Osteospermum F1 ‘Asti White’
AAS Bedding Plant Award Winner
Pure white daisy flowers with blue centers are the main attraction for ‘Asti
White.’ The large blooms, 2 to 2-1/2 inches across are borne on stems that
gracefully wave in the wind. The thick fleshy leaves indicate its drought
tolerance, which makes this a preferred annual in any area subject to dry
conditions. ‘Asti White’ is the first white Osteospermum, or Cape Daisy,
propagated from seed. There are several advantages. The flowers will remain open
under cloudy conditions, unlike other daisy flowers originating from South
Africa, which close. ‘Asti White’ plants will flower uniformly about 17 weeks
from seed. Gardeners have the choice of growing from seed or purchasing plants
depending upon their resources. ‘Asti White’ plants will bloom and recover from
a slight frost. These plants can be placed in the spring or fall garden, weeks
earlier than other tender annuals. The uniform plants thrive in a sunny garden,
reaching about 17 to 20 inches tall and wide. ‘Asti White’ plants adapt
perfectly to growing in containers, preferably 6-inch pots or larger. Bred and
produced by Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
AAS WINNER DATA
Genus species: Osteospermum ecklonis
Common names: African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, Cape Daisy
Unique qualities: First white osteospermum propagated from
seed. Freedom of bloom and uniform size plants
Flower size: 2 to 2.5 inches
Color(s): White with blue center
Plant height: 17-20 inches
Plant width: 17-20 inches
Garden spacing: 12 inches apart
Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 17 weeks from seed
Closest comparison(s) on market: ‘Sky and Ice,’ ‘Passion Mix’
Viola
F1 ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’
AAS Cool Season Bedding Plant Award Winner
Sunny gold faces charm people gazing at ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold.’ The flowers are
uniquely designed with plum shades surrounding the golden centers (face), which
contain radiating black lines affectionately called whiskers. The blooms are
small, about 1-1/2 inches, but are not to be underrated. The number of blooms
produced more than makes up for the size. ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ won the AAS
Award for its ability to grow a lavish number of blooms. In the North, plants
can be expected to bloom beginning with spring to the heat of summer. In the
South, a fall planting may provide flowering golden faces throughout the winter.
The petite plants growing 6 to 8 inches tall and wide are highly recommended for
combination planters. Gardeners can rely on ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ to provide
abundant blooms whether growing in containers, window boxes, an annual or
perennial garden. ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ may be a perennial in southern regions.
Seed or bedding plants will be available in garden centers this fall or spring.
‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ was bred by Kieft Seeds Holland.
AAS WINNER DATA
Genus species: Viola cornuta
Common name: Viola
Unique qualities: Color combinations, vigorous and floriferous,
flower size
Flower size: 1.5 inches
Form: Single
Color(s): Plum shades with golden center
Plant height: 6 inches
Plant width: 8 inches
Garden spacing: 8 inches
Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 10 weeks
Closest comparison(s) on market: ‘Skippy Lavender/Yellow Face,’
‘Panola Lavender’
Eggplant F1 ‘Hansel’
2008 AAS Vegetable Award Winner
Best described as a miniature eggplant, ‘Hansel’ is a smaller-sized plant with
finger-sized clusters of fruit. Just because of its smaller size, don’t make
the mistake of thinking it produces less fruit. The strong plant, reaching
less than three feet, produces clusters of three to six fruit. They mature
early, about 55 days from transplanting into warm soil. This is about 10 days
earlier than the comparison eggplant. If the 3-inch fruit clusters are left on
the plant, they grow in size, but remain tender and non-bitter, unlike other
eggplant. This trait offers gardeners flexibility in harvest such as when
taking a much-needed vacation. The fruit will be waiting for you as long as
it’s not a three-week cruise. If you prefer to garden in containers, ‘Hansel’
is highly recommended for your shopping list. ‘Hansel’ adapts perfectly to
container growing conditions. The diminutive plant fits on smaller patios or
decks but provides high yields of shiny purple eggplants ready to marinate and
grill. ‘Hansel’ will be available as seed and young bedding plants. This AAS
Winner was bred by Seminis Vegetable Seed.
AAS WINNER DATA
Genus species: Solanum melongena
Common names: Eggplant, Aubergine
Fruit size: From 3” to 10” in length
Fruit shape: Elongated shape
Color: Glossy dark purple fruit
Plant height: 36 inches
Plant width: 30 inches
Plant habit: Compact upright
Garden spacing: 2 feet apart
Unique qualities: Miniature plant. Clusters of tender sweet
fruit with few seeds, early
Length of time from transplanting to harvest: 55 days
Closest comparison(s) on market: ‘Little Fingers,’ ‘Orient
Express’