文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow grapes in pots. Growing grapes in containers is not very complicated though it requires slight care and maintenance. Check out below!
USDA Zones— 3 – 10
Difficulty— Moderate
Soil pH— Slightly acidic to neutral
Choosing a Pot
For growing grapes in containers, choose a large and sturdy container that can support this vigorous vine. A 15-20 gallon pot that is at least 16-18 inches deep and 18-24 inches wide is sufficient. Start with a smaller sized pot and then repot the plant in a larger one.
Choosing varieties
The best option is to go to a garden center and ask for a variety that can grow well in pots and in your climate. There are many varieties of grapevine you can choose from. Choosing a variety that is resistant to diseases and can grow well in your zone is most essential. However, you can grow almost any variety in the container but growing a dwarf grape cultivar like ‘pixie’ can save you from the hassle of training a grape vine in a pot.
Planting
The best time to plant grapevine is spring or early summer, planting on this time helps the plant to grow all season without the exposure to frost. But if you live in a frost-free hot tropical climate the best time for planting grape vine is winters.
Requirements for Growing Grapes in Pots
Position
Choose a location that is sunny, warm and dry. If your spot receives shade in an afternoon the plant will still do well, but at least 6 hours of sunlight is required. Avoid keeping the plant in wet, shady and less windy spot with less or no air circulation as it promotes fungal diseases and grapevine requires good air circulation around it.
Support and Training
Grapevine needs training and support to grow. When growing grapes in a pot, it is best to opt for a tall lightweight trellis, of wood or plastic. You can also DIY trellis for it. A grape vine grows long and requires support, it will be much better if you have an arbor or pergola like structure. Besides that, there are many other techniques to train the grape vine (See the picture above). Train the vine on a stake or something like a fan trellis. You can also support the vine on a stake with the help of “Umbrella Kniffen Training Method”. To learn more about this method, read this helpful article on pallensmith.com. Growing grapes in pots by the standard vine training method on a regular trellis is an easy and hassle free idea too.
Soil
Don’t use heavy garden soil when growing grapes in containers. Instead, use a light potting mix that is loose, rich in organic matter and most importantly drains well.
Watering
Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Soggy, damp soil can be detrimental to the plant.
Fertilization
Side dress the plant periodically with aged manure or compost. In the first year, you can fertilize the plant with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer. From the next year, start to fertilize the plant with the fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in potassium and phosphorus from the spring when flower buds appear.
Growing Grapes in Tropics
Grapes are actually temperate fruits but the best thing about them is they can be grown in both temperate and tropical regions. Temperate climate zones without very harsh summers or humidity are optimum for growing grapevines. However, the two tropical countries India and Brazil are one of the largest producers of grapes in the world. Other tropical countries like Yemen, Thailand, Peru and Tanzania also produces grapes but to a smaller extent. This means if you live in a tropical climate you can still grow grapevine. You’ll only need to find a right variety that grows successfully in your area.
Still in tropics, areas with very high humidity or with heavy rainfall are less suitable for growing grapevine and if you’re living in an unfavorable climate like this, your plant will going to suffer from fungal diseases regularly and you’ll have to look after it more. Besides this, there is a possibility that fruits you’ll obtain will be of lesser quality and mild taste.
Grape Vine Care in Pots
Grape vine care in the pot is not so difficult if you follow the tips given below.
Pollination
When growing grapes in containers you must know most grape varieties are self-fertile and produce fruits on their own. However, shaking the plant gently at the time of flowering results in better yield.
Mulching
Grapevine requires mulching when grown on the ground. You can also mulch in the pot with pine bark, compost or with pebbles (this way it will look great too) to prevent excessive water evaporation from the soil and to protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
Overwintering
In climates with harsh winters, you have to protect the plant. For this, you’ll need to remove the dormant grapevine from its support and start to keep it indoors in warm space. Also, reduce watering and avoid the application of any fertilizer during this period.
Pruning
During the first few months after planting until the end of the growing season, do not prune the plant and allow it to grow freely to let the plant establish well in a pot and allow it to develop a strong root system.
Grapevine woods that are more than two years old do not produce fruits so you’ll have to remove all the old branches.
Prune the growth in late winter to early spring during the dormancy so that only two buds will remain. Buds are little protrusions on the trunk. This heavy pruning may seem too much to do but in the spring and summer, each of these buds will grow into a new branch. Dedicate the first year for training the vine to follow your trellis or stack with pruning and tying. Due to the limited space of the container, try to keep only 1 or 2 branches growing from the main trunk. Also, prune away any runners that creep away from the trellis.
The most important pruning will be one that you will perform in late winter when the plant shed its leaves, it is the one on which the fruiting depends. You will need to do the summer pruning too. Though it should have to be light and unobtrusive, just pinching and pruning.
To learn and read more pruning grapevines check out this article on freeplants.com and this one on RHS.
Growing grapevine as a tree is also possible. Check out this step by step article on eHow.
Diseases and Pests
In diseases, fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, especially in dry and warm weather are possible. In pests, keep an eye on common garden insects like aphids. Japanese beetles, moths, caterpillars can also be a problem.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when your grape plant is at least 2-3 years old. Generally, grapes ripen anytime between late August to late October. Exactly when it depends on the variety and the type of climate you’re growing them in.
To find out whether your grapes are ready for harvesting or not is to taste them. If they taste sweet and nice, pick them. If they don’t, then leave them for a few more days. Once the grapes start to change their color they usually take anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks to become properly ripe (how long, depends on the variety and how good the climate is. For example, green grapes normally turn slightly translucent and their skins become yellow once they are ripe. Ripe grapes also feel soft to the touch. Eventually, taste is all that matters. If you like the taste, then pick them.
USDA Zones— 3 – 10
Difficulty— Moderate
Soil pH— Slightly acidic to neutral
Choosing a Pot
For growing grapes in containers, choose a large and sturdy container that can support this vigorous vine. A 15-20 gallon pot that is at least 16-18 inches deep and 18-24 inches wide is sufficient. Start with a smaller sized pot and then repot the plant in a larger one.
Choosing varieties
The best option is to go to a garden center and ask for a variety that can grow well in pots and in your climate. There are many varieties of grapevine you can choose from. Choosing a variety that is resistant to diseases and can grow well in your zone is most essential. However, you can grow almost any variety in the container but growing a dwarf grape cultivar like ‘pixie’ can save you from the hassle of training a grape vine in a pot.
Planting
The best time to plant grapevine is spring or early summer, planting on this time helps the plant to grow all season without the exposure to frost. But if you live in a frost-free hot tropical climate the best time for planting grape vine is winters.
Requirements for Growing Grapes in Pots
Position
Choose a location that is sunny, warm and dry. If your spot receives shade in an afternoon the plant will still do well, but at least 6 hours of sunlight is required. Avoid keeping the plant in wet, shady and less windy spot with less or no air circulation as it promotes fungal diseases and grapevine requires good air circulation around it.
Support and Training
Grapevine needs training and support to grow. When growing grapes in a pot, it is best to opt for a tall lightweight trellis, of wood or plastic. You can also DIY trellis for it. A grape vine grows long and requires support, it will be much better if you have an arbor or pergola like structure. Besides that, there are many other techniques to train the grape vine (See the picture above). Train the vine on a stake or something like a fan trellis. You can also support the vine on a stake with the help of “Umbrella Kniffen Training Method”. To learn more about this method, read this helpful article on pallensmith.com. Growing grapes in pots by the standard vine training method on a regular trellis is an easy and hassle free idea too.
Soil
Don’t use heavy garden soil when growing grapes in containers. Instead, use a light potting mix that is loose, rich in organic matter and most importantly drains well.
Watering
Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering. Soggy, damp soil can be detrimental to the plant.
Fertilization
Side dress the plant periodically with aged manure or compost. In the first year, you can fertilize the plant with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer. From the next year, start to fertilize the plant with the fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in potassium and phosphorus from the spring when flower buds appear.
Growing Grapes in Tropics
Grapes are actually temperate fruits but the best thing about them is they can be grown in both temperate and tropical regions. Temperate climate zones without very harsh summers or humidity are optimum for growing grapevines. However, the two tropical countries India and Brazil are one of the largest producers of grapes in the world. Other tropical countries like Yemen, Thailand, Peru and Tanzania also produces grapes but to a smaller extent. This means if you live in a tropical climate you can still grow grapevine. You’ll only need to find a right variety that grows successfully in your area.
Still in tropics, areas with very high humidity or with heavy rainfall are less suitable for growing grapevine and if you’re living in an unfavorable climate like this, your plant will going to suffer from fungal diseases regularly and you’ll have to look after it more. Besides this, there is a possibility that fruits you’ll obtain will be of lesser quality and mild taste.
Grape Vine Care in Pots
Grape vine care in the pot is not so difficult if you follow the tips given below.
Pollination
When growing grapes in containers you must know most grape varieties are self-fertile and produce fruits on their own. However, shaking the plant gently at the time of flowering results in better yield.
Mulching
Grapevine requires mulching when grown on the ground. You can also mulch in the pot with pine bark, compost or with pebbles (this way it will look great too) to prevent excessive water evaporation from the soil and to protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
Overwintering
In climates with harsh winters, you have to protect the plant. For this, you’ll need to remove the dormant grapevine from its support and start to keep it indoors in warm space. Also, reduce watering and avoid the application of any fertilizer during this period.
Pruning
During the first few months after planting until the end of the growing season, do not prune the plant and allow it to grow freely to let the plant establish well in a pot and allow it to develop a strong root system.
Grapevine woods that are more than two years old do not produce fruits so you’ll have to remove all the old branches.
Prune the growth in late winter to early spring during the dormancy so that only two buds will remain. Buds are little protrusions on the trunk. This heavy pruning may seem too much to do but in the spring and summer, each of these buds will grow into a new branch. Dedicate the first year for training the vine to follow your trellis or stack with pruning and tying. Due to the limited space of the container, try to keep only 1 or 2 branches growing from the main trunk. Also, prune away any runners that creep away from the trellis.
The most important pruning will be one that you will perform in late winter when the plant shed its leaves, it is the one on which the fruiting depends. You will need to do the summer pruning too. Though it should have to be light and unobtrusive, just pinching and pruning.
To learn and read more pruning grapevines check out this article on freeplants.com and this one on RHS.
Growing grapevine as a tree is also possible. Check out this step by step article on eHow.
Diseases and Pests
In diseases, fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, especially in dry and warm weather are possible. In pests, keep an eye on common garden insects like aphids. Japanese beetles, moths, caterpillars can also be a problem.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when your grape plant is at least 2-3 years old. Generally, grapes ripen anytime between late August to late October. Exactly when it depends on the variety and the type of climate you’re growing them in.
To find out whether your grapes are ready for harvesting or not is to taste them. If they taste sweet and nice, pick them. If they don’t, then leave them for a few more days. Once the grapes start to change their color they usually take anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks to become properly ripe (how long, depends on the variety and how good the climate is. For example, green grapes normally turn slightly translucent and their skins become yellow once they are ripe. Ripe grapes also feel soft to the touch. Eventually, taste is all that matters. If you like the taste, then pick them.
1
0
文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow an apple tree in container in this article. Growing apple trees in pots require some care and maintenance that is given below.
How to Choose a Right Apple Tree
Growing apple tree from seeds is a bad idea. Instead, buy a dwarf or semi-dwarf grafted tree from a nursery. For choosing a right apple tree for your home you need to know a few things. Apple trees are grown from grafting on a rootstock as this has so many benefits. If you are unaware about apple rootstock grafting you might like to read more on this on the official website of Ministry Of Agriculture Food And Rural Affairs (Ontario) and a very informative article of Cornell University.
Basically, dwarf apple trees are those apple trees in which dwarf rootstocks are grafted to control their height, size and to improve fruit production and resistance against diseases and pests. When you go to a nursery or shop online, search for rootstock choices like M27, M26, Bud9, G16 or M9. Apple trees grown on these rootstocks are dwarf and don’t grow above 8 ft usually. You can also look for semi-dwarf trees it is also possible to grow them in containers.
If you want to know more about rootstock choices read this educational article on Pennsylvania State University’s website.
Buy Self Fertile Variety
Apple trees require cross pollination you’ll need to buy two apple trees for pollination. If you’re going to plant only one plant, buy a self-pollinating variety.
Consider Chilling Period too
In order to set flowers, apple trees require an annual cycle of cold weather in winter, which is called chilling. A chilling period requirement of an apple tree is measured from the total number of hours it gets per year when the temperature remains below 45 F (7 C) but above the freezing point.
Average chilling hour requirements for apple tree varieties are around 800-1000 hours.
If you live in a mild winter climate where simply choose low apple cultivars and if you live in a harsh winter climate choose high chill apple varieties. This simple will improve the productivity of your apple tree growing in containers.
Choosing a Pot
Don’t start growing apple tree in a too large pot initially. A standard size pot (5-6 gallon) that is 12 inches deep and wide is great to start with. Gradually change the size of the container each year or when you identify that the plant is root bound. You’ll find out if the plant is rootbound or not when it’ll stop its vertical growth.
You can upgrade your pot in sequence, choosing one size bigger pot than the previous one each time. Keep in mind, don’t plant the plant in a too big pot directly. Once your apple tree in a pot reaches desired height that you wanted, stop changing the pots. A 20-25 gallon pot would be sufficient as a final one. After that, you’ll have to do regular pruning and root trimming time to time to maintain it.
Requirements for Growing Apple Trees in Pots
Position
Like other fruit trees, apple tree loves to grow in sun. For your potted apple tree, choose a sunny location but less windy. In hot summer days (in warmer regions, USDA Zone 8-9) move the container to a place that is shaded from the afternoon sun. Also, keep in mind you maintain good air circulation around your apple tree. If you are growing it on your balcony or rooftop garden, don’t place it very closely near the walls.
Temperature
Growing apple tree requires cool winter and moderate summer. You can’t grow apple trees where the temperature remains the same or too hot. Apple tree can tolerate extremely low temperatures by going dormant in winter.
Watering
Growing apple trees in pots require regular watering. Generally, you should water more abundantly during the formation of flower buds and moderately all the other time, reduce watering in winter.
