There are a couple postings with questions about Early Prestige. Since this is such a new variety, it would be helpful to get comments on how it is performing this year in different climatic regions. When is it finishing – too early; too late? When is it finishing in relations to other varieties? Is it making the size you want? Other issues? Thanks in advance. Jim

I am in SE Kansas. Last year E Prestige was in the trial package. I felt if finished way too early. This year I switched all Freedom to E Prestige mostly because of plant habit. In my region, it is just now perfect for shipping. I like it and will continue to use it early. It is much better than Freedom plant habit and bract "droopiness". I don't think the cyathia will last any longer than Freedom. Good early variety, but still won't I don't know how it will look closer to Christmas.

Now I stated above it finished too early last year, but I only had a few cuttings. Just to note, Prestige last year didn't experience any heat delay at my facility. This year it did. Ecke, will Early Prestige experience heat delay as much as Prestige? I guess what I am asking, if Prestige wasn't heat delayed this year, would Early Prestige be ready too early?

Thanks

I also tried Early Prestige for the first time this year.I found they are ready to sell by NOvember 20th.Early Prestige sized up really nice and are loaded with color.I will replace alot of Freedom with early prestige next year.The stems are stronger and bracts look nicer.

My Early Prestige started to color up about 2 weeks earlier, but we moved them to a retail (cooler)house and I can't tell the difference anymore. I guess it kind of defeated the purpose. My jury is still out until the end of 2008.

Regards,
Ernie

How 'bout lighting the Early Prestige for a week or two to bring them in between the two Prestige varieties? That should work, right? Regular Prestige can be kinda late for our sale, but the Early sounds too early.

Deanne, you can see an example of a delayed crop of Prestige Early at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/floriculture/height2007/P5.htm. This example may have been scheduled to finish a little later than what you are talking about doing, but you can see how it differs from Prestige. Jim