TEST GARDEN RESULTS PART I
We do a bit of a test garden here at Gourmet Seed International every year. We are in southeast New Mexico, and between the alkaline soil and water, high altitude, and high temperatures, growing many crops can be quite a challenge.
One of the pleasant surprises in our early season this year was the Flame Lettuce, one of our new offerings for 2009. We had sampled this at the growers and really liked it, but growing it here revealed just how nice this lettuce really is. True to its name, it has gorgeous flame red coloring.
Although technically a bit of a loose, prize-head lettuce, we loved using it as a leaf type. Besides, from late May on, our temperatures are consistently in the 90’s and 100’s, so growing a head lettuce for summer is pretty much out of the question. What we did notice is that it took quite a few weeks to want to bolt, showing a fair amount of heat tolerance, and if kept well watered and picked at dawn, the lettuce remained sweet, flavorful, and crisp. However, now it too has finally given in to our heat, but perhaps a fall crop is in store? The flavor and texture of this fine lettuce may just call for a quick return!
Another new addition to our product line this year is the Ambrosia Hybrid Sweet Corn. With enough water, field, maize, and many old heirloom corns can grow well here, but sweet corn can be difficult. The Ambrosia is an early season SE (sugar enhanced) hybrid, and we chose to add it to our products as it has demonstrated good seedling vigor (reducing poor germination issues many enhanced hybrids suffer from), and because it is not just sweet, but retains a nice balance of ‘corn’ flavor.
In our test gardens, the Ambrosia did not disappoint, coming on early with juicy, sweet, flavorful bi-color ears of corn. This leads us to believe this corn should be suitable for a wide range of the US, as the quick harvest will allow it to grow in northern short-season areas, yet it’s ability to produce well in very hot, dry, difficult conditions is very encouraging. We know this is grown in the UK, as well, and given the relatively cool and damp conditions they have there, Ambrosia looks to be a winner for just about anyone.
Phil Winteregg
Gourmet Seed International, LLC
