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 Aratty@ 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.
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating - Wholesale (1) | Market Appreciation Rating - Retail (1) | Market Appreciation Rating - Consumer (1) | Repeat Again Rating (2) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (2) | Average Spacing (in2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
(1) 1 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
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'.