Several breeders have introduced new series of this annual flowering plant. The ornamental characteristics of the modern varieties have greatly improved. The 'Angelface' series from Proven Winners was displayed at the recent Open Days at Andreas Psenner; 'White', 'Blue' and 'Bicolour'. The flower spikes of the  bicolour variety are particularly attractive. What should growers look for in selecting what varieties to grow?  Plants should be natuarally well branching to produce more flower spikes on a compact growth habit. High light intensities are required to obtain maximum branching and to keep the internodes from stretching. The newer varieties have attractive glossy green foliage with is stable in contrast to early varieties with light green leaves turning to yellow. Varieties that produce showy flower spikes above the foliage should be selected. High light values of 6000-1000 foot candles (558-929 lux) are recommended. To enhance branching plants should be pinched to 4 or 5 nodes, 14 days after transplanting. Warm temperatures are required for the first 14 days so that plants can develop a good root system. After this, the temperatur can be lowered slightly. While not a 'cool' crop, it can be grown successfully with daytime temperatures of 21°-24°C and 16°C at nightime.  The crop requires 200 ppm Nitrogen applied at every watering, starting at transplanting. Ferlize with low levels of ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorous. A mix of B-Nine and Cycocel or Bonsai work well but do not use Floral which easiliy causes tip burn. Mark Wilson, Ball FloraPrint. GrowerTalks  www.growertalks.com  www.psenner.it