Kat - what kind did you try? I planted a few Sunset and Sunrise from Johnny's last year. I kept stripping off the lower leaves as directed and they seemed to do OK - forming nice little heads - up to the point when the deer ate them. Last summer was a cool one here, and I suspect that this hotter summer might have been a different story.

ThinMan

Hi ThinMan, I used Sunrise. I didnt know about peeling off the leaves, was that on the seed package? I cant remember who I got the seed from. We had a series of very hot days and the aphids LOVED that and literally covered the tall stems. The plants did not seem to form a flowering head at all, just a cabbage like thing. Made me cross, actually, as I dedicated space that should have gone to my zinns. Oh well. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks again. Kat

Kat -
You do need to strip the leaves and support them! For me, they're usually ready in mid-October! I haven't grown them for a while (never get around to seeing them in time). I tossed out old seed in July, so, we'll see if any come up!

They do smell in vases, so I guess you do have to put a bit of bleach in the vase...

I think I used the Sunrise and Sunset too.

Hey Wendy, havent seen you here lately, how is your summer going? I am not going to bother with these again I dont think. I dont like the fact that they are aphid magnets and that they smell in the vase. Too many other things that pay off. thanks again for the input. Kat