Water deeply to promote the growth of healthy roots. In any case, avoid the chance of overwatering the plant. Commonly the apple trees growing in containers die due to root rot that occurs in waterlogged soil and excess watering. Also, avoid overhead watering as wetting the foliage favors the growth of powdery mildew.
Soil
Apples prefer deep, fertile and well-draining soil, avoid waterlogging soil. On the ground, sandy loam to sandy clay loam soil is preferred. For growing an apple tree in a container use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-6.8).
Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer
Fertilize your apple tree with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer when the tree is young in every 2 weeks during the growing season. Apply any fruit fertilizer once the tree gets older. Start to reduce the feeding of fertilizers from late fall and stop fertilizing in winter.
Repotting
Repot the young apple tree in a year or so. Repot in one size bigger pot, after spreading roots from sides and bottom.
Overwintering
When growing apple trees in pots you must know that during hard frosts and too cold temperatures you’ll need to protect the roots of the plant. For this, wrap the container with bubble wrap.
Pruning Dwarf Apple Tree
Pruning is an essential part of apple tree care. But a dwarf apple tree requires less pruning than semi-dwarf or standard size tree. Pruning must be done to control the shape and size of your plant. Dead, damaged or diseased branches must be pruned time to time. Also, prune off the branches that are crossing each other or growing inside towards the main trunk. The best time for pruning is late winter and summer.
Pollination
Most of the apple tree varieties require cross pollination in order to fruit, which means you have to buy at least two apple trees. But the best way to avoid this is to buy a self-fertile variety.
Picking Flowers and Fruit Thinning
Dwarf apple trees start to produce flowers in 2-3 years. In the first flowering year remove all blooms to prevent the tree from setting fruits. This way you’ll allow the plant to direct its energy in growing.
Fruit thinning allows the plant to grow better quality fruits. Wait for a few weeks after fruit setting and remove the fruits that are growing too closely.
Pests and diseases
Apple tree in a container, unfortunately, hit by the same pests and diseases that target it on the ground. Aphids, moths, apple blossom weevil, scab, powdery mildew, brown rot and a few more. However, the plants in a container, usually are close to home, usually in a limited space so it is easy to take care of them.
Harvesting
To know about harvesting apples, read this article.
How to Choose a Right Apple Tree
Growing apple tree from seeds is a bad idea. Instead, buy a dwarf or semi-dwarf grafted tree from a nursery. For choosing a right apple tree for your home you need to know a few things. Apple trees are grown from grafting on a rootstock as this has so many benefits. If you are unaware about apple rootstock grafting you might like to read more on this on the official website of Ministry Of Agriculture Food And Rural Affairs (Ontario) and a very informative article of Cornell University.
Basically, dwarf apple trees are those apple trees in which dwarf rootstocks are grafted to control their height, size and to improve fruit production and resistance against diseases and pests. When you go to a nursery or shop online, search for rootstock choices like M27, M26, Bud9, G16 or M9. Apple trees grown on these rootstocks are dwarf and don’t grow above 8 ft usually. You can also look for semi-dwarf trees it is also possible to grow them in containers.
If you want to know more about rootstock choices read this educational article on Pennsylvania State University’s website.
Buy Self Fertile Variety
Apple trees require cross pollination you’ll need to buy two apple trees for pollination. If you’re going to plant only one plant, buy a self-pollinating variety.
Consider Chilling Period too
In order to set flowers, apple trees require an annual cycle of cold weather in winter, which is called chilling. A chilling period requirement of an apple tree is measured from the total number of hours it gets per year when the temperature remains below 45 F (7 C) but above the freezing point.
Average chilling hour requirements for apple tree varieties are around 800-1000 hours.
If you live in a mild winter climate where simply choose low apple cultivars and if you live in a harsh winter climate choose high chill apple varieties. This simple will improve the productivity of your apple tree growing in containers.
Choosing a Pot
Don’t start growing apple tree in a too large pot initially. A standard size pot (5-6 gallon) that is 12 inches deep and wide is great to start with. Gradually change the size of the container each year or when you identify that the plant is root bound. You’ll find out if the plant is rootbound or not when it’ll stop its vertical growth.
You can upgrade your pot in sequence, choosing one size bigger pot than the previous one each time. Keep in mind, don’t plant the plant in a too big pot directly. Once your apple tree in a pot reaches desired height that you wanted, stop changing the pots. A 20-25 gallon pot would be sufficient as a final one. After that, you’ll have to do regular pruning and root trimming time to time to maintain it.
Requirements for Growing Apple Trees in Pots
Position
Like other fruit trees, apple tree loves to grow in sun. For your potted apple tree, choose a sunny location but less windy. In hot summer days (in warmer regions, USDA Zone 8-9) move the container to a place that is shaded from the afternoon sun. Also, keep in mind you maintain good air circulation around your apple tree. If you are growing it on your balcony or rooftop garden, don’t place it very closely near the walls.
Temperature
Growing apple tree requires cool winter and moderate summer. You can’t grow apple trees where the temperature remains the same or too hot. Apple tree can tolerate extremely low temperatures by going dormant in winter.
Watering
Growing apple trees in pots require regular watering. Generally, you should water more abundantly during the formation of flower buds and moderately all the other time, reduce watering in winter.
Water deeply to promote the growth of healthy roots. In any case, avoid the chance of overwatering the plant. Commonly the apple trees growing in containers die due to root rot that occurs in waterlogged soil and excess watering. Also, avoid overhead watering as wetting the foliage favors the growth of powdery mildew.
Soil
Apples prefer deep, fertile and well-draining soil, avoid waterlogging soil. On the ground, sandy loam to sandy clay loam soil is preferred. For growing an apple tree in a container use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-6.8).
Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer
Fertilize your apple tree with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer when the tree is young in every 2 weeks during the growing season. Apply any fruit fertilizer once the tree gets older. Start to reduce the feeding of fertilizers from late fall and stop fertilizing in winter.
Repotting
Repot the young apple tree in a year or so. Repot in one size bigger pot, after spreading roots from sides and bottom.
Overwintering
When growing apple trees in pots you must know that during hard frosts and too cold temperatures you’ll need to protect the roots of the plant. For this, wrap the container with bubble wrap.
Pruning Dwarf Apple Tree
Pruning is an essential part of apple tree care. But a dwarf apple tree requires less pruning than semi-dwarf or standard size tree. Pruning must be done to control the shape and size of your plant. Dead, damaged or diseased branches must be pruned time to time. Also, prune off the branches that are crossing each other or growing inside towards the main trunk. The best time for pruning is late winter and summer.
Pollination
Most of the apple tree varieties require cross pollination in order to fruit, which means you have to buy at least two apple trees. But the best way to avoid this is to buy a self-fertile variety.
Picking Flowers and Fruit Thinning
Dwarf apple trees start to produce flowers in 2-3 years. In the first flowering year remove all blooms to prevent the tree from setting fruits. This way you’ll allow the plant to direct its energy in growing.
Fruit thinning allows the plant to grow better quality fruits. Wait for a few weeks after fruit setting and remove the fruits that are growing too closely.
Pests and diseases
Apple tree in a container, unfortunately, hit by the same pests and diseases that target it on the ground. Aphids, moths, apple blossom weevil, scab, powdery mildew, brown rot and a few more. However, the plants in a container, usually are close to home, usually in a limited space so it is easy to take care of them.
Harvesting
To know about harvesting apples, read this article.
2
0
文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow watermelon in pots. Growing watermelon in containers allows this big, sweet and juicy fruit to grow in smallest of spaces.
Sweet and watery watermelons are without a doubt an iconic summer fruit due of their high water content and soft red flesh. Those supermarket melons can’t be like homegrown fresh and organic melons. You can even plant them in a small space like a balcony, it is possible by growing watermelon vertically in a pot.
Propagation and Planting Watermelon in Pot
Watermelon has long taproot and it doesn’t transplant well that’s why it is better to sow the seeds directly in a pot. Sow 3-4 seeds directly in a pot once the temperature starts to reach 65 F (19 C) and above in the spring. In tropics (USDA Zone 10-11), the best time to sow seeds is winter and early spring. The germination takes place within 6 to 10 days. Thin out and leave only one of the strongest seedlings per pot.
Choosing a Pot
Growing watermelon in containers is not much difficult though tricky. You need to understand the basics. As watermelon has long taproot choosing a deep pot is essential. A large pot or bucket that is at least 2 feet deep and half wide is required.
Varieties
To know everything about watermelon varieties, see this excellent guide at Washington State University site.
Requirements for Growing Watermelon in Containers
Watermelons should be grown in a sunny position. If you’re growing it on a balcony or on a roof garden where space is tight, growing watermelon vertically on a trellis is a solution. Trellis should be minimum 4 feet tall and sturdy enough to carry the weight of melons.
Temperature
Watermelons are warm weather annuals but they can be planted in both tropical and temperate regions easily. It is possible to grow watermelons in temperature around 50-95 F (10-35 C). The optimum growing temperature is around 65-85 F (18-30 C).
Soil
Sandy and loamy soil is suitable for growing watermelons. Ideal soil pH is around 6 – 6.8. Avoid compact, clayey soils. Airy and well-drained substrate promotes the growth of the plant. Also, application of the well-rotted horse, rabbit or cow manure improves the texture of soil and provides nutrients constantly.
Water
Watermelon requires a lot of water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, the water must drain freely from the bottom. When growing watermelon in containers, you’ll need to water the plant every day and sometimes twice in a warm day. Once the fruits start to swell up and mature, reduce the watering. In that period, water carefully and moderately. Avoid overwatering and underwatering both to get the sweetest melons.
Watermelon Plant Care
Fertilizer
Start to fertilize the plant with a complete liquid fertilizer. Once, the plant starts to flower and appear to set fruits, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen. Consider liquid seaweed fertilizer.
Pruning
To get a healthy and more productive plant, only allow the main vine to grow. When the plant is young, remove side branches before they grow more. Also, remove those stems that are damaged and diseased.
Pollination
Watermelon vine produces both male and female flowers separately. However, pollinators (bees and butterflies) will pollinate them but to be sure you’ll need to hand-pollinate the flowers to make sure you get fruits. The first ripe fruits appear after approx. 40 days after pollination of
flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Usually, you can easily care and look after the watermelon growing in a pot. Still, it is little prone to diseases when exposed to too hot-humid or too cold weather, or due to waterlogged soil. Common garden pests like aphids, cucumber beetles and those that affect the squashes and cucumbers can infect it.
Harvesting
The harvesting period depends on the climate, season, and variety. Generally, it usually begins 80-90 days later after seed sowing and between 30 to 50 days after flowering. Flowering and fruit setting continue for several weeks until the weather remains favorable and you’ll get several harvests.
Ripe fruit does not seem special. Smell and no change in color of the skin occurs. To see if the fruit is ripe, you should knock with fingers on the surface of the watermelon. If you hear a dead, hollow sound, this means that the fruit is already ripe. Another method is to check the tendril if it is fading and half dead then your watermelon is almost ripe. If it is faded, the fruit is ripe or overripe.
Helpful TipsIn cool short summer climates, start the seeds indoors or in a greenhouse either directly in a container or in a biodegradable pot.Use a lot of organic matter for growing watermelons in containers as they are heavy feeders. Side dress your potted melon plant with manure or compost in every 3-4 weeks. Scrap and remove topsoil if there is no space in the container.Stress (change in temperature, pests or diseases, overwatering or lack of water) to the plant at the time when fruits are maturing, results in less flavorsome and sweet fruits.In a small space, growing melons vertically on a trellis is a great way to save space. Use netting, a bag or a stretchable cloth to create a hammock under the fruit to support it.The trick for getting best quality fruits is to don’t let the plant set so many fruits. 2-3 fruits at the same time for large fruit varieties and 4-5 fruits for the smaller one is sufficient.Do successive planting for regular harvests. Plant 2-4 plants and do the same after 2 weeks.
Sweet and watery watermelons are without a doubt an iconic summer fruit due of their high water content and soft red flesh. Those supermarket melons can’t be like homegrown fresh and organic melons. You can even plant them in a small space like a balcony, it is possible by growing watermelon vertically in a pot.
Propagation and Planting Watermelon in Pot
Watermelon has long taproot and it doesn’t transplant well that’s why it is better to sow the seeds directly in a pot. Sow 3-4 seeds directly in a pot once the temperature starts to reach 65 F (19 C) and above in the spring. In tropics (USDA Zone 10-11), the best time to sow seeds is winter and early spring. The germination takes place within 6 to 10 days. Thin out and leave only one of the strongest seedlings per pot.
Choosing a Pot
Growing watermelon in containers is not much difficult though tricky. You need to understand the basics. As watermelon has long taproot choosing a deep pot is essential. A large pot or bucket that is at least 2 feet deep and half wide is required.
Varieties
To know everything about watermelon varieties, see this excellent guide at Washington State University site.
Requirements for Growing Watermelon in Containers
Watermelons should be grown in a sunny position. If you’re growing it on a balcony or on a roof garden where space is tight, growing watermelon vertically on a trellis is a solution. Trellis should be minimum 4 feet tall and sturdy enough to carry the weight of melons.
Temperature
Watermelons are warm weather annuals but they can be planted in both tropical and temperate regions easily. It is possible to grow watermelons in temperature around 50-95 F (10-35 C). The optimum growing temperature is around 65-85 F (18-30 C).
Soil
Sandy and loamy soil is suitable for growing watermelons. Ideal soil pH is around 6 – 6.8. Avoid compact, clayey soils. Airy and well-drained substrate promotes the growth of the plant. Also, application of the well-rotted horse, rabbit or cow manure improves the texture of soil and provides nutrients constantly.
Water
Watermelon requires a lot of water. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, the water must drain freely from the bottom. When growing watermelon in containers, you’ll need to water the plant every day and sometimes twice in a warm day. Once the fruits start to swell up and mature, reduce the watering. In that period, water carefully and moderately. Avoid overwatering and underwatering both to get the sweetest melons.
Watermelon Plant Care
Fertilizer
Start to fertilize the plant with a complete liquid fertilizer. Once, the plant starts to flower and appear to set fruits, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen. Consider liquid seaweed fertilizer.
