The Potted Patch

Introducing my surprise star for this past season.....'Cricket', also known as 'Mauve Cricket'. This was a tuber supplied in a mystery pack that I purchased just as a space filler for the season......now here we are at the end of the season, and this beauty has rocketed near the top of my 'keeper list' for future seasons.

The first few weeks of blooms were all crema coloured, no hint of pink/mauve at all. The first blooms were a little scruffy & certanothing that caught my attention. At this stageit was bound for the compost at the end of the season. Then, as though it had read my thoughts, it started showing its true form. Lovely incurved rolled florets that developed more & more colour as the season progressed. Just like that...'compost' was quickly crossed off the list for Cricket.

This plant was approx 1.2mtr tall and a good producer of blooms. On a downside the stems were much thinner than I would prefer, but given the lighter weight blooms, once they are stuffed in a vase they are well suppose their neighbours. Because of the thinner stems, this plant definitely requires some additional staking. Blooms are medium, generally 15-16cm. They offer a wonderful textural contrast to the more uniform decs & balls.

For me, Cricket began as an ugly duckling that developed into a beauty.

In the next two weeks I will begin lifting & storing for winter, so hopefully have a few extra tubers that make it to Spring. Hopefully it is a good storer!

Happy growing everyone!