Master Gardener Seed Trial Results for 2013 -II

As I mentioned in my last blog, the master gardener seed trials are very popular. The results can help you purchase varieties that are proven winners for Minnesota. In addition to testing Romaine Lettuce, English Peas, and Turnips, we also tested mini-Basil, Broccoli Raab, and Tomatoes with high lycopene.

Mini-Basil. Seeds were planted indoors in early April and were transplanted outside in late May. Basils of all types are very cold-sensitive. So it is important to plant them after all danger of frost has passed. All of the selected varieties produce smaller leaves and are smaller plants when compared to the culinary Basils, such as Genovese or Purple Ruffles. Minis can easily be integrated into your landscape and containers. Insect damage and downy mildew were reported as minimal or non-existent.

Fine Nano Compatto a Palla was our overall winner with the highest yield per plant, though the germination rate was the lowest of the six varieties tested. Siam Queen was second. Spicy Bush came in third. All three varieties had “very good” flavor ratings, but had lower germination rates (42%, 48%, and 51% respectively). The majority of master gardeners said they would grow these varieties again.

Marseilles was fourth, Pistou fifth, and Verde a Picolle Foglie came in last. These varieties had better germination (63%, 61%, and 58%), but their flavor was rated as “acceptable” and only 46% said they would grow the last placed variety again.

Broccoli Raab. You may not have grown this before, but think regular Broccoli with smaller side shoots vs. a larger central head that you may be familiar with. Almost all varieties of Raab have the same basic flavor and texture as the larger-headed varieties. The production of side shoots allows you to harvest over a longer period of time and are great eaten raw or braised with some olive oil, garlic, a little salt and hot pepper if you are so inclined.

You can start the seeds inside from early to mid-April. Raab, like other Cole varieties, are cold hardy and can be planted outside from early May on, but before Memorial Day (in the metro area). Heavy rains caused damage for some evaluators. Insect damage was minimal, though bolting occurred during our first head wave (the heads start to flower causing them to become bitter).

Our overall winner was Cima de Rapa Quarantina. It had the highest germination rate (72%), placed second in yield, and had a flavor-taste rating of “very good”. Gianfranco was second with a flavor rating of “very good” while Spring Raab came in third with a flavor rating of “acceptable.” Our fourth and fifth varieties, Spigariello Liscio and Sorrento, were rated “acceptable” to “poor”.

Few master gardeners would grow these varieties again. The primary cause was due to the problems they experienced with our nasty cold and wet weather last year. Then as the plants recovered, they were hit with high temperatures, causing bolting. I have grown Raab for many years. Plant them early, harvest them often and before the weather turns hot and you will have a bountiful harvest.

For more information about the trials and other great insights about yard and garden mattes visit: www.northergardener.org and the master gardener site at www.extension.umn.edu/garden/master-gardener/.

I will have the test results of our high-lycopene tomatoes in my next blog.

Got questions? Comments? Please contact me through this blog.