Unusual Flowers

Thirteen varieties of “cut flowers” that aren’t usually considered cut flowers were grown at the Horticulture Research Center (HRC) outside of Fort Collins, Colorado during the 2004 growing season. See below for photos and comments on each of the unusual varieties. All of these varieties were started in the greenhouse in mid-April and transplanted to the field in late-May/early-June.

Castor Beans (Ricinus communis)

Photo – Plants	Photo – Close-up	Variety	Comments
		Carmencita Bright Red	GH, great as a filler and for drying, grew well, very large robust, tropical looking plants
	Photo Not Available	Zanzibariensis Mix	GH, great as a filler though green flowers did not stand out as much, grew well, very robust

Herbs

Photo – Plants	Photo – Close-up	Variety Name /Scientific Name	Comments
		Cinnamon Basil Ocimum basilicum	All of the basil varieties grew well and made great filler in fresh cut vases
		Magical Michael Ocimum basilicum	All of the basil varieties grew well and made great filler in fresh cut vases
		Osmin Purple Basil Ocimum basilicum	All of the basil varieties grew well and made great filler in fresh cut vases
Photo Not Available		Red Rubin Basil Ocimum basilicum	All of the basil varieties grew well and made great filler in fresh cut vases
		Purple Ruffles Basil Ocimum basilicum	All of the basil varieties grew well and made great filler in fresh cut vases
		Lavendar Lady Lavandula angustifolia	Fairly productive, good for fresh or dried, vase life 7-10 days.
		Wild Marjoram Origanum majorana	good variety for wreaths
		Mexican Mint Marigold Tagetes lucida	good variety for wreaths

Kale – Ornamental (Brassica oleracea)

Photo – Close-up	Variety	Comments
	Sunrise	GH, plants struggled, had a lot of caterpillar damage, “flowers” are interesting and have a long vase life but might make a better border or as ornamentals
	Sunset	GH, same as above

Okra – Ornamental (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Photo – Plants	Photo – Close-up	Variety	Comments
		Kakuhou	GH, did well despite some flea beetle damage early on, can be used fresh or dried as an ornamental
Photo Not Available	Photo Not Available	Okrazilla	GH, same as above, had thick, grooved, green okra pods, interesting texture for a bouquet