because of how the flowers are hidden and the short 3 day vase life. Ample water required. Seed source was Country Gardens.
B2 Pentzia (Gold Buttons) -- 2 - 2 1/2" multi-branched plants with fragrant lacy foliate and bright gold button flowers 3/4" in diameter lacking any ray flower petals. Buttons are on flexible short individual stems (which are difficult to poke into oasis) lasting more than 7 days in the vase and excellent as dried flowers. Stems of flowers were very difficult to untangle when cutting for bouquets. May be more suitable as a mounding bedding plant. No deadheading was needed. Plants in bull bloom July 7 past August 14. Plants were quite sprawling. Seed source was Parks.
B3 Lavatera 'Monte Blanc' and 'Silver Cup' -- This was one of the favorite plants in the trial as both a cut flower and as a bedding plant. The pink 'Silver Cup' was the star of the show. It started blooming sooner than the whites and had larger more spectacular flowers up to 2 1/2" in diameter. The plant was literally covered with the light clear pink blooms, to the point the attractive foliage hardly showed. Pinks were in peak bloom through July, whereas the whites were in bloom during August. The white had smaller flowers 1 3/4" - 2" in diameter. They do best with ample water. Seed source was Shepherds. Vase life was 4 days.
B4 Centaurea cyanus "Snowman' (Bachelor Buttons) -- Plant height 3', flowering began June 26 with all blooming July 6 through August. By July 17, the plants were sprawling and flopping out. For cut flowers, the plants had too little bloom to foliage ratio -- it might have performed better with less water and fertilizer. As a garden plant, this white variety looked faded because the spent blossoms, of which there always seemed to be an abundance, turned a straw color, which gave the whole plant a faded appearance. Wouldn't recommend it for either cut flower or garden plant unless a change in the cultural care improved the flowering performance and growth habit. Vase life was 5 days. Seed source was Country Garden.
B5 Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy' (Bachelor Buttons) -- This color was cleaner and crisper than the white 'Snowman', but still produced a disproportionate amount of foliage to flower. See above notes. All other information is the same.
B6 Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon' (Floss Flower) -- This variety of ageratum is an excellent choice for cutting because of the relatively long stems not found with most garden varieties, long vase life and the long bloom time. Full bloom June 12 through August. Very attractive plants which are also highly suitable as bedding plants. They bloom all summer and maintain attractive dark green foliage throughout. Flower color was blue purple with violet overtones. Vase life 7 days. Seed source was Burpee.
B7 Phlox drummondll 'Brilliant' -- Old time variety first offered through mail order catalog in 1901. Blooming began June 12, with peak bloom July 17, finishing in mid-August. Plant height 20". This was a very good cut flower because of long vase life, easy color with which to work and two month bloom period. Stems were medium short, but were long enough for most medium sized bouquets. Individual florets were 1/2" - 3/4" in diameter, nearly white to light pink border with fuschia pink centers, forming flower clusters 3"-5" in diameter. Entire plants were literally covered in bloom. Vase life 6 days. Seed source was Thompson and Morgan.
B8 Saponaria vaccaria 'Pink Beauty' -- Airy, lacy plant with primary bloom period from June 26 through July 10, at which time they were cut back severely. Most plants never did come back satisfactorily. Individual flowers were about 3/4" in diameter. Flowers were a pretty soft baby pink color, giving the effect of a pink cloud. Very pretty when in bloom for the short 3 week period. Interesting seed pods followed the bloom. Similar growth habit as Baby's Breath. Because of its convoluted growing habit, it was hard to cut long stems. We had a low germination rate and subsequently a poor stand. Best with ample water. Vase life 4 days. Seed source was Burpee, but I couldn't find it in their 1991 catalog.
B9 Alonsoa linearis (Mask Flower) -- Insignificant, tiny orange colored blossoms, reminiscent of scarlet pimpernel weed. Plants were 18" tall with a bloom time from June 26 through July. Perennial that is usually treated as an annual. We didn't feel it was a good choice for either cut flowers or a garden plant. Is it possible we got incorrect seed for this sample? We couldn't believe anyone would sell seed for this plant. Seed source Thompson and Morgan.