Pruning
To get a healthy and more productive plant, only allow the main vine to grow. When the plant is young, remove side branches before they grow more. Also, remove those stems that are damaged and diseased.
Pollination
Watermelon vine produces both male and female flowers separately. However, pollinators (bees and butterflies) will pollinate them but to be sure you’ll need to hand-pollinate the flowers to make sure you get fruits. The first ripe fruits appear after approx. 40 days after pollination of
flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Usually, you can easily care and look after the watermelon growing in a pot. Still, it is little prone to diseases when exposed to too hot-humid or too cold weather, or due to waterlogged soil. Common garden pests like aphids, cucumber beetles and those that affect the squashes and cucumbers can infect it.
Harvesting
The harvesting period depends on the climate, season, and variety. Generally, it usually begins 80-90 days later after seed sowing and between 30 to 50 days after flowering. Flowering and fruit setting continue for several weeks until the weather remains favorable and you’ll get several harvests.
Ripe fruit does not seem special. Smell and no change in color of the skin occurs. To see if the fruit is ripe, you should knock with fingers on the surface of the watermelon. If you hear a dead, hollow sound, this means that the fruit is already ripe. Another method is to check the tendril if it is fading and half dead then your watermelon is almost ripe. If it is faded, the fruit is ripe or overripe.
Helpful TipsIn cool short summer climates, start the seeds indoors or in a greenhouse either directly in a container or in a biodegradable pot.Use a lot of organic matter for growing watermelons in containers as they are heavy feeders. Side dress your potted melon plant with manure or compost in every 3-4 weeks. Scrap and remove topsoil if there is no space in the container.Stress (change in temperature, pests or diseases, overwatering or lack of water) to the plant at the time when fruits are maturing, results in less flavorsome and sweet fruits.In a small space, growing melons vertically on a trellis is a great way to save space. Use netting, a bag or a stretchable cloth to create a hammock under the fruit to support it.The trick for getting best quality fruits is to don’t let the plant set so many fruits. 2-3 fruits at the same time for large fruit varieties and 4-5 fruits for the smaller one is sufficient.Do successive planting for regular harvests. Plant 2-4 plants and do the same after 2 weeks.
1
0
文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow sugar apple tree in this complete article. Growing sugar apple is easy but getting high yield is moderately difficult. With the sugar apple tree care tips and requirements given below you can grow this sweetest and creamy tropical fruit in your yard.
USDA Zones— 9 – 11
Difficulty— Moderate
Other Names— anón, anón de azucar, anona blanca, fruta do conde, cachiman, saramuyo, grenadilla, qishta, ishta, shta, seureuba, fruta-do-conde, fruta-pinha, fruta-de-conde, condessa, pinha, ata, anona, aajaa thee, plae teib, Zimtapfel, Gishta, γλυκόμηλο, kachiman, foreign lychee (番鬼荔枝), hvaðerþetta, (शरीफ़ा/सीताफल), sitaphala, seethappazham, sitaphal, sitappalam, sita phalamu, Sita’s fruit, srikaya, sweetsop, sweet-sop, matomoko, conicony, buah nona, hairico, pomme cannelle, aati, saripha, fasadabur, Sharifa (شريفا), atis, Anoda, Katu Atha, sakya, pinyin, sek-khia, sek-kia, matopetope, noi-na (น้อยหน่า), ekistaferi, mãng cầu ta, Khirmish (خرمش).
The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family. Its exact place of origin is unknown. Although previously it was believed that it is a native of the India, but recently found historical and philological data makes this ambiguous and it is believed that it is of either Indian or Central American origin. The cultivation is most common in Brazil and India and there it is one of the most important fruit crops. In Australia and India, it is also known as custard apple.
Sugar Apple Tree Information
It is a low-growing semi-deciduous tree or large shrub that grows between 3-7 m high, with spreading or open crown, formed by branches growing in the irregular form. Young shoots grow zigzag and are grayish-waxy, odorous when crushed.
The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical and 5-11 cm long with 2-5 cm width. They are dark green on the top and light blue-green on the underside with smooth edges.
The flowers are pendulous, axillary, hermaphrodite (bisexual) and usually solitary but can grow in groups of two to four. Sugar apple flowers are fragrant and have a green tint in outside and cream on the inside. These flowers are 1 to 1/2 inch long and have six petals.
The fruits are oval shaped, from 5 to 12 cm in diameter of green-yellowish color. Externally the union of the carpels is lax. The pulp is white or yellowish between binding carpels with many seeds. It is sweet, aromatic, buttery, edible, of pleasant and creamy flavor.
The seeds are oblong, black and shiny, 1.25 cm in length. The seed kernels contain between 14 to 49% oil that is used as a substitute for peanut oil in the manufacture of soap.
How to Grow Sugar Apple TreeGrowing Sugar Apple from Seeds
Seed propagation is the traditional method through which the sugar apple tree is grown. It is the most used propagation method. However, this method has several disadvantages such as low germination rate, high genetic variability, late start of the harvest and the plants are taller and rather difficult to handle.
Collect seeds from fully ripe fruit from a tree that has excellent production, great taste, and good health. The seeds quickly lose their viability (approximately 6 months) therefore, they should be planted as soon as possible.
Seed should be planted horizontally, 2 – 3 cm deep at a distance of 1.5 cm in a good quality seed mix. Generally, the germination occurs within 30 days. Although, its germination rate is low and time is slow due to the tough seed coating.
Also Read: Seed Germination Tips
To speed up the germination and success rate, scarify the seeds with sandpaper. After scarification soak them in warm water for 24 hours. You can directly sow the seeds on the planting site or sow them in a small pot. The transplanting is done when seedlings have outgrown their existing pot.
Buy a Grafted Tree
The other type of propagation is vegetative propagation using grafts. This method is the most recommended because it ensures plants with the same genetic identity, with a better production, healthy tree and quality fruits. If possible, buy a grafted tree from a nursery.
Planting Sugar Apple Tree
Plants should be planted 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 m apart. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the plant and its root ball, but generally, the planting hole should be twice wide and of the same depth of the root ball.
How to Grow a Sugar Apple Tree in Pot
It is possible to grow sugar apple tree in a pot. It is similar to other tropical fruit trees like guava or pomegranate. Regular pruning will be required. Besides this, all the growing requirements, which are given below are similar to the sugar apple tree planted on the ground.
Varieties
The ‘Seedless Cuban’ is one of the most important cultivars. Its fruits are slightly malformed and medium-sized with traces of undeveloped seeds. The flavor is less attractive than normal fruit but it is more productive.
Indian horticulturists recognized ten types of sugar apple cultivars, which are given below:
‘Red’ (A. squamosa var. Sangareddyiz)‘Red-speckled’CrimsonYellowWhite-stemmedMammothBalangarKakarlapahadWashingtonBarbadosBritish GuianaRequirements for Growing Sugar Apple TreeIdeal Climate and Temperature
The most optimum temperature for growing sugar apple tree is around 50 F – 85 F (10 – 30 C). Despite being a tropical tree, sugar apple has some resistance to the cold. However, when the temperature falls below 32 F (0 C) emerging seedlings and young plants die. Mature trees show some frost tolerance to some degrees below the freezing point. Furthermore, the temperatures above or below optimum temperature affect pollination, can cause fruit or bud drop and reduce post-harvest life.
Waterin
The plant easily handles extended periods of drought. However, excessive drought can cause leaf and fruit drop. For optimum growth, it requires an annual rainfall between 750 and 1,200 mm. In rainy watering must be stopped. Generally, you should water a mature tree in every 12 to 15 days (more on this below).
Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava
There must be adequate moisture in the soil to encourage vegetative growth and blooms that occur on the new branches. The tree should be watered in every 2 – 4 weeks during the period of low growth and every 3 to 5 days while it is flowering and setting fruits. The water stress must be prevented and soil must be kept moist at this time as the fruit is more sensitive than the leaves to lack of water.
Soil
It is undemanding when it comes to soil type. *Sitaphal cultivation (*common name in the Indian subcontinent) can be done in poor, stony soil of pH level 7-8. Though it grows in a wide range of soils, from sandy, clay to loam, but the healthiest and the productive tree is grown in fertile, loose, deep and neutral or slightly alkaline soil that is not sandy with good drainage and aeration. Furthermore, the drainage is essential to prevent diseases. The growth is directly related to the content of organic matter in the soil.
Humidity
Relative humidity is one of the climatic factors that is highly responsible in the formation of flowers and pollination. Therefore, if you want to increase productivity, humidity should be maintained above 60% especially during the flowering period.
Sugar Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer
Application of complete fertilizer in the initial years of planting is recommended. Once the tree matures enough and able to set fruits the use of 3: 10: 10 fertilizer significantly increases the flowering, fruit setting, and harvest.
As for organic fertilization, sugar apple responds well to the application of organic matter from its earliest period of growth. The application of organic fertilizer improves the texture of soil and its condition and facilitates root development. It is recommended to apply 60 to 80 kg of aged manure or compost annually.
Pollination
One of the main problems affecting the yield and fruit quality of sugar apple tree is its low rate of pollination of flowers and the consequent production of fruit.
Sugar apple has complete flowers (bisexual), however, the male and female flower parts are functional at different times of the day (called *protandry, a condition in which an organism begins life as a male or female and changes the sex later). Sugar apple flowers first open during the day as a female flower. If female flower isn’t pollinated, early in the next morning the flowers open wider and shed pollen (male stage). It is recommended to attract pollinating insects or hand pollinate the flowers for best yield. To find out how to hand pollinate flowers, read this.
This cycle is shortened when temperatures are high and lengthened when they are low.
Pruning Sugar Apple Tree
Pruning must be done only in the spring if you are in a cold climate. Sugar apple trees tend to form many branches, so pruning is recommended to train the tree into required shape and regulating a number of main branches.
Maintenance pruning serves to preserve the balance of the tree structure by removing suckers or shoots and branches that are growing in the wrong direction or directed towards the ground.
Likewise, you should do a sanitary pruning after each harvest, a sanitary pruning is the removal of branches and fruits that are damaged or have pest or disease problem.
Renewal pruning is done after around 10 years when the tree has gone old and have less vigor and production. In renewal pruning, the tree must be trimmed strongly but in several stages so that it will start its growth once again.
Wind Protection
Like all the other softwood trees, the sugar apple is susceptible to wind damage. Breakage and tearing of branches is possible. Plus, the sugar apple fruits get easily damaged due to rubbing of branches. Furthermore, the strong, dry winds accelerate the drying of stigma, thus reduced pollination. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that is sheltered from the wind.
Weed management
Growing sugar apple tree requires weed management. It causes the biggest drawbacks during young stages. The control can be manual, mechanical, or inert, with the use of herbicides or by doing a combination of methods. You can also do mulching to stop weeds. The best way is to weed regularly and prevent the growth of other plants near the base of the tree.
Also Read: Effective Weeding Tips
Sugar Apple Pests and DiseasesPest Management
The sugar apple is very vulnerable to pests, this reduces its production.
Usually, the pests and insects infest the fruits and cause destruction. Best practice is to protect the fruits using fruit covers. Plastic bag, paper or polyethylene can be used to wrap the fruits since the initial stage of development. The bags must cover the fruit throughout their development but must be open at the base and have micro perforations to allow gaseous water leakage because the excess moisture causes fruit rot.
Chemical control measures are difficult so it is better to prevent the pests by keeping the tree healthy also remember the use of insecticides destroys the friendly insects and pollinators. Some of the most common and major pests you need to look for are the moths, aphids, mealybugs and scales.
Disease Management
Among the most common diseases are anthracnose and leaf spot. These diseases occur with severity in times of rain, high and stable temperature and relative humidity.
Harvesting Sugar Apples
The sugar apple tree begins to produce fruits at the age of 3-4 years and declines after 12-15 years. An average adult tree produces between 100-180 fruits a year.
The decision of the optimal harvest time is something critical. In addition, all fruits do not ripen at the same time and the time of the collection varies depending on the variety and conditions of weather where they are grown.
Visual methods based on the discoloration of the skin and shape of the fruit are the most commonly used today to decide when to harvest.
Another indication of ripening is the change in color of seeds, which pass from light brown color to almost black at ripened stage.
These criteria are generally unreliable to indicate proper maturity and fruits are sometimes harvested before ripening. That’s why commercial producers use chemicals to ripen the fruit post harvest.
Fruits must be harvested by cutting the stem using a pruning shears. Also, it should be harvested in the morning. The sugar apple fruit is very delicate and should be harvested with extra care.
Sugar Apple Uses
The fruits are consumed mainly fresh, as they have a rich creamy, sweet flavor. They are very delicious, nutritious, rich in sugar, protein, and phosphorus, with a highly digestible pulp.
They are also used in desserts and in the recipes of juices, sorbets, desserts, wine and ice cream.
USDA Zones— 9 – 11
Difficulty— Moderate
Other Names— anón, anón de azucar, anona blanca, fruta do conde, cachiman, saramuyo, grenadilla, qishta, ishta, shta, seureuba, fruta-do-conde, fruta-pinha, fruta-de-conde, condessa, pinha, ata, anona, aajaa thee, plae teib, Zimtapfel, Gishta, γλυκόμηλο, kachiman, foreign lychee (番鬼荔枝), hvaðerþetta, (शरीफ़ा/सीताफल), sitaphala, seethappazham, sitaphal, sitappalam, sita phalamu, Sita’s fruit, srikaya, sweetsop, sweet-sop, matomoko, conicony, buah nona, hairico, pomme cannelle, aati, saripha, fasadabur, Sharifa (شريفا), atis, Anoda, Katu Atha, sakya, pinyin, sek-khia, sek-kia, matopetope, noi-na (น้อยหน่า), ekistaferi, mãng cầu ta, Khirmish (خرمش).
The sugar apple (Annona squamosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family. Its exact place of origin is unknown. Although previously it was believed that it is a native of the India, but recently found historical and philological data makes this ambiguous and it is believed that it is of either Indian or Central American origin. The cultivation is most common in Brazil and India and there it is one of the most important fruit crops. In Australia and India, it is also known as custard apple.
Sugar Apple Tree Information
It is a low-growing semi-deciduous tree or large shrub that grows between 3-7 m high, with spreading or open crown, formed by branches growing in the irregular form. Young shoots grow zigzag and are grayish-waxy, odorous when crushed.
