For 2007, a number of new plants will make an appearance with some of these being suitable for growing in the cutting garden during the cooler months of spring and fall. Among these are the following.

Dianthus Carousel

This is a great new hybrid variety that is noted for its vivid red blooms. It was bred especially for cut flowers. The plants have sturdy stems, and reach two feet in height. This variety thrives in the cool seasons. So, be sure and plant it in very early spring. It will produce a large number of blooms. This can be grown from seeds.


Flowering Kale Bicolor Crane

Set aside some room in the cutting garden for some cool season flowers, such as flowering kale and cabbage. For 2007, a lovely new one called Flowering Kale Bicolor Crane is being introduced. This hybrid is ideal for fall planting. Depending on growing conditions, the stems grow to about 2˝ feet in height. To get the full effect of the bicolors, these plants need exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Bicolor Crane features rose hued centers surrounded by delicate white petal-like leaves and an outer halo of green. These stems are particularly long lasting as cut flowers. Other colors in the series include Red and White. This can be grown from seeds.
Stock Sugar and Spice

Stock remains a popular cut flower. For 2007, Sugar and Spice Formula Mix is being introduced. The fully double blossoms open on sturdy branched plants that reach almost 1˝ feet in height. The mix includes various colors of flowers, including white, pink, yellow, red, and purple. This cool season annual does best in partial shade. These are easily grown from seeds.

Sweet Peas Moroccan Spice

Nothing matches the allure of romantic sweet peas. Moroccan Spice is a new mix of annual sweet peas with flowers in four different colors. The heavily scented blossoms are one to two inches wide. They open on sturdy vines, which are five to six feet tall. The colors are quite varied, and include two shades of red—Elegance Deep Rose and Elegance Burgundy—as well as the deep blue Lord Nelson and the Chocolate Flake. Sweet peas thrive in cool weather. So plant the seeds as soon as the ground can be worked.

Sweet William Noverna Purple

This variety offers everything you would want in a cut flower—fragrance, interesting color patterns, and form. The richly scented blossoms are small—one half inch wide. However, they open in large umbels. Initially, these are white. However, over time they change color to display various shades, including salmon, purple, and pink. Each flower will have its own unique blend of colors. This does best in full sun. This can easily be grown from seed.