B10 Celosia cristata 'Big Chief Mixed' (Cockscomb Amaranth) -- Excellent cut flower due to its long, strong stem and long lasting flower, but in the garden and in the vase. Vase life was longer than 8 days. It can also be successfully dried. Plants reached 3' in height. It produced a huge primary flower 4"-5" in diameter with abundant good sized side shoots that develop after the main flower is cut. The flowers are brilliant shades of magentas, golds, reds, pinks and soft cream. It bloomed from early June through August. Heat resistant. The red strains have very interesting brilliant red stems. Seed source was Stokes.
B11 Dianthus barbatus 'Red Empress' (Sweet William) -- Biennial grown as an annual. Pure red flowers in tight clusters 3"-4" in diameter, borne on 10" stems. Plant height was 2' tall, with plants beginning to bloom July 7 and continuing in good condition past August. Vase life was 4 days. For it's strong color to work in the garden or in a bouquet one would almost have to combine with pure whites or other strong pure colors. Perennial that is usually grown as an annual. Seed source was Shepherd.
B12 Salpigiossis sinuata 'Bolero' (Velvet Flower or Painted Tongue) -- Upright open habit to 2 1/2'. Sticky leaves and stems. Flowers much like petunias in size and shape but having more unusual colors and markings in shades of mahogany red, reddish orange, yellow, purple and pink tones, marbled with contrasting colors. Flowering started June 26 and went strong for less than two weeks, at which time flowers were devastated by the budworm. We didn't spray, and as a result, the flowers were devoured each time the plants pushed new growth. Vase life was three days. Seed source was Burpee.
C1 Tagetes erecta 'Burpee's Climax' (Marigold) -- Plants started blooming June 19, with all in bloom June 26 to well past August. It is an excellent cut flower because of its long strong stems and very long vase life. The brash colors are tricky to combine with many other flowers, but great with blues and purples found in Bachelor Buttons and long stemmed ageratums. No evidence of insect or disease. Heat and drought tolerant. Vase life was longer than 8 days. Seed source was Burpee.
C2 Aster 'Super Giants Complete Mixture', wilt resistant -- Late blooming, long stemmed 3' tall asters which began blooming in mid-August. Flowers were open petalled with a soft look. This variety comes in the complete color range available in annual asters including: blue, white, peach, rose, crimson, and purple. Blooms were 2" - 2 1/2" in diameter borne on medium-long stems. One of the very best for cut flowers. It's only drawback is its late bloom time - beginning mid-August and it's short bloom season - usually about 3 weeks. Vase life was over 8 days. Seed source was Parks.
C3 Zinnia elegans (Zinnia Mixed Colors) -- Plants were 3 1/2' - 4' tall with flowers 1 1/2" - 2" in diameter, borne on medium length stems. Flower blossoms are rather small for the size and magnitude of the plant, but are excellent for cut flowers because each individual flower won't overwhelm the rest of the bouquet. Flower colors were yellow, crimson and purple. Flowers were the shape of a chocolate covered marshmallow cookie. Plants started blooming June 5 and continued past August. Powdery mildew was a problem. Heat and drought tolerant. Vase life was longer than 8 days. Seed source was Country Garden.
C4 Amaranthus caudatus 'Red Tails' (Love-Lies-Bleeding) -- A huge annual reaching over 5' in height and at least that in breadth. It bears red flowers in dramatic drooping, cluster-like tassels, up to 16" long from June 16 well into September. Very long bloom period and 5 days vase life makes it useful as a cut flower in large to very large arrangements. Very interesting and drought tolerant plant. Foliage seemed to always look somewhat chlorotic. Heat and drought tolerant. Can be dried. Seed source was Country Garden.
C5 Cosmos bipinnatus 'Red Versailles' -- Plant height 4' tall, well covered with newly opened flowers having deep, reddish purple color fading to a more violet purple. Flowers 2 3/4" in diameter are borne on slender pliable, short stems. To get a usable length stem for the vase, it required cutting whole branch, which sacrificed many unopened buds. It's vase life was 4 days. Heat and drought resistant. Seed source was Parks.
