Plantidote of the Day 2011-05-31
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Petunia
Pretty Much Picasso hybrid
It must be fun to be a plant hybridizer and experiment with new varieties. Looking at this newly developed petunia, I have to wonder if there were other versions along the way that didn't make the cut -- like a mottled purple/green or a mostly green with a purple center that the marketing people decided wouldn't sell. I'd love to see the "outtakes" from this effort!
But back to Pretty Much Picasso. This is a non-GMO, sun-lover that's considered an annual, except in mild-winter areas like Zones 10 and 11. The flowers are small, maybe 1 1/2" across, but there are a lot of them and they seem to last for weeks. In spite of the small flower size, these plants are considered "vigorous" growers, so they need room to spread out , either in a container, hanging basket or garden.
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Comments
True confessions
I have to admit that I never cared for petunias much. When I had to weed them as a youth, they smelled bad and felt icky. (Yes, a kid's view.) But this one looks pretty cool. It could reconcile me and petunias after a long estrangement.
There are some other 'tunias down the street, Joe,
that are actually pretty amazing -- gigantic flowers, really saturated, jewel-tone colors. I'll see if I can get a decent shot -- you might like those. I agree, though -- run-of-the-mill petunias are not worth the effort, imho.
I've lost it.
I don't know why, but I thought, yeah if they hybridized this in the opposite direction, purple outside, green inside, you could call it "Pretty much Barney the dinosaur" petunia.
Way too much babysitting in decades long past, coming back to haunt me.
K.
I was trying to recall Picasso's petunia period
and totally failed, kath. So a Barney petunia would make more sense. Maybe we could request one and see what happens?
I like it...
hybridization on request and an afterskool kids version. Or go along with Scott's article and teach kids to hybridize for local growers.
Also, pictures of pretty petunias please, particularly the new ones. I saw a fuchsia plant today, double blossom white and blue. Stunning. And $25 so out of my range [odds are even I'll send it to plant heaven and that's a bit much to risk].
Kath
Edited for spelling fuchsia wrong. geez.
Oooh, teach kids to hybridize!!
Neat idea.
Hybridization can produce some beautiful flowers.
The ones pictured are no exception.
I came across this article in the Nation that might interest you, too.
A New Grassroots Economy
I have been so bummed of late that even something as small and insignificant as this has me hoping against hope, but I am heartened that at least someone is trying to move forward against the rising tide.
Thanks for the link, scoff!
I love those stories, people doing what needs to be done on their own -- a good antidote to the baloney we get from the political crowd. Pieces like that are few and far between, but much appreciated!