THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 2, 1997 TAG: 9701310088
SECTION: HOME & GARDEN PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: 60 lines
THE ALL AMERICA Selections for 1997 include three vegetables and three flowers, unusual choices, both in terms of type and number of plants.
The selections are made by a non-profit, independent group of seed specialists from around the country. They conduct nationwide tests before picking the best of the best each year to recommend to homeowners.
The group normally selects three or four plants, most often common flowers and maybe one vegetable. This year they chose six plants, including such unlikely winners as basil, baby's breath, cabbage and okra.
This is welcome news for the many gardeners interested in vegetables, but the only hitch is there are no test gardens for vegetables in the Hampton Roads area, so it's hard to say how the group's vegetable recommendations will fare in this area.
Among flowers, Zinnia angustifolia ``Crystal White'' appears to be best for this area. This small zinnia blooms from May until frost. Severe heat doesn't bother it, and each plant usually grows to 10 inches high and spreads to 10 inches wide.
Gloria Winiker, who is in charge of the All America display garden at the Hampton Roads Research Center, says ``Crystal White'' will grow much taller than normal in Hampton Roads' heat. No pinching or pruning is required.
The second flower is Celosia cristata ``Prestige Scarlet.'' It produces more deep scarlet, velvety cockscomb blooms than other varieties. Plants reach a height of 15 to 20 inches and need no staking. Winiker says it's one of the best celosias she's grown, with lots of side-branching. It is ideal for drying and is easy to grow from seed.
The third flower, Gypsophila ``Gypsy,'' is a short, compact annual baby's breath. Perennial baby's breath does not grow well in this area, but Winiker said ``Gypsy'' performed satisfactorily in trials at the research center. It needs moist soil.
Thai basil ``Siam Queen,'' although technically a vegetable, is being recommended as a flower or vegetable. It has large leaves, thick stems and flowers later than other basils.
Its leaves are highly aromatic and release an intense licorice basil aroma when crushed. It has been grown primarily for Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Because its bright green leaves contrast with its square, red-purple branching stems and flowers, Winiker says it is ideal for containers but should be pinched regularly to control height.
Another 1997 selection is cabbage ``Dynamo,'' with a blue-green head. Judges said it will perform well despite severe heat.
The last is ``Cajun Delight'' okra, which has an early and extended harvest. It grows 4 feet high and 2 feet wide and starts producing pods 50 days after being transplanted into the garden.
These new flowers and vegetables are available as seed now or as transplants at garden centers, when the weather warms. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
ALL AMERICA SELECTIONS
Thai basil "Siam Queen," top, is a winner as both a flower and a
vegetable. "Crystal White" zinniz is well-suited to this area.
ALL AMERICA SELECTIONS
Cabbage ``Dynamo'' is said to grow well even in severe heat.