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Arkansas Diamond Plant Demonstration in Arkansas County

Applied Research

Phil Horton
CEA - Agriculture
UofA Division of Agriculture Research & Extension
DeWitt

Abstract

ARKANSAS DIAMOND PLANT DEMONSTRATION

Horton, P.1; Bowden, A2; Forst, R.3      

1CEA- Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA), DeWitt, AR.72024

2CES - Horticulture, Assistant Professor, UADA, Little Rock, AR. 72204

3CES – Horticulture, Extension Educator, UADA, Little Rock AR. 72204

 

Arkansas Diamonds are locally grown plants that are proven to be tough and to thrive in Arkansas. New plant varieties are chosen and released every year. This program is a partnership between the Arkansas Green Industry Association (AGIA), The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA), local growers, and local independent garden centers. The goal is to educate Arkansas gardeners about annual bedding plants, commonly referred to as ‘annual color’, that consistently perform well throughout the state so that gardeners are more successful. In 2024, the statewide Arkansas Diamond trials were conducted in 29 counties and consisted of the two annual and two perennial plant species. The annuals varieties trialed were ‘Tattoo Black Cherry’ annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus ‘Tattoo Black Cherry’ and ‘Ruby Slipper’ coleus (Solenostemon scuttellarioides ‘Ruby Slipper’), while the perennial varieties were Liatris (Liatris spicata) and ‘Homestead Purple’ Verbena (Verbena canadensis ‘Homestead Purple’). For the annual varieties, agents were provided with nine plants of each species, while only four of each perennial species were planted. All trials were planted in a 3 ft. x 3 ft. square bed. Agents were asked to plant the trial on or around May 15th to correspond to the average last frost date for NW Arkansas. During the study, agents were asked to take the following data twice a month through October 15th:

  • Plant height and width
  • Photographs taken at planting and then once/month around the 15th
  • Insect and disease issues
  • Flower Rating
    • 1 = 0%, 2 = 1 – 25%, 3 = 26 – 50%, 4 = 51 – 75%, 5 = 76 – 100%
  • Health Rating
    • 1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Phil Horton, Anthony Bowden, Randy Forst
  1. Horton, P. CEA - Agriculture, UADA, Arkansas, 72042
  2. Bowden, A. Assistant Professor/Horticulture, UADA, Arkansas, 72204
  3. Forst, R. Extension Educator/ Horticulture, UADA, Arkansas, 72204