Didiscus caeruleus 'Madonna Lavender-blue'
Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1996
Good 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 Rating (1) | Repeat Again Rating (1) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 5.8 | 13.5 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 2.0 |
(1) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
Kieft Seeds
P.O. Box 618
Conway, WA 98238
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).