C6 Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Imperials' (Pincushion Flower) -- Beautiful old-fashioned flowers in white, black deep port wine, pink, lavender, medium burgundy, salmon and rose pink. Has been in cultivation since the 1,600's. Somewhat of a floppy plant, which would benefit from staking. It has long strong stems for cutting with an interesting flower and seed head. The flowers have a tight mounding center surrounded by a 3/4" band of 1/4" in diameter florets. Seed heads look strikingly like a pincushion and are excellent dried. Bloom started mid-July and continued through August. Plant height was 3 - 3 1/2'. Vase life was 5 days. Seed source was Country Garden.
C7 Cynoglossum amabile 'Blue Showers' (Chinese Forget-Me-Not) -- Plant height was 2 - 2 1/2' tall. One plant began flowering June 6, with all in bloom by July 17. By July 31, they were past their peak and beginning to get seedy. Tiny flowers borne up and down the foliated stems were a pretty clear blue color. I feel the bloom period is too short to be worth the space. Vase life was 4 days. Biennial that is usually grown as an annual. Best with ample water. Seed source was Shepherd.
C8 Nicotiana aiata 'Sensation, Daylight Mix (Flowering Tobacco) -- Tall loosely open plants to 3' tall, produced subdued colors in the white, pink and rose range. Flowers were devoured by budworm so we didn't get a showy display. Some plants blooming on June 12 with all in bloom by the 26th continuing throughout August in a ratty condition. Heat and drought resistant. Very unattractive. Tubular flowers borne on long stems. Vase life was 4 days. Seed source was Burpee.
C9 Malope trifida 'Grandiflora Mixed Colors' (Annual Mallow) -- Very striking, glossy, rich, rose-colored, open tubular flowers profusely borne on a large shrub looking plant with nice clear green foliage. Flowers do not cover plant, but are scattered throughout. Plants were 3' tall and 4' wide. Petals are colored with deeper rose markings radiating from a yellow center. Flowers are 2" in diameter and began producing blooms July 6, peaking on the 31st and beginning to go down hill by August 8. Some mildew present at that time. Medium length stem. Must have good drainage. Vase life was 3 days. Seed source was Country Garden.
C10 Hunnemannia fumerifolla 'Sunlite' (Mexican Tulip Poppy) -- Delicate plants bearing pure yellow, larger than, but similar to California poppies. We had poor germination and difficulty transplanting these very slow growing flowers. These poppies should be direct sewn into the location in which they will be grown. Blooming began July 17 and continued for about a month. They lasted 6 days in the vase. Perennial that is often grown as an annual. Heat and drought resistant. Seed source was Parks.
C11 Centaurea Imperalls (Sweet Sultan) -- This is a marvelous old-fashioned flower for cutting and as a garden plant. It has been cultivated since the 1,600's. It produces single flowers on long straight stems that have a vase life of 6 days. The buds are striking with distinct bracts that look a little like an artichoke. The flowers are comprised of 1" long tubular flowers all bunched together forming a complete globe measuring about 1 3/4" across, with very deeply cut frilled edges. One plant began blooming June 19, with the rest in full bloom by July 7, continuing to look good through August. Colors were white, pink, rose and lavender. Plant height is 3'. Slight fragrance. Seed source was Burpee.
C12 Papaver rhoeas (Ladybird Poppy or Flanders Poppy) -- True red papery flowers with four distinct black blotches on each of the four petals. Plant height 18" and equally wide. First plant bloomed July 10 with rest within the next week. Short bloom season and short vase life of 2 days made it an undesirable plant for cutting when in full bloom. It would be great in a wildflower mix with other plants having different bloom periods. Seed source was Thompson and Morgan.
I wish to thank each of the hard working volunteers who made this project possible. They include: Scotty McEwen and Pamela Loucks as Project Coordinators and the others who worked under their direction on a week to week basis throughout the project. Thanks to Harry Adams, Cynthia Armor (became Master Gardener in 1991), Marge Heintz, Evelyn Igram, Kathrine Jones, Connie Logston (not in Master Gardener Program -- stayed on from the Lyle Pyeatt era), Agnes McCadam, Frank Riley, Helen Shapero, Al Steger, John Strangman, Sandra Tamm, Tom Tomlin, and Milli Wright. Several others helped specifically with the field days. Their names are: June Andrus, Mary Ann Ebbs, Peggy Le Deit, Sharon Hiatt, Marsha McCollum, Barbara Riley, and Ruth Robert. Pam and Scotty compiled much of the data that was used to write up this report.
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