KUNC Commentators
(2009-01-28)
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FORT COLLINS, CO
(KUNC) -
All American Selections for 2009
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The All American Selections for 2009 will be available at garden centers this spring. The selections include one flower and three vegetables.
The All American Selections are picked from a network of trial gardens. The gardens, both private and public, are spread throughout North America. Colorado is home to at least four different trial gardens. Plants are judged on a number of criteria including color, flavor, plant size and disease resistance.
Viola `Rain Blue and Purple' changes color as the flowers mature. The flowers open purple and white and change to purple and blue as they get older. Like most violas, it has masses of flowers at one time. According to the description, `Rain Purple and Blue' grows about six inches tall and spreads ten to fourteen inches wide. That would make it useful for trailing down containers or used in hanging baskets. It also grows well in cooler temperatures making this a plant for mountain gardeners.
The early, white eggplant winner is `Gretel'. The three inch fruit should be harvestable 55 days after transplanting the plant. Ideally `Gretel' fruit should be picked small but the fruit holds flavor and tenderness when left to grow bigger. The plant is supposed to grow about three feet tall and wide. At that size, it could be grown in a large container.
A compact acorn squash named `Honey Bear' is another new selection. It only grows about four feet wide. `Honey Bear' is also powdery mildew tolerant which will keep it producing squash longer in the season. Harvest begins 100 days after seed is sown. `Honey Bear' was bred to be baked in the shell. This might be one to try on the grill.
`Lambkin' Melon has been selected for sweet flavor and white, juicy flesh. It has a thin rind that is light yellow with green blotches. The fruit should be ready about 70 days from transplanting the plant. `Lambkin' is a vigorous vine so give it room to grow. It is a Christmas type melon. That means it stores for a long time if it is kept cool in the refrigerator.
These are the All American Selections for the new season. Look for other new flower and veggie varieties in seed catalogs or at your local garden centers.
tomthrogmorton@mywdo.com
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