Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulture Agents regularly conduct plant research trials within and outside of the county demonstration gardens. Trials are conducted for both vegetable and ornamental plants in order to determine which varieties will perform the best in Harris County. Breeders, researchers and seed companies continually introduce new varieties, and we like to see how they perform under our extreme growing conditions. The data collected from these trials helps not only the home gardener, but also the greenhouse/nursery producer to expand their offerings to the public.
Master Gardeners assist with all aspects of the trials and their dedication is essential to the success of each one. They:
- Identify plants to trial
- Prepare the site for planting
- Manage the trial once installed
- Collect required data during the trial
Currently, AgriLife Extension just completed a Cool Season Trial of All-American Selection Annuals in the Demonstration Garden at the Genoa Friendship Gardens.
- Kniphophia hybrid ‘Pyromania Backdraft’
- Kniphophia hybrid ‘Pyromania Flashpoint’
- Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Coral’
- Petunia x hybrida ‘Tidal Wave Red Velour’
- Petunia x hybrida ‘Supertunia Red’
- Petunia x hybrida ‘Supertunia White’
- Petunia x hybrida ‘Picasso in Purple’
- Gypsophila muralis ‘Gypsy White’
- Phlox hybrid ‘Intensia Blueberry’
The following is a list of past trials at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Harris County:
- Caladiums
- Lantana
- Chilli Thrips Susceptibility of Knock-Out Roses
- Vinca
- Tulips
- Earth-Kind Roses
- Earth-Kind Shrubs
- Marigolds