The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical and 5-11 cm long with 2-5 cm width. They are dark green on the top and light blue-green on the underside with smooth edges.
The flowers are pendulous, axillary, hermaphrodite (bisexual) and usually solitary but can grow in groups of two to four. Sugar apple flowers are fragrant and have a green tint in outside and cream on the inside. These flowers are 1 to 1/2 inch long and have six petals.
The fruits are oval shaped, from 5 to 12 cm in diameter of green-yellowish color. Externally the union of the carpels is lax. The pulp is white or yellowish between binding carpels with many seeds. It is sweet, aromatic, buttery, edible, of pleasant and creamy flavor.
The seeds are oblong, black and shiny, 1.25 cm in length. The seed kernels contain between 14 to 49% oil that is used as a substitute for peanut oil in the manufacture of soap.
How to Grow Sugar Apple TreeGrowing Sugar Apple from Seeds
Seed propagation is the traditional method through which the sugar apple tree is grown. It is the most used propagation method. However, this method has several disadvantages such as low germination rate, high genetic variability, late start of the harvest and the plants are taller and rather difficult to handle.
Collect seeds from fully ripe fruit from a tree that has excellent production, great taste, and good health. The seeds quickly lose their viability (approximately 6 months) therefore, they should be planted as soon as possible.
Seed should be planted horizontally, 2 – 3 cm deep at a distance of 1.5 cm in a good quality seed mix. Generally, the germination occurs within 30 days. Although, its germination rate is low and time is slow due to the tough seed coating.
Also Read: Seed Germination Tips
To speed up the germination and success rate, scarify the seeds with sandpaper. After scarification soak them in warm water for 24 hours. You can directly sow the seeds on the planting site or sow them in a small pot. The transplanting is done when seedlings have outgrown their existing pot.
Buy a Grafted Tree
The other type of propagation is vegetative propagation using grafts. This method is the most recommended because it ensures plants with the same genetic identity, with a better production, healthy tree and quality fruits. If possible, buy a grafted tree from a nursery.
Planting Sugar Apple Tree
Plants should be planted 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 m apart. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the plant and its root ball, but generally, the planting hole should be twice wide and of the same depth of the root ball.
How to Grow a Sugar Apple Tree in Pot
It is possible to grow sugar apple tree in a pot. It is similar to other tropical fruit trees like guava or pomegranate. Regular pruning will be required. Besides this, all the growing requirements, which are given below are similar to the sugar apple tree planted on the ground.
Varieties
The ‘Seedless Cuban’ is one of the most important cultivars. Its fruits are slightly malformed and medium-sized with traces of undeveloped seeds. The flavor is less attractive than normal fruit but it is more productive.
Indian horticulturists recognized ten types of sugar apple cultivars, which are given below:
‘Red’ (A. squamosa var. Sangareddyiz)‘Red-speckled’CrimsonYellowWhite-stemmedMammothBalangarKakarlapahadWashingtonBarbadosBritish GuianaRequirements for Growing Sugar Apple TreeIdeal Climate and Temperature
The most optimum temperature for growing sugar apple tree is around 50 F – 85 F (10 – 30 C). Despite being a tropical tree, sugar apple has some resistance to the cold. However, when the temperature falls below 32 F (0 C) emerging seedlings and young plants die. Mature trees show some frost tolerance to some degrees below the freezing point. Furthermore, the temperatures above or below optimum temperature affect pollination, can cause fruit or bud drop and reduce post-harvest life.
Waterin
The plant easily handles extended periods of drought. However, excessive drought can cause leaf and fruit drop. For optimum growth, it requires an annual rainfall between 750 and 1,200 mm. In rainy watering must be stopped. Generally, you should water a mature tree in every 12 to 15 days (more on this below).
Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava
There must be adequate moisture in the soil to encourage vegetative growth and blooms that occur on the new branches. The tree should be watered in every 2 – 4 weeks during the period of low growth and every 3 to 5 days while it is flowering and setting fruits. The water stress must be prevented and soil must be kept moist at this time as the fruit is more sensitive than the leaves to lack of water.
Soil
It is undemanding when it comes to soil type. *Sitaphal cultivation (*common name in the Indian subcontinent) can be done in poor, stony soil of pH level 7-8. Though it grows in a wide range of soils, from sandy, clay to loam, but the healthiest and the productive tree is grown in fertile, loose, deep and neutral or slightly alkaline soil that is not sandy with good drainage and aeration. Furthermore, the drainage is essential to prevent diseases. The growth is directly related to the content of organic matter in the soil.
Humidity
Relative humidity is one of the climatic factors that is highly responsible in the formation of flowers and pollination. Therefore, if you want to increase productivity, humidity should be maintained above 60% especially during the flowering period.
Sugar Apple Tree Care
Fertilizer
Application of complete fertilizer in the initial years of planting is recommended. Once the tree matures enough and able to set fruits the use of 3: 10: 10 fertilizer significantly increases the flowering, fruit setting, and harvest.
As for organic fertilization, sugar apple responds well to the application of organic matter from its earliest period of growth. The application of organic fertilizer improves the texture of soil and its condition and facilitates root development. It is recommended to apply 60 to 80 kg of aged manure or compost annually.
Pollination
One of the main problems affecting the yield and fruit quality of sugar apple tree is its low rate of pollination of flowers and the consequent production of fruit.
Sugar apple has complete flowers (bisexual), however, the male and female flower parts are functional at different times of the day (called *protandry, a condition in which an organism begins life as a male or female and changes the sex later). Sugar apple flowers first open during the day as a female flower. If female flower isn’t pollinated, early in the next morning the flowers open wider and shed pollen (male stage). It is recommended to attract pollinating insects or hand pollinate the flowers for best yield. To find out how to hand pollinate flowers, read this.
This cycle is shortened when temperatures are high and lengthened when they are low.
Pruning Sugar Apple Tree
Pruning must be done only in the spring if you are in a cold climate. Sugar apple trees tend to form many branches, so pruning is recommended to train the tree into required shape and regulating a number of main branches.
Maintenance pruning serves to preserve the balance of the tree structure by removing suckers or shoots and branches that are growing in the wrong direction or directed towards the ground.
Likewise, you should do a sanitary pruning after each harvest, a sanitary pruning is the removal of branches and fruits that are damaged or have pest or disease problem.
Renewal pruning is done after around 10 years when the tree has gone old and have less vigor and production. In renewal pruning, the tree must be trimmed strongly but in several stages so that it will start its growth once again.
Wind Protection
Like all the other softwood trees, the sugar apple is susceptible to wind damage. Breakage and tearing of branches is possible. Plus, the sugar apple fruits get easily damaged due to rubbing of branches. Furthermore, the strong, dry winds accelerate the drying of stigma, thus reduced pollination. Therefore, it should be planted in a location that is sheltered from the wind.
Weed management
Growing sugar apple tree requires weed management. It causes the biggest drawbacks during young stages. The control can be manual, mechanical, or inert, with the use of herbicides or by doing a combination of methods. You can also do mulching to stop weeds. The best way is to weed regularly and prevent the growth of other plants near the base of the tree.
Also Read: Effective Weeding Tips
Sugar Apple Pests and DiseasesPest Management
The sugar apple is very vulnerable to pests, this reduces its production.
Usually, the pests and insects infest the fruits and cause destruction. Best practice is to protect the fruits using fruit covers. Plastic bag, paper or polyethylene can be used to wrap the fruits since the initial stage of development. The bags must cover the fruit throughout their development but must be open at the base and have micro perforations to allow gaseous water leakage because the excess moisture causes fruit rot.
Chemical control measures are difficult so it is better to prevent the pests by keeping the tree healthy also remember the use of insecticides destroys the friendly insects and pollinators. Some of the most common and major pests you need to look for are the moths, aphids, mealybugs and scales.
Disease Management
Among the most common diseases are anthracnose and leaf spot. These diseases occur with severity in times of rain, high and stable temperature and relative humidity.
Harvesting Sugar Apples
The sugar apple tree begins to produce fruits at the age of 3-4 years and declines after 12-15 years. An average adult tree produces between 100-180 fruits a year.
The decision of the optimal harvest time is something critical. In addition, all fruits do not ripen at the same time and the time of the collection varies depending on the variety and conditions of weather where they are grown.
Visual methods based on the discoloration of the skin and shape of the fruit are the most commonly used today to decide when to harvest.
Another indication of ripening is the change in color of seeds, which pass from light brown color to almost black at ripened stage.
These criteria are generally unreliable to indicate proper maturity and fruits are sometimes harvested before ripening. That’s why commercial producers use chemicals to ripen the fruit post harvest.
Fruits must be harvested by cutting the stem using a pruning shears. Also, it should be harvested in the morning. The sugar apple fruit is very delicate and should be harvested with extra care.
Sugar Apple Uses
The fruits are consumed mainly fresh, as they have a rich creamy, sweet flavor. They are very delicious, nutritious, rich in sugar, protein, and phosphorus, with a highly digestible pulp.
They are also used in desserts and in the recipes of juices, sorbets, desserts, wine and ice cream.
0
0
文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Guava tree care and growing is easy. With the information given in this article, you can understand how to grow guava tree in a pot. It will delight you with its sweetly scented flowers, delicious fruits, and beautiful tropical appearance.
USDA Hardiness Zones— 9 – 11, *can be grown in colder zones in pot
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Psidium guajava, Amrood, Amrut Phala, Araçá-Goiaba, Araçá-Guaçú, Banjiro, Brazilian Guava, Brazilian Red Guava, Common Guava, Fan Shi Liu, Feuille de Goyavier, Goiaba, Goiabeiro, Goyabe, Goyave, Goyave Jaune, Goyave Rouge, Goyavier, Goyavier du Brésil, Guaiaba, Guaiava, Guajava, Guava Leaf, Guava Leaves, Guava Peel, Guava Pulp, Guava Seed, Guava Seed Protein, Guavas, Guave, Guavenbaum, Guayaba, Guayabo, Guayave, Koejawel, Lemon Guava, Pépin de Goyave, Psidium, Psidium guajava, Pulpe de Goyave, Red Guava, Yellow Guava, Bihi
Guava Tree Information
Guava tree is a small tropical tree that grows 5-6 meters high on average, but if properly pruning it does not exceed the height of 3 m. It is a tough plant that can also be grown in containers.
Guava tree stems are tender when they are angled. The leaves are born in pairs, pale green, leathery and elongated, ending in the sharp tip with a length ranging between 10 and 20 cm and 8 cm wide. The flowers are borne at the base of the leaves, about 1-3 per node, in the younger branches with a great number of stamens and one pistil. Fruit shape, size, the color of flesh and skin usually depends on the variety. Maturity is observed when the shell reaches a yellowish-green, yellow, pink or pale color.
Also read: How to make Guava Bonsai
Best Guava Varieties
Over 100 varieties of guavas are identified in the world, different from each other by their flavor and appearance. Most of them can be grown in containers but we are listing some of the best.
Guava Ruby SupremeLucknow 49Psidium Guajava Nana (Dwarf Guava)Tikal GuavaRed Malaysian (Also grown for ornamental purposes)PatriciaIndonesian SeedlessIndonesian WhiteSafedaGuava Tree PropagationGrowing Guava from Cuttings
Guava is propagated from cuttings and seeds. Growing guava from cuttings require specific temperature and humidity, this method is suitable in warm climates.
Growing Guava from Seeds
Guava seeds are propagated easily with high germination rate. The main thing is that they must be fresh and obtained from the quality source. You can also use seed fresh seeds collected from the fruit but it is better to buy seeds from a seed store or online.
If you are using seeds obtained from guava fruit. Firstly, rinse them in soft water, which is not very cold then wrap the seeds in a cloth and dry them for a couple of hours. Then pour them in a cup of warm water and soak the seeds for 3-4 hours. Prepare a pot filled with seed starting mix, and sprinkle seeds in it. Now put the pot on a warm, well-lit spot, like a windowsill. To speed up germination, you can install a small plastic or cellophane over the top of a pot.
Guava tree grown from seeds take 3-4 years to mature and start to form fruits. From cuttings, it grows more quickly. However, our recommendation for you is to buy a grafted guava tree. Most of the grafted trees start to bear fruit in the same year and remain healthy.Planting Guava Tree
Choosing a pot
Guava tree grows large (around 30 feet) but in pots, it can be reduced to 2-3 m. Choose a pot that is at least 3 gallon (10 inches) to provide the plant a sufficient space to grow roots. *It is best to choose a clay pot with sufficient drainage holes in the bottom.
Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava
Requirements for Growing Guava Tree in a PotLocation
Guava loves the sunny and warm exposure. It is a tropical plant but very much adaptable to temperate climates with moderate winter, when grown on the ground.
If you are growing guava in a container in tropics you can choose a location that receives shade in the afternoon and at least six hours of sun daily. In colder zones, place the plant in a spot that receives full sun for healthy growth and more fruiting.
Soil
For growing guava in pots choose a quality potting mix or make your own substrate using equal parts compost, sand, and soil.
Growing guava is possible in a variety of soil types. It is one of the plants that tolerates different soil types easily. It can be grown in heavy clay-rich or very sandy soil with pH ranging from 4.5 (acidic) to 9.4 (alkaline), but a loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and neutral to slightly acidic in pH is optimum.
When growing guava in a pot choose a self-pollinating variety.
Temperature range
The optimum temperature for germination of guavas falls in the range of 68 to 82 F (20 to 28 C). In winters, the temperature must not fall below 27 F (-3 C) for young guava trees. Mature guava tree (at least 3 years old) can bear temperature down to 20 F (-6 C). Remember, guavas are not frost tolerant, especially young plants, so if in a climate where the temperature falls below the range given here then it is better to keep the plant indoors until the temperature rises up.
Watering
When the plant is young or forming flowers water it regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist. Evenly moist soil at the time of fruiting helps in developing more juicy and sweet fruits. In winter reduce the watering. One of the most interesting facts about guava trees is that they are drought tolerant and once established they can survive only on rainfall and bear long periods of drought. Still, it better to keep the soil slightly moist.
