What: Outdoor tests of more than 400 ornamental plant varieties grown or tested under East Texas sun and heat.
When: June 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, 1710 N. Farm-to-Market Road 3053, Overton, Texas 75684.
Who: Dr. Brent Pemberton, Texas A&M AgriLife Research horticulturist at Overton, with volunteer work from several East Texas Master Gardeners clubs.
Why: Pemberton began the trials in 1994 in response to Texas bedding plant industry and gardening interests. The industry and consumers needed to know which varieties were adapted to East Texas conditions, he said. Prior to the trials, there was little information available to greenhouse growers and the industry as to whether any particular bedding plant variety was suited to the East Texas climate and soils.
More Details: This year the test will include some of the standards of previous tests, both old and new varieties of vincas, ornamental peppers and sweet potatoes, trailing petunias, verbenas, dahlias, coleus and cannas. New this year will be various rapid-blooming perennial varieties, such as coreopsis, shasta daisies, gerberas and dianthus, which are billed as having the potential of blooming the first year from seeds or sets, according to Pemberton. There is no registration fee, and lunch will be provided.
Media requests may be directed to Robert Burns at 903-312-3199 or email rd-burns@tamu.edu