Pamela J. Bennett, Ohio State University Extension, Horticulture, Clark County.
The plants were started from seed, plugs, or cuttings at a local greenhouse, according to the recommended starting dates. They were planted in the plots on May 23, 2002. The rows were spaced 2 ft. apart with 6 plants of each variety in each row. Trailing or vining plants were spaced 4 ft. apart with 4 ft. between rows. Osmocote (14-14-14) was incorporated at the labeled rate prior to planting. Beds were hand weeded as needed throughout the season.
Irrigation was applied during dry periods so that plants received at least 1 inch of water per week. See the weather information for details. No additional applications of fertilizers were made. The plants were not deadheaded or pruned during the growing season. No insecticides or fungicides were applied. Volunteers weeded the plots as needed; no mulch was used. Plants were grown in full sun, unless otherwise indicated. The material for the shade house provided 75% shade.
Three people conducted visual evaluations in June, July, and August. These monthly evaluations were averaged for the overall rating for each variety. The monthly rating was based on the visual appearance of all plants. If there were less than three plants remaining at any time during the evaluation, the variety was dropped from the trials. A rating of 5 was considered to be excellent and a rating of 1 was considered to be poor. The overall rating is an average of the monthly totals.