Monica M. Kmetz-González, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University; and ClaudioC. Pasian, Extension Specialist, Floriculture, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University.
2001 - 2002 Pansy and Viola Cultivar Trial
This was the second year for our Fall Pansy and Viola Trials. A total of 98 cultivars were evaluated 80 pansies and 18 violas. Seed from participating breeders and distributors was sent to Bob Barnitz of Bob's Market and Greenhouse, Mason, West Virginia, for sowing and growing on. This same greenhouse grew the plants for our previous trial. Plants were received in Columbus on 9-11-01 and received a drench of Rootshield the following day.
The trial area consisted of six raised soil beds in a full sun exposure. Violas were transplanted into one bed on 9-18-01. Pansies were transplanted into five beds on 9-25-01. Ten well-developed plants per cultivar were set out at approximately 1 foot spacing. No mulch was used. Plants were fertilized on 10-16-01 with 20-10-20 @ 200 ppm N.
Evaluations were performed throughout the trial period by our core team of evaluators. In the fall, ratings were performed on 10-25-01 and 11-14-01. Mid-winter and post-winter evaluations took place on 1-31-02 and 3-28-02, respectively.
The spring and final rating was done on 4-24-02. At this time, the trial plants were also evaluated by Master Gardener volunteers and departmental staff.
Plants were rated on a 1 to 5 scale with 1 = not acceptable and 5 = exceptional. Criteria included flower number/aesthetics, health and appearance of foliage, plant uniformity, and overall appearance.
Results of the fall pansy and viola evaluation can be seen in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively. The Spring 2002 results are presented in Table 5 and Table 6, respectively.
The trial was well received by the public and local media. Plants were in excellent condition at the time they were pulled on 5-14-02 to make way for our Summer Annuals Trial.
Due to an extremely mild winter, there was color virtually throughout the trial period. Plants were in full bloom until December 24 when the first hard freeze occurred. Some color was displayed throughout January and February, mainly by the Violas. By March, most cultivars were back in bloom, and a vibrant splash of color was available throughout April and into mid-May, when the trial ended.
We would like to acknowledge the assistance of Marcia Feller, David Snodgrass, and participating volunteers and staff members as well as Bob Barnitz.