Guava Tree CareGuava tree care is simple and easy and with a few basic information, you can grow a healthy plant.Pruning
Pruning guava is essential to keep guava tree growing in a pot in desired shape and size to develop a strong structure, healthy plant and increased fruiting.
Dry, dead, damaged or diseased branches can be pruned anytime. The crowns grow naturally and well-branched and do not need regular cutting. Best is to cut back too long, unbranched shoots and branches that are crossing each other and blocking the penetration of sun rays after the harvest or at the beginning of growing season.
Fruit Thinning
Whenever the first time your guava tree blooms to form fruits it is better to deadhead the flowers, never allowing the fruits to set (do this if your plant is weak).
Allow no more than 4 fruits per branch. Also, thin out the fruits if they are developing on a small and weak branch.
Repotting
Repot the plant in one size bigger than the previous one. Never plant a plant in a too big pot directly, albeit change the pot time to time once the plant has outgrown the current one.
Fertilizer
Guava responds well to the monthly fertilizing. When the tree is young and is not bearing fruits, fertilize your potted guava tree with 6:6:6:2 [N P K Mg] to speed up the growth of the plant.
When the tree starts to bear fruits change the composition to 8:3:9:2 [N P K Mg].
Guava tree is also susceptible to iron deficiency (symptoms includes yellowing of the leaves in between the dark green veins). It can be corrected or prevented by periodic application chelated iron.
Mulching
Do mulching with organic matter so that the plant retains moisture. Mulching also helps in insulating the root of guava tree in winter.
Pests and Diseases
Guava tree care from pests and diseases is not much required when grown in a pot. This fruit tree is very tough but you should keep an eye on common garden pests. Mealy bugs, guava scale, white flies, fruit flies and thrips can affect it.
In diseases, guava plant suffers from rust, which occurs in too warm weather and high humidity.Besides this, anthracnose and leaf spot can be a problem too, both of these occurs in wet humid weather and spread through splashed water. By proper irrigation, you can easily prevent this.
Harvesting Guavas
Most of the guava tree varieties are self-pollinating and fruit ripens year round in tropics (except summer). Guava fruits usually mature in 3 to 4 months after flowering.
In India, generally, the main crop arrives in winter and after the summer in the rainy season. Winter crop is more flavorsome and sweet.
Uses
Guava fruits taste better when picked earlier than they fully mature. Fruits are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C and can be eaten raw, its seeds are edible too. Ripened fruits can be used to make guava ice-cream, juice, jam, chutney, sauce or desserts.
A Few Guava Tree Care TipsDo not abruptly change the location of your potted guava tree otherwise the plant may lose leaves (partially).To get a bushy plant, it is necessary to pinch the growing tip regularly.It is advisable to suspend the fertilizer during the winters. In tropics, you can continue it.
USDA Hardiness Zones— 9 – 11, *can be grown in colder zones in pot
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Psidium guajava, Amrood, Amrut Phala, Araçá-Goiaba, Araçá-Guaçú, Banjiro, Brazilian Guava, Brazilian Red Guava, Common Guava, Fan Shi Liu, Feuille de Goyavier, Goiaba, Goiabeiro, Goyabe, Goyave, Goyave Jaune, Goyave Rouge, Goyavier, Goyavier du Brésil, Guaiaba, Guaiava, Guajava, Guava Leaf, Guava Leaves, Guava Peel, Guava Pulp, Guava Seed, Guava Seed Protein, Guavas, Guave, Guavenbaum, Guayaba, Guayabo, Guayave, Koejawel, Lemon Guava, Pépin de Goyave, Psidium, Psidium guajava, Pulpe de Goyave, Red Guava, Yellow Guava, Bihi
Guava Tree Information
Guava tree is a small tropical tree that grows 5-6 meters high on average, but if properly pruning it does not exceed the height of 3 m. It is a tough plant that can also be grown in containers.
Guava tree stems are tender when they are angled. The leaves are born in pairs, pale green, leathery and elongated, ending in the sharp tip with a length ranging between 10 and 20 cm and 8 cm wide. The flowers are borne at the base of the leaves, about 1-3 per node, in the younger branches with a great number of stamens and one pistil. Fruit shape, size, the color of flesh and skin usually depends on the variety. Maturity is observed when the shell reaches a yellowish-green, yellow, pink or pale color.
Also read: How to make Guava Bonsai
Best Guava Varieties
Over 100 varieties of guavas are identified in the world, different from each other by their flavor and appearance. Most of them can be grown in containers but we are listing some of the best.
Guava Ruby SupremeLucknow 49Psidium Guajava Nana (Dwarf Guava)Tikal GuavaRed Malaysian (Also grown for ornamental purposes)PatriciaIndonesian SeedlessIndonesian WhiteSafedaGuava Tree PropagationGrowing Guava from Cuttings
Guava is propagated from cuttings and seeds. Growing guava from cuttings require specific temperature and humidity, this method is suitable in warm climates.
Growing Guava from Seeds
Guava seeds are propagated easily with high germination rate. The main thing is that they must be fresh and obtained from the quality source. You can also use seed fresh seeds collected from the fruit but it is better to buy seeds from a seed store or online.
If you are using seeds obtained from guava fruit. Firstly, rinse them in soft water, which is not very cold then wrap the seeds in a cloth and dry them for a couple of hours. Then pour them in a cup of warm water and soak the seeds for 3-4 hours. Prepare a pot filled with seed starting mix, and sprinkle seeds in it. Now put the pot on a warm, well-lit spot, like a windowsill. To speed up germination, you can install a small plastic or cellophane over the top of a pot.
Guava tree grown from seeds take 3-4 years to mature and start to form fruits. From cuttings, it grows more quickly. However, our recommendation for you is to buy a grafted guava tree. Most of the grafted trees start to bear fruit in the same year and remain healthy.Planting Guava Tree
Choosing a pot
Guava tree grows large (around 30 feet) but in pots, it can be reduced to 2-3 m. Choose a pot that is at least 3 gallon (10 inches) to provide the plant a sufficient space to grow roots. *It is best to choose a clay pot with sufficient drainage holes in the bottom.
Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple Guava
Requirements for Growing Guava Tree in a PotLocation
Guava loves the sunny and warm exposure. It is a tropical plant but very much adaptable to temperate climates with moderate winter, when grown on the ground.
If you are growing guava in a container in tropics you can choose a location that receives shade in the afternoon and at least six hours of sun daily. In colder zones, place the plant in a spot that receives full sun for healthy growth and more fruiting.
Soil
For growing guava in pots choose a quality potting mix or make your own substrate using equal parts compost, sand, and soil.
Growing guava is possible in a variety of soil types. It is one of the plants that tolerates different soil types easily. It can be grown in heavy clay-rich or very sandy soil with pH ranging from 4.5 (acidic) to 9.4 (alkaline), but a loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and neutral to slightly acidic in pH is optimum.
When growing guava in a pot choose a self-pollinating variety.
Temperature range
The optimum temperature for germination of guavas falls in the range of 68 to 82 F (20 to 28 C). In winters, the temperature must not fall below 27 F (-3 C) for young guava trees. Mature guava tree (at least 3 years old) can bear temperature down to 20 F (-6 C). Remember, guavas are not frost tolerant, especially young plants, so if in a climate where the temperature falls below the range given here then it is better to keep the plant indoors until the temperature rises up.
Watering
When the plant is young or forming flowers water it regularly and deeply to keep the soil slightly moist. Evenly moist soil at the time of fruiting helps in developing more juicy and sweet fruits. In winter reduce the watering. One of the most interesting facts about guava trees is that they are drought tolerant and once established they can survive only on rainfall and bear long periods of drought. Still, it better to keep the soil slightly moist.
Guava Tree CareGuava tree care is simple and easy and with a few basic information, you can grow a healthy plant.Pruning
Pruning guava is essential to keep guava tree growing in a pot in desired shape and size to develop a strong structure, healthy plant and increased fruiting.
Dry, dead, damaged or diseased branches can be pruned anytime. The crowns grow naturally and well-branched and do not need regular cutting. Best is to cut back too long, unbranched shoots and branches that are crossing each other and blocking the penetration of sun rays after the harvest or at the beginning of growing season.
Fruit Thinning
Whenever the first time your guava tree blooms to form fruits it is better to deadhead the flowers, never allowing the fruits to set (do this if your plant is weak).
Allow no more than 4 fruits per branch. Also, thin out the fruits if they are developing on a small and weak branch.
Repotting
Repot the plant in one size bigger than the previous one. Never plant a plant in a too big pot directly, albeit change the pot time to time once the plant has outgrown the current one.
Fertilizer
Guava responds well to the monthly fertilizing. When the tree is young and is not bearing fruits, fertilize your potted guava tree with 6:6:6:2 [N P K Mg] to speed up the growth of the plant.
When the tree starts to bear fruits change the composition to 8:3:9:2 [N P K Mg].
Guava tree is also susceptible to iron deficiency (symptoms includes yellowing of the leaves in between the dark green veins). It can be corrected or prevented by periodic application chelated iron.
Mulching
Do mulching with organic matter so that the plant retains moisture. Mulching also helps in insulating the root of guava tree in winter.
Pests and Diseases
Guava tree care from pests and diseases is not much required when grown in a pot. This fruit tree is very tough but you should keep an eye on common garden pests. Mealy bugs, guava scale, white flies, fruit flies and thrips can affect it.
In diseases, guava plant suffers from rust, which occurs in too warm weather and high humidity.Besides this, anthracnose and leaf spot can be a problem too, both of these occurs in wet humid weather and spread through splashed water. By proper irrigation, you can easily prevent this.
Harvesting Guavas
Most of the guava tree varieties are self-pollinating and fruit ripens year round in tropics (except summer). Guava fruits usually mature in 3 to 4 months after flowering.
In India, generally, the main crop arrives in winter and after the summer in the rainy season. Winter crop is more flavorsome and sweet.
Uses
Guava fruits taste better when picked earlier than they fully mature. Fruits are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C and can be eaten raw, its seeds are edible too. Ripened fruits can be used to make guava ice-cream, juice, jam, chutney, sauce or desserts.
A Few Guava Tree Care TipsDo not abruptly change the location of your potted guava tree otherwise the plant may lose leaves (partially).To get a bushy plant, it is necessary to pinch the growing tip regularly.It is advisable to suspend the fertilizer during the winters. In tropics, you can continue it.
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文章
Abigal
2017年05月22日
Check out these 18 Flowering Ground Cover Plants, you’ll find some best low growing plants on this list, they’re not only easy to grow but looks beautiful too.1. Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
This old fashioned tough and aggressive perennial ground cover is a good choice for gardeners who want to grow low maintenance plants. The plant barely grows up to 1-1.5 feet tall and loves the sun. Blooms appear when the weather warms up in colors like pink, red or pale pink with interesting variegated foliage. You can also plant it in groups under the trees, the bigroot geranium is a drought tolerant plant and best grown in temperates under USDA Zones 4 to 8b.
2. Spotted Dead Nettle
Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is notable for both its variegated foliage and its dense clusters of flowers, which appear in a variety of colors, including white, pink and purple (depending on the cultivar). This low growing plant can be grown diversely in different climates (USDA Zones 3-10), providing it cool, moist soil and shade to part shade. However, it must be noted that dead nettle can be invasive and considered as a weed by many gardeners.
3. Moss Rose (Portulaca)
This pretty little plant with needle-like foliage and tiny colorful flowers looks absolutely stunning. It is an annual or perennial (*in warm tropical and subtropical climates) ground cover that spreads densely. The blooms come in yellow, pink, red, white, orange and many more colors. Moss rose is very tolerant of poor conditions and dry soil.
4. Helianthemum
Also called ‘Sun Rose’ or ‘Rock Rose’, this subshrub comes from the family Cistaceae and barely grows up to 1 feet tall. Providing a well-drained soil and full sun (part shade in warmer climates) it blooms happily. The showy flowers of this genus come in shades of orange, pink, yellow, scarlet, and white. There are some varieties available that bloom for a long time from spring to fall (autumn). Grows in USDA Zones 5-9, this plant usually dies back in the colder regions when the winter perks up, whereas in warmer zones it remains evergreen.
5. Lilyturf (Liriope)
Lilyturf is neither a grass nor a lily. This showy and tough groundcover has lush and deep green, grass-like foliage ordered in slightly upright tufts. Spikes of violet or lavender color flowers appear from late summer until the fall.
Lilyturf (USDA Zones 6-10) requires full sun in colder regions but in warm subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it in dappled shade. It can be grown between tall shrubs and underneath the canopy of trees, also use it for edging walkways or as and a low border accent. Liriope ‘Muscari’ and Liriope ‘Spicata’ are two most popular varieties.
6. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is an excellent ground cover if you want to add fragrance to your garden. Grows best in part shade to full shade and on well-drained soil, this plant can grow up to a height of only 8-10 inches (When in bloom). It starts to bloom prolifically from mid-spring, sweet woodruff leaves also release fragrance when crushed.
7. Creeping Thyme
Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing aromatic flowering herb that is perennial and hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Just like other thyme varieties it is edible too. This tiny plant barely grows up to 3 inches tall. It is deer resistant and an amazing alternative of grasses.
8. Brass Button
If you’re searching for a lawn substitute on which you can set foot without thinking much then consider growing brass button. It also forms yellow-golden flowers that appear from spring to summer. Brass buttons are hardy in USDA Zones 5-10 (but evergreen only in Zone 8-10), growing in temperates to subtropical climates both.
9. Creeping Phlox
This ground cover has pleasant flowers that appear in pastel hues. Growing this sturdy, low-maintenance plant is possible in USDA Zones 3-8, it is the plant that can be used in landscaping to hide the unsightly slope or other difficult areas as it rambles between rocks or cascades down. It can also be used as a bordering plant around the flowerbeds.
10. Sedum
The genus ‘Sedum’ has a diverse group of ornamental succulent plants, you can grow low growing sedums as a ground cover in full sun and well-drained soil. Yellow flowers appear in summer. The best thing about sedums is there are about 400 species of them around the world that can be grown diversely in every climate.
11. Campanula Portenschlagiana
Campanula portenschlagiana or ‘Dalmatian Bellflower’ is a beautiful annual or perennial plant that forms a mat of small rounded leaves. The flowers are star-shaped, blue-purple in color that blooms from spring through summer. Relatively cold hardy but requires shelter when temperature dips below much. It grows in full sun and in the part shade too, on a fairly loose, well drained and alkaline soil.
12. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is one of the easiest and best flowering ground covers. Its fragrant little bell-shaped white flowers grow well in shade and have long blooming period. Growing lily of the valley plant is possible in cool temperate zones in USDA Zones 2-9.
13. Vinca minor
One of the most popular groundcovers, it is a hardy plant in both cold and warm climates under USDA Zones 4-10a that spreads quickly. It blooms prolifically, is easy to grow and tolerates poor soil and drought. Provide it full sun in the cold climate and part shade in warm climates.
14. Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’
This low growing beautiful perennial blooms from summer to fall. Good for country style or cottage style garden and also suitable for containers. With its spiky blue blooms, it looks good with bright green foliage. Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’ requires full sun and regular but moderate watering.
15. Firecracker (Russelia equisetiformis)
A warm climate plant that grows best in warm temperates, subtropics, and tropics (USDA Zones 8b-11). This drought tolerant plant is loved by nectar-feeding species of birds, and by butterflies. Fluffy, errant and wispy stems and foliage cascade down and camouflages the unsightly areas. It is suitable for slopes, borders, retaining walls and containers too.
16. Lamb’s Ear
One of the best flowering ground cover plants on our list due to its thick attractive silver-grey-green foliage that forms gentle and velvety rosettes, not only the foliage, its purple colored flowers that appear from late spring are appealing too. This excellent edging plant only grows up 12 inches tall in part sun to full sun under USDA Zones 4-9.
17. Society Garlic
Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is also known as ‘Pink agapanthus’. With its edible garlic-flavored purple flowers and clump forming grass like blue-grey foliage, this tough and low maintenance ground cover is a good option for those who live in warmer climates. Suitable for warm temperates, subtropics and tropics under USDA Zones 7-11.
18. Ajuga
Ajuga, which is also called ‘Bugleweed’ is a genus of perennial or annual flowering plants. It becomes an excellent ground cover, sometimes invasive. Many of its species are very popular, especially ‘Ajuga reptans’ that spread through its runners, having attractive foliage that forms a dense carpet-like mat and deep blue flower spikes. It is possible to grow ajuga in both cold and warm climates (USDA Zones, 3-10).
This old fashioned tough and aggressive perennial ground cover is a good choice for gardeners who want to grow low maintenance plants. The plant barely grows up to 1-1.5 feet tall and loves the sun. Blooms appear when the weather warms up in colors like pink, red or pale pink with interesting variegated foliage. You can also plant it in groups under the trees, the bigroot geranium is a drought tolerant plant and best grown in temperates under USDA Zones 4 to 8b.
2. Spotted Dead Nettle
Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is notable for both its variegated foliage and its dense clusters of flowers, which appear in a variety of colors, including white, pink and purple (depending on the cultivar). This low growing plant can be grown diversely in different climates (USDA Zones 3-10), providing it cool, moist soil and shade to part shade. However, it must be noted that dead nettle can be invasive and considered as a weed by many gardeners.
3. Moss Rose (Portulaca)
This pretty little plant with needle-like foliage and tiny colorful flowers looks absolutely stunning. It is an annual or perennial (*in warm tropical and subtropical climates) ground cover that spreads densely. The blooms come in yellow, pink, red, white, orange and many more colors. Moss rose is very tolerant of poor conditions and dry soil.
4. Helianthemum
Also called ‘Sun Rose’ or ‘Rock Rose’, this subshrub comes from the family Cistaceae and barely grows up to 1 feet tall. Providing a well-drained soil and full sun (part shade in warmer climates) it blooms happily. The showy flowers of this genus come in shades of orange, pink, yellow, scarlet, and white. There are some varieties available that bloom for a long time from spring to fall (autumn). Grows in USDA Zones 5-9, this plant usually dies back in the colder regions when the winter perks up, whereas in warmer zones it remains evergreen.
5. Lilyturf (Liriope)
Lilyturf is neither a grass nor a lily. This showy and tough groundcover has lush and deep green, grass-like foliage ordered in slightly upright tufts. Spikes of violet or lavender color flowers appear from late summer until the fall.
Lilyturf (USDA Zones 6-10) requires full sun in colder regions but in warm subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it in dappled shade. It can be grown between tall shrubs and underneath the canopy of trees, also use it for edging walkways or as and a low border accent. Liriope ‘Muscari’ and Liriope ‘Spicata’ are two most popular varieties.
6. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is an excellent ground cover if you want to add fragrance to your garden. Grows best in part shade to full shade and on well-drained soil, this plant can grow up to a height of only 8-10 inches (When in bloom). It starts to bloom prolifically from mid-spring, sweet woodruff leaves also release fragrance when crushed.
7. Creeping Thyme
Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing aromatic flowering herb that is perennial and hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Just like other thyme varieties it is edible too. This tiny plant barely grows up to 3 inches tall. It is deer resistant and an amazing alternative of grasses.
8. Brass Button
If you’re searching for a lawn substitute on which you can set foot without thinking much then consider growing brass button. It also forms yellow-golden flowers that appear from spring to summer. Brass buttons are hardy in USDA Zones 5-10 (but evergreen only in Zone 8-10), growing in temperates to subtropical climates both.
9. Creeping Phlox
This ground cover has pleasant flowers that appear in pastel hues. Growing this sturdy, low-maintenance plant is possible in USDA Zones 3-8, it is the plant that can be used in landscaping to hide the unsightly slope or other difficult areas as it rambles between rocks or cascades down. It can also be used as a bordering plant around the flowerbeds.
10. Sedum
The genus ‘Sedum’ has a diverse group of ornamental succulent plants, you can grow low growing sedums as a ground cover in full sun and well-drained soil. Yellow flowers appear in summer. The best thing about sedums is there are about 400 species of them around the world that can be grown diversely in every climate.
11. Campanula Portenschlagiana
Campanula portenschlagiana or ‘Dalmatian Bellflower’ is a beautiful annual or perennial plant that forms a mat of small rounded leaves. The flowers are star-shaped, blue-purple in color that blooms from spring through summer. Relatively cold hardy but requires shelter when temperature dips below much. It grows in full sun and in the part shade too, on a fairly loose, well drained and alkaline soil.
12. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is one of the easiest and best flowering ground covers. Its fragrant little bell-shaped white flowers grow well in shade and have long blooming period. Growing lily of the valley plant is possible in cool temperate zones in USDA Zones 2-9.
13. Vinca minor
One of the most popular groundcovers, it is a hardy plant in both cold and warm climates under USDA Zones 4-10a that spreads quickly. It blooms prolifically, is easy to grow and tolerates poor soil and drought. Provide it full sun in the cold climate and part shade in warm climates.
14. Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’
This low growing beautiful perennial blooms from summer to fall. Good for country style or cottage style garden and also suitable for containers. With its spiky blue blooms, it looks good with bright green foliage. Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’ requires full sun and regular but moderate watering.
15. Firecracker (Russelia equisetiformis)
A warm climate plant that grows best in warm temperates, subtropics, and tropics (USDA Zones 8b-11). This drought tolerant plant is loved by nectar-feeding species of birds, and by butterflies. Fluffy, errant and wispy stems and foliage cascade down and camouflages the unsightly areas. It is suitable for slopes, borders, retaining walls and containers too.
16. Lamb’s Ear
One of the best flowering ground cover plants on our list due to its thick attractive silver-grey-green foliage that forms gentle and velvety rosettes, not only the foliage, its purple colored flowers that appear from late spring are appealing too. This excellent edging plant only grows up 12 inches tall in part sun to full sun under USDA Zones 4-9.
17. Society Garlic
Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is also known as ‘Pink agapanthus’. With its edible garlic-flavored purple flowers and clump forming grass like blue-grey foliage, this tough and low maintenance ground cover is a good option for those who live in warmer climates. Suitable for warm temperates, subtropics and tropics under USDA Zones 7-11.
18. Ajuga
Ajuga, which is also called ‘Bugleweed’ is a genus of perennial or annual flowering plants. It becomes an excellent ground cover, sometimes invasive. Many of its species are very popular, especially ‘Ajuga reptans’ that spread through its runners, having attractive foliage that forms a dense carpet-like mat and deep blue flower spikes. It is possible to grow ajuga in both cold and warm climates (USDA Zones, 3-10).
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0
文章
Micky
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow spelt in this article. Planting and Growing spelt is easier in temperate climates. It is more winter hardy than conventional wheat varieties and also tolerates poor conditions well.
USDA Zones— 5 – 8
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Triticum Spelta, Dinkel wheat, Hulled wheat, Spelt, Spelt wheat, Espelta, Blé des Gaulois, Epeautre, Dinkel Spelt, Spelz, Spelta
Spelt (Triticum Spelta) is a plant belongs to the grass family. This rustic looking subspecies of wheat is resistant to diseases. Though it is is not widely grown, but it is of great interest in organic farming.
It adapts well to cold climates and thrives in various soil types: sandy, wet, poor and non-draining. It is less demanding for nutrients and more competitive against weeds than wheat. Making it an interesting cereal crop for mountain areas.
How to Grow SpeltSowing
The seeds are sown in rows, optimum distance between rows is about 18 – 20 cm apart. The seeds are buried 3 cm deep and spaced about 5 to 8 cm. To avoid competition with weeds, it is important not to plant too early in the season.
Seed Sowing Density for Growing Spelt
The best time for sowing is identical to that of wheat. The seeding density is recommended about 200-300 seeds per sqm, corresponding to 150-180 kg of seed per hectare.
Varieties
Spelt exists in two varieties – Winter and Spring.
Requirements for Growing SpeltPosition
Spelt grows similar to wheat but it is more winter hardy. Growing spelt in full sun is required for productivity and healthy growth.
Soil
For optimum growth, spelt must be grown in soil that is good, ie. Humus, rich in nutrients, with a pH close to neutral. Prepare soil similar to wheat. This grain also grows in soil types that are low in nutrients, poorly drained or sandy.
Watering
Keep the soil moist after planting until the germination of seeds. Once sprouted, it doesn’t require too much watering. Water only in hot and dry days. More regularly, if you live in a warmer zone.
Weeding
Weed the soil before planting and remove competitive weeds time to time.
Fertilization
Fertilizer requirements are similar to winter wheat. Excess nitrogen can cause lodging in spelt.
Pests and Diseases
As spelt is a subspecies of wheat, most of the pests and diseases are similar. It is recommended to select the most resistant varieties that are tolerant to pests and diseases.
Harvest
USDA Zones— 5 – 8
Difficulty— Easy
Other Names— Triticum Spelta, Dinkel wheat, Hulled wheat, Spelt, Spelt wheat, Espelta, Blé des Gaulois, Epeautre, Dinkel Spelt, Spelz, Spelta
Spelt (Triticum Spelta) is a plant belongs to the grass family. This rustic looking subspecies of wheat is resistant to diseases. Though it is is not widely grown, but it is of great interest in organic farming.
It adapts well to cold climates and thrives in various soil types: sandy, wet, poor and non-draining. It is less demanding for nutrients and more competitive against weeds than wheat. Making it an interesting cereal crop for mountain areas.
How to Grow SpeltSowing
The seeds are sown in rows, optimum distance between rows is about 18 – 20 cm apart. The seeds are buried 3 cm deep and spaced about 5 to 8 cm. To avoid competition with weeds, it is important not to plant too early in the season.
Seed Sowing Density for Growing Spelt
The best time for sowing is identical to that of wheat. The seeding density is recommended about 200-300 seeds per sqm, corresponding to 150-180 kg of seed per hectare.
Varieties
Spelt exists in two varieties – Winter and Spring.
Requirements for Growing SpeltPosition
Spelt grows similar to wheat but it is more winter hardy. Growing spelt in full sun is required for productivity and healthy growth.
Soil
For optimum growth, spelt must be grown in soil that is good, ie. Humus, rich in nutrients, with a pH close to neutral. Prepare soil similar to wheat. This grain also grows in soil types that are low in nutrients, poorly drained or sandy.
Watering
Keep the soil moist after planting until the germination of seeds. Once sprouted, it doesn’t require too much watering. Water only in hot and dry days. More regularly, if you live in a warmer zone.
Weeding
Weed the soil before planting and remove competitive weeds time to time.
Fertilization
Fertilizer requirements are similar to winter wheat. Excess nitrogen can cause lodging in spelt.
Pests and Diseases
As spelt is a subspecies of wheat, most of the pests and diseases are similar. It is recommended to select the most resistant varieties that are tolerant to pests and diseases.
Harvest
0
0
文章
Micky
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow Ginko Biloba tree, growing ginkgo biloba tree is easy. This beautiful ornamental tree will soon become one of the most beautiful trees in your garden, once established.
USDA zones — 4-9
Other Names — Fossil Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Japanese Silver Apricot, Baiguo, Bai Guo Ye, Kew Tree, Yinhsing, The Tree of Forty Crowns
Difficulty — Easy
How to Grow Ginkgo Biloba Propagation
Ginkgo tree can be propagated from seeds or by cuttings.
Propagation from cuttings is better. To propagate it from cuttings, cut around 10 cm long cutting and plant it in a pot with potting soil lightened with perlite.
Cover it with plastic sheet and water regularly. After cutting has rooted, slowly acclimatize it without the sheet and transplant it into bigger pot or on the ground when it has outgrown the current pot.
Also Read: Ginkgo Biloba Tree Facts
Planting Ginkgo Biloba Tree
Female trees form fleshy fruits and their smell quickly becomes nauseating. Ether avoid planting them or plant them away from your home.
Plant ginkgo tree in the fall or spring. Prepare planting hole that is of the same depth and twice wide of the rootball. Bury the rootball in hole and water thoroughly. Protect young plants from drought and harsh sun.
Requirements for Growing Ginkgo Biloba TreePosition
It has good tolerance to the temperate climate and can withstand a semi-continental condition. It needs full sun or very light shade. It is also resistant to winds.
Soil
No specific soil type is required for growing ginkgo biloba tree. However, soil should be well drained but in a way that it must not dry out quickly, also note that the tree grows long taproot and requires deep soil.
It is best to plant it in light, rich soil. It supports mildly calcareous soil but prefers neutral, silty and slightly clayey soil. Add sand if needed to alleviate the heavy clay rich soil and compost to amend the poor substrate.
Watering
Water Ginkgo biloba tree regularly until it establishes in the first 3 years of growth. Keeping the soil moist as its growth is slower in dry soil but avoid damp and heavy soil.
Ginkgo Biloba Tree CareFertilizer
Generally, fertilizer is not required but to give a boost you can fertilize it in spring using a slow-release balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K), according to the label instructions. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is suitable. Annual application of compost or manure is also helpful for plant.
Mulching
Mulching is essential for growing ginkgo biloba tree. In summer to preserve moisture and in winter to protect the roots from the cold.
Pruning
Ginkgo biloba is a beautiful tree, it does not require additional pruning unless you want to control its shape or size.
Pests and Diseases
USDA zones — 4-9
Other Names — Fossil Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Japanese Silver Apricot, Baiguo, Bai Guo Ye, Kew Tree, Yinhsing, The Tree of Forty Crowns
Difficulty — Easy
How to Grow Ginkgo Biloba Propagation
Ginkgo tree can be propagated from seeds or by cuttings.
Propagation from cuttings is better. To propagate it from cuttings, cut around 10 cm long cutting and plant it in a pot with potting soil lightened with perlite.
Cover it with plastic sheet and water regularly. After cutting has rooted, slowly acclimatize it without the sheet and transplant it into bigger pot or on the ground when it has outgrown the current pot.
Also Read: Ginkgo Biloba Tree Facts
Planting Ginkgo Biloba Tree
Female trees form fleshy fruits and their smell quickly becomes nauseating. Ether avoid planting them or plant them away from your home.
Plant ginkgo tree in the fall or spring. Prepare planting hole that is of the same depth and twice wide of the rootball. Bury the rootball in hole and water thoroughly. Protect young plants from drought and harsh sun.
Requirements for Growing Ginkgo Biloba TreePosition
It has good tolerance to the temperate climate and can withstand a semi-continental condition. It needs full sun or very light shade. It is also resistant to winds.
Soil
No specific soil type is required for growing ginkgo biloba tree. However, soil should be well drained but in a way that it must not dry out quickly, also note that the tree grows long taproot and requires deep soil.
It is best to plant it in light, rich soil. It supports mildly calcareous soil but prefers neutral, silty and slightly clayey soil. Add sand if needed to alleviate the heavy clay rich soil and compost to amend the poor substrate.
Watering
Water Ginkgo biloba tree regularly until it establishes in the first 3 years of growth. Keeping the soil moist as its growth is slower in dry soil but avoid damp and heavy soil.
Ginkgo Biloba Tree CareFertilizer
Generally, fertilizer is not required but to give a boost you can fertilize it in spring using a slow-release balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K), according to the label instructions. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is suitable. Annual application of compost or manure is also helpful for plant.
Mulching
Mulching is essential for growing ginkgo biloba tree. In summer to preserve moisture and in winter to protect the roots from the cold.
Pruning
Ginkgo biloba is a beautiful tree, it does not require additional pruning unless you want to control its shape or size.
Pests and Diseases
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文章
Micky
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow pecan trees. Planting and growing pecan trees is easy but it requires lot of space as the tree grows tall and wide.
USDA Zones— 5 to 9
Difficulty— Easy
Scientific Name— Carya illinoinensis
Pecan Tree Information
Pecan trees are native to America and Mexico and grow mostly in Georgia and grows in Florida to Illinois, even to the west of Texas. Pecan trees are rather large, a mature pecan tree can grow up to 40 m tall with a spread of 12 – 20 m. If you’ve large yard you can grow pecan trees as they are not suitable for small backyards or garden. These trees are the source of many medium-sized pecans that are eaten fresh or used to create sweet desserts and candies, including pecan pie, caramel-pecan tarts, pecan pie, pecan pralines and many others.
Planting Pecan TreesBefore planting remove all the dead and entangled roots and prune off 1/2 part of the plant. This will encourage the vigorous growth and healthy roots.Space candy pecan no closer than 40 feet (if planting in a garden). For planting pecan trees in orchard, a suitable distance is 40 – 50 feet.Grow at least two pecan trees to ensure that most of flowers produce nuts. Although self-pollination in candy pecan is possible, but it is preferred that at least two or three trees are planted nearby for maximum nut production.For planting pecan tree, dig a hole at least 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep as pecan trees have extensive root system. Fill the hole with well-drained soil. Pecan trees can generally be grown easily and efficiently in a variety of soil types, except the soil which drains poorly.Requirements for Growing Pecan TreesLocation
Location should be sunny and open as pecan tree spreads a lot and grow taller.
Soil
Growing pecan trees is possible in variety of soil types, but for optimum growth soil should be well drained, deep and rich in organic matter with pH level slightly acidic to neutral.
Water
Pecan tree grows in slightly moist soil. Regular and deep watering is important for growing pecan trees. In first three years water deeply, once a week (avoid during rain), reduce watering in winter. During fruit production watering should be increased.
Pecan Tree CareFertilizer
In the spring fertilize it with compost or farm manure, also apply fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus around the tree, 5-10-15 is suitable. After first year of planting, apply balanced fertilizer in spring and in summer use zinc sulphate, which is essential for healthy growth and production of pecan trees.
Mulching
Mulching is important for pecan trees as they require evenly moist soil, mulching also reduces the competitive weeds.
Harvest
A grafted tree start to produce fruit in 3 to 4 years after planting. It is an alternate fruit bearing tree, it means it bears heavy fruit one year and light in the next year. Pecan trees bear fruits in fall and are ready to harvest when the husk loose its green color and start to split.
Pecan Tree Diseases and Pests
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文章
Micky
2017年05月22日
Care and growing castor beans is simple and easy. Learn how to grow castor oil plant in this article.
Castor, botanically known as Ricinus communis, is a herbaceous perennial plant. It can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on the weather.
USDA Zones — 9 – 11
Propagation Method — Seeds, cuttings
Difficulty — Easy
Soil Type — Neutral
Other names — Castor oil plant, wonder tree, arandi, kege, amanakku, chittamankku, ricin, castorbean, erand, eranda, gandharva hasta, graine de ricin, tangantangan Oil Plant
Native to Eastern Africa and India, the castor plant is world’s most poisonous plant. Still it is grown for various medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant. It has large attractive foliage, star-shaped thorns and red seed capsules. Planting a castor plant is a great way to add some low-cost tropical touch to your home landscape but you should be aware if you’ve children or pets.
You can grow this plant as an annual in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones plant 2 – 9 and as perennial in USDA Zone 9b and above.
The plant grows rapidly, achieving height of six feet or more in just three months and reaches a maximum height of up to 12 m and is a very invasive plant in places where it is native of
Conditions for Growing Castor Beans
Castor plant grows quickly and as it is native to tropics, it needs heat and warm temperature to grow, the optimal cultivation temperature is 77 – 86 F (25 – 30 ° C) with a good amount of light.
It is also possible to grow castor oil plant in coastal areas.
Propagation
Growing castor beans plant is possible by seeds. Soak castor seeds in a glass of water for 24 hours before planting. Use filtered or purified water instead of tap water.
Planting Castor Beans
Sow castor seeds 1 inches deep and space the seeds at least 3 feet away. Keep the soil moist and transplant them to bigger pot or in the garden when the two real leaves emerge.
In the garden, space castor plants 3 feet apart. Add some well-rotted compost in the planting hole.
For growing castor beans in a pot, choose a large container and use potting mix or make it yourself by mixing equal parts of soil, perlite, peat and compost.
Requirements for Growing Castor BeansSoil
The soil has to be rich in organic substance and must be well drained much as it does not tolerate water logging. Castor plant is quite adaptable to many types of soil.
Sun
Castor loves the sun but needs to be sheltered from the prevailing winds because of its height.
Watering
Castor plant prefers the soil to be always slightly moist. In winter, reduce watering and let the soil to dry out between watering spells.
Castor Oil Plant CareFertilizer
Fertilize the castor plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer. Spread a layer of an inch of aged manure or compost around the base of plant when the buds begin to emerge.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for castor plant.
Harvesting
Select the bean pods as they begin to dry on the plant. Either remove the castor plants from the garden with pods or leave them if growing as perennial. Wear garden gloves, long-sleeved shirt and long pants during harvesting castor beans and disposal of plants.
Pests and Diseases
Castor, botanically known as Ricinus communis, is a herbaceous perennial plant. It can be grown as an annual or perennial, depending on the weather.
USDA Zones — 9 – 11
Propagation Method — Seeds, cuttings
Difficulty — Easy
Soil Type — Neutral
Other names — Castor oil plant, wonder tree, arandi, kege, amanakku, chittamankku, ricin, castorbean, erand, eranda, gandharva hasta, graine de ricin, tangantangan Oil Plant
Native to Eastern Africa and India, the castor plant is world’s most poisonous plant. Still it is grown for various medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant. It has large attractive foliage, star-shaped thorns and red seed capsules. Planting a castor plant is a great way to add some low-cost tropical touch to your home landscape but you should be aware if you’ve children or pets.
You can grow this plant as an annual in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones plant 2 – 9 and as perennial in USDA Zone 9b and above.
The plant grows rapidly, achieving height of six feet or more in just three months and reaches a maximum height of up to 12 m and is a very invasive plant in places where it is native of
Conditions for Growing Castor Beans
Castor plant grows quickly and as it is native to tropics, it needs heat and warm temperature to grow, the optimal cultivation temperature is 77 – 86 F (25 – 30 ° C) with a good amount of light.
It is also possible to grow castor oil plant in coastal areas.
Propagation
Growing castor beans plant is possible by seeds. Soak castor seeds in a glass of water for 24 hours before planting. Use filtered or purified water instead of tap water.
Planting Castor Beans
Sow castor seeds 1 inches deep and space the seeds at least 3 feet away. Keep the soil moist and transplant them to bigger pot or in the garden when the two real leaves emerge.
In the garden, space castor plants 3 feet apart. Add some well-rotted compost in the planting hole.
For growing castor beans in a pot, choose a large container and use potting mix or make it yourself by mixing equal parts of soil, perlite, peat and compost.
Requirements for Growing Castor BeansSoil
The soil has to be rich in organic substance and must be well drained much as it does not tolerate water logging. Castor plant is quite adaptable to many types of soil.
Sun
Castor loves the sun but needs to be sheltered from the prevailing winds because of its height.
Watering
Castor plant prefers the soil to be always slightly moist. In winter, reduce watering and let the soil to dry out between watering spells.
Castor Oil Plant CareFertilizer
Fertilize the castor plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer. Spread a layer of an inch of aged manure or compost around the base of plant when the buds begin to emerge.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for castor plant.
Harvesting
Select the bean pods as they begin to dry on the plant. Either remove the castor plants from the garden with pods or leave them if growing as perennial. Wear garden gloves, long-sleeved shirt and long pants during harvesting castor beans and disposal of plants.
Pests and Diseases
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文章
Andy
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow lemongrass from seed in this short tutorial. Growing lemongrass from seed is easy and requires little to no care, once established.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) grows wild in wet grasslands and open forests throughout Southeast Asia, where it is widely used as a culinary herb and medicine. Lemon grass grows up to a height of 1 – 5 meters and have mounding growth habit. Growing lemongrass from seeds is easy and requires little to no care, once established. However, the plants must be kept in warm and humid conditions in the first few weeks after germination.
How to Grow Lemongrass from SeedsFill a seed tray with a moistened mixture of equal parts compost, cocopeat or coconut fiber fine and abrasive. Smooth the surface and compress it 1/2 to 1 centimeter of space that remains between the ground and the top of the tray.Sow lemongrass seeds 1 inches apart and 1/4 inches deep. Squeeze the soil mixture over the tops of the seeds.Mist the lemon grass seeds with water from a spray bottle.
Spray on the soil surface until it feels moderately moist.Stretch plastic wrap over the seed tray, and seal the edges. Set the tray on a windowsill receiving good light.Remove the plastic wrap once a week to water the lemongrass seeds. Mist the surface of soil until the top 1/2 to 1 inch is damp.Look for germination in about 10 – 30 days. Remove the plastic wrap once the lemongrass seeds grow up to 1 inch in height.Tips for Growing Lemongrass from seedsMist lemongrass periodically as it develops to maintain adequate moisture and humidity around the plants.Lemongrass is hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 12 and can be grown anytime. But in cooler season, best time for growing lemongrass from seeds is when temperature start to stay around 70 F.Growing lemongrass from cuttings is easier than growing lemongrass from seeds.
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文章
Micky
2017年05月22日
Whether you’re growing sassafras tree or not, read these sassafras tree facts.
Sassafras tree grows in the United States and in south of Mexico. In the northern US, the tree grows up to only 7 to 9 m. high, but can grow as tall as 30 m. (100 feet) high in the south. Its shredded leaves and bark exude lemony scent. Fuzzy, yellow-green leaves, flowers, bark and roots have many medicinal and culinary uses. Read more sassafras tree facts below.
Polymorphic leave
Polymorphic is a botanical term used to describe the leaves of trees such as sassafras. This means that on a tree, even on a branch, leaves of different shapes exist. Sassafras tree leaves often grow in three shapes: three-lobed, mitten-shaped and elliptical or egg-shaped. Most of the time there are just three lobes on the leaves, but up to seven are possible.
Size and color
Sassafras tree leaves are not particularly large, measuring between 3 and 7 inches long and up to 4 inches wide. The upper surface of the sassafras leaves is of bright green color, but the lower part of the leaves is considerably less bright, with an almost white appearance.
Fall colors of sassafras leaves are a major asset for the tree as a landscaping tool. Often spectacular, the leaves turn purple, orange, yellow and red.
When sassafras leaves are crushed or rubbed, they emit a pungent aroma. The petiole from where leaf attaches to the branch on a sassafras tree is long and thin.
Attractive to wildlife
Sassafras tree is also attractive for many wild creatures. Butterfly caterpillars and deer likes to eat its leaves. In winter rabbits considers sassafras bark a delicious treat.
Fruits are eaten by many birds, including: Great Crested Flycatchers, Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpeckers, Flickers, and Northern Mockingbirds. Small mammals also eat the fruit.
More Sassafras Tree Facts
Sassafras trees are known to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
The tree is designated as an ornamental tree because of its strange shaped leaves.
The rich flavor from sassafras roots have also been put in soups and stews for an unusual extra flavor.
The roots and bark of the sassafras tree was used to make oil.
Some soaps, lotions and flavors of medicine have been adding this tree oil for an unusual, perhaps somewhat exotic, smell or taste.
Also Read: How to grow sassafras
Sassafras tree grows in the United States and in south of Mexico. In the northern US, the tree grows up to only 7 to 9 m. high, but can grow as tall as 30 m. (100 feet) high in the south. Its shredded leaves and bark exude lemony scent. Fuzzy, yellow-green leaves, flowers, bark and roots have many medicinal and culinary uses. Read more sassafras tree facts below.
Polymorphic leave
Polymorphic is a botanical term used to describe the leaves of trees such as sassafras. This means that on a tree, even on a branch, leaves of different shapes exist. Sassafras tree leaves often grow in three shapes: three-lobed, mitten-shaped and elliptical or egg-shaped. Most of the time there are just three lobes on the leaves, but up to seven are possible.
Size and color
Sassafras tree leaves are not particularly large, measuring between 3 and 7 inches long and up to 4 inches wide. The upper surface of the sassafras leaves is of bright green color, but the lower part of the leaves is considerably less bright, with an almost white appearance.
Fall colors of sassafras leaves are a major asset for the tree as a landscaping tool. Often spectacular, the leaves turn purple, orange, yellow and red.
When sassafras leaves are crushed or rubbed, they emit a pungent aroma. The petiole from where leaf attaches to the branch on a sassafras tree is long and thin.
Attractive to wildlife
Sassafras tree is also attractive for many wild creatures. Butterfly caterpillars and deer likes to eat its leaves. In winter rabbits considers sassafras bark a delicious treat.
Fruits are eaten by many birds, including: Great Crested Flycatchers, Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpeckers, Flickers, and Northern Mockingbirds. Small mammals also eat the fruit.
More Sassafras Tree Facts
Sassafras trees are known to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
The tree is designated as an ornamental tree because of its strange shaped leaves.
The rich flavor from sassafras roots have also been put in soups and stews for an unusual extra flavor.
The roots and bark of the sassafras tree was used to make oil.
Some soaps, lotions and flavors of medicine have been adding this tree oil for an unusual, perhaps somewhat exotic, smell or taste.
Also Read: How to grow sassafras
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文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow pomegranate tree in pot. If you’ve grown citrus in pot, growing pomegranates in containers can not be difficult for you. Moreover, pomegranate is more cold hardy and easy to grow.
*Pomegranate is one of the nicest fruit trees and perhaps the easiest to grow in pots because it has shallow root system when compared to other fruit trees.
Pomegranate tree if grown under optimal conditions, live up to 200 years. It is native to Middle East (Iran) and South Asia. It is a shrub or small tree that might grow up to 6 m (20 ft) but usually reduced to 2 m.
USDA Hardiness Zones — 9b – 11, *can be grown below zone 9 in containers
Difficulty — Easy
Soil pH — Neutral
Other Names — Punic apple, Granatapfel, Granada, Grenade, Melograno, Melagrana, Anardana, Anar, Dadima, Fruit du, Pomme Grenade, Punica granatum, Roma, Shi Liu Gen Pi and Shi Liu Pi.
Appearance
The exotic container plant is adorned with five to eight centimeters long lance shaped leaves that are shiny and bronze in color from the bud, which later turn green.
Pomegranate flowers are delicate, bell-shaped and show up in the wild bright red. Its flowers are up to 3 centimeters wide. Ornamental varieties can have flowers in pink, cream, and even white.
In addition to the decorative foliage and flowers, it is mainly the fruits that make the pomegranate tree so desirable. They have the size of apples and a yellow-brown to reddish-brown shell. The juicy, red pulp inside the fruit enveloping the countless seeds that tastes aromatic and sweet.
Dwarf Pomegranate VarietiesFruiting Varieties‘Nana’ – The most interesting variety among the pomegranates trees is the dwarf variety ‘Nana’. It grows compact, floriferous and is considered robust and cold hardy, it grows in USDA Zones 7 to 11. As a container plant it grows up to only about 1 m tall, forms orange to garnet red flowers that produce small fruits with viable seeds.‘Provence’ – When most of the pomegranate varieties are not much cold hardy, provence is one you can look at. It can tolerate temperature down to 5 F (-15 C) and can be grown in cold climate.‘State fair’ – State fair is manageable variety for containers. It grows up to 1 . 5 m tall and grown in USDA Zones 7 to 11.Ornamental Varieties‘Flore Pleno’ – It is fruitless variety of pomegranate, the name translates as “double flower”. In summer, it produces countless beautiful orange-red flowers.Punica granatum ‘Madame Legrelle’ – A well-known ornamental variety. Special thing about this variety of pomegranate is its extraordinary, dense double flowers that come in shiny orange to salmon colors with white border.
Pomegranate is a manageable plant, you can also try large varieties.
Propagation and Growing Pomegranates in Containers
Pomegranate plants can be propagated by cuttings or by seeds in spring to summer when temperature remains in range of 68 F (20 C) but it is better to buy a 2 – 3 year old plant from nursery or online. This way you don’t have to wait long for fruits.
Propagation by seeds
Buy as ripe pomegranate as possible. Separate and clean seeds from the pulp by rubbing them from paper towel, let them dry up for a few days before sowing.
Plant the seeds no more than ¼ inches deep in light seed-starting mix. Place the pots in a bright location, optionally inside a plastic bag or greenhouse that maintains a temperature around 68 F (20 C). Always keep the soil moist. Seeds will germinate within 1 – 6 weeks depending more on the variety and climate.
Propagation by cuttings
Take several 8 to 10 inch-long cuttings. Plant the cutting in a well drained potting mix. It roots easily and quickly at ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and high humidity.
*If you’re living in tropics, growing pomegranates is extremely easy for you, you can grow pomegranate in any season except peak summer. All other growing requirements given below are similar.
Choosing a pot
Pot should be appropriate to the size of plant, increase the pot size by repotting as your plant grow. Also care about to have sufficient holes in the base of pot you’re using for proper drainage.
Requirements for Growing Pomegranates in Pots
If you’ve grown citrus in pot, growing pomegranates in pot can not be difficult for you. Moreover, pomegranate is more cold hardy and easy to grow. It requires a lot of water and fertilizer. It is also frost sensitive but after all of this care it rewards you with iron rich, fresh juicy fruits.
Location
Choose a sunniest location to keep your pomegranate plant happy and healthy. The more sun it will receive, the more it will fruit. However, it also thrives in partial shade but it makes the plant to bloom and fruit lesser. It is also possible to cultivate pomegranate tree near a windowsill if it receives full sun.
Soil
Soil should be loamy, rich in organic content, loose and permeable.
Watering
In the growing period its water requirement is medium to high. Therefore, it should be watered regularly and deeply. Soil must be kept moist but not wet or waterlogged.
In the winter watering should be reduced.
Pomegranate Tree CareFertilizer
During the growing season pomegranate tree is fertilized regularly, fertilize after every two week using half strength liquid 8-8-8 fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pomegranate tree in pot often becomes zinc deficient, which is indicated by yellowing leaves. To overcome this, you can spray diluted zinc solution on foliage.
Application of compost or manure is also beneficial. Take care not to over fertilize it as it can cause the tree to produce lots of foliage and comparatively less flowers.
Overwintering Pomegranate
Overwintering pomegranate is similar to citrus. It is a deciduous tree that worships sun. Most of its species are sensitive to frost. But to low temperatures, the plant has developed a protective mechanism.
It sheds its leaves and become dormant below freezing temperature. There are only a few pomegranate tree varieties that survive really freezing temperatures with more than -10 C without damage.
If the pomegranate is cultivated in a pot in a cold climate below USDA Zone 9, it is important to prune it in the fall. Best place to keep pomegranate plant in winter is the garage or basement that remains warm. Temperature while keeping it indoors should not fall below 37 F (3 C). However, the optimum low temperature for most of the pomegranate varieties is 7 C (45 F).
If you’re able to keep your pomegranate tree in temperature around 55 F (15 C) indoors and allow it to take at least 4 hours of sunlight, it will not shed its leaves and go dormant. During the period of dormancy the pomegranate hardly needs fertilizer or water. However, the plant in winter should not dry out completely.
In spring, bring back the plant to a warm and bright place so that it’ll gradually acclimate the climate. A window that is oriented to South is good. Just when the plant show the first sign of growth and forms a few fully developed leaves, you can again start to fertilize it and give more water. Once the temperature comes in range of 7 C (45 F) place it outside.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to give and maintain desired shape of your pomegranate tree and encourage flowering and fruiting. Pruning it best done after all danger of frost has passed when the tree is about to start growing.
Prune off weak, dead and undesirable branches to direct tree’s energy to right part and shorten long branches to encourage flowering.
Repotting
Repot your pomegranate tree when it becomes slightly root bound. Right time to repot is when there are no flowers or fruits on the plant, especially when it start its growth in the beginning of growing season.
Diseases, pests and other problems
Pomegranate tree is not very vulnerable when it comes to pests and diseases. It is mostly attacked by fruitflies, whiteflies and pomegranate butterflies.
Fruit crack is one problem that is common in all pomegranate varieties. It occurs due to fluctuation or lack of moisture in substrate at the time of fruiting.
Harvesting
If pomegranate is grown from seeds fruits will begin to form in third year.
Generally the fruit will ripen in three to six months after the appearance of flowers.
*Pomegranate is one of the nicest fruit trees and perhaps the easiest to grow in pots because it has shallow root system when compared to other fruit trees.
Pomegranate tree if grown under optimal conditions, live up to 200 years. It is native to Middle East (Iran) and South Asia. It is a shrub or small tree that might grow up to 6 m (20 ft) but usually reduced to 2 m.
USDA Hardiness Zones — 9b – 11, *can be grown below zone 9 in containers
Difficulty — Easy
Soil pH — Neutral
Other Names — Punic apple, Granatapfel, Granada, Grenade, Melograno, Melagrana, Anardana, Anar, Dadima, Fruit du, Pomme Grenade, Punica granatum, Roma, Shi Liu Gen Pi and Shi Liu Pi.
Appearance
The exotic container plant is adorned with five to eight centimeters long lance shaped leaves that are shiny and bronze in color from the bud, which later turn green.
Pomegranate flowers are delicate, bell-shaped and show up in the wild bright red. Its flowers are up to 3 centimeters wide. Ornamental varieties can have flowers in pink, cream, and even white.
In addition to the decorative foliage and flowers, it is mainly the fruits that make the pomegranate tree so desirable. They have the size of apples and a yellow-brown to reddish-brown shell. The juicy, red pulp inside the fruit enveloping the countless seeds that tastes aromatic and sweet.
Dwarf Pomegranate VarietiesFruiting Varieties‘Nana’ – The most interesting variety among the pomegranates trees is the dwarf variety ‘Nana’. It grows compact, floriferous and is considered robust and cold hardy, it grows in USDA Zones 7 to 11. As a container plant it grows up to only about 1 m tall, forms orange to garnet red flowers that produce small fruits with viable seeds.‘Provence’ – When most of the pomegranate varieties are not much cold hardy, provence is one you can look at. It can tolerate temperature down to 5 F (-15 C) and can be grown in cold climate.‘State fair’ – State fair is manageable variety for containers. It grows up to 1 . 5 m tall and grown in USDA Zones 7 to 11.Ornamental Varieties‘Flore Pleno’ – It is fruitless variety of pomegranate, the name translates as “double flower”. In summer, it produces countless beautiful orange-red flowers.Punica granatum ‘Madame Legrelle’ – A well-known ornamental variety. Special thing about this variety of pomegranate is its extraordinary, dense double flowers that come in shiny orange to salmon colors with white border.
Pomegranate is a manageable plant, you can also try large varieties.
Propagation and Growing Pomegranates in Containers
Pomegranate plants can be propagated by cuttings or by seeds in spring to summer when temperature remains in range of 68 F (20 C) but it is better to buy a 2 – 3 year old plant from nursery or online. This way you don’t have to wait long for fruits.
Propagation by seeds
Buy as ripe pomegranate as possible. Separate and clean seeds from the pulp by rubbing them from paper towel, let them dry up for a few days before sowing.
Plant the seeds no more than ¼ inches deep in light seed-starting mix. Place the pots in a bright location, optionally inside a plastic bag or greenhouse that maintains a temperature around 68 F (20 C). Always keep the soil moist. Seeds will germinate within 1 – 6 weeks depending more on the variety and climate.
Propagation by cuttings
Take several 8 to 10 inch-long cuttings. Plant the cutting in a well drained potting mix. It roots easily and quickly at ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and high humidity.
*If you’re living in tropics, growing pomegranates is extremely easy for you, you can grow pomegranate in any season except peak summer. All other growing requirements given below are similar.
Choosing a pot
Pot should be appropriate to the size of plant, increase the pot size by repotting as your plant grow. Also care about to have sufficient holes in the base of pot you’re using for proper drainage.
Requirements for Growing Pomegranates in Pots
If you’ve grown citrus in pot, growing pomegranates in pot can not be difficult for you. Moreover, pomegranate is more cold hardy and easy to grow. It requires a lot of water and fertilizer. It is also frost sensitive but after all of this care it rewards you with iron rich, fresh juicy fruits.
Location
Choose a sunniest location to keep your pomegranate plant happy and healthy. The more sun it will receive, the more it will fruit. However, it also thrives in partial shade but it makes the plant to bloom and fruit lesser. It is also possible to cultivate pomegranate tree near a windowsill if it receives full sun.
Soil
Soil should be loamy, rich in organic content, loose and permeable.
Watering
In the growing period its water requirement is medium to high. Therefore, it should be watered regularly and deeply. Soil must be kept moist but not wet or waterlogged.
In the winter watering should be reduced.
Pomegranate Tree CareFertilizer
During the growing season pomegranate tree is fertilized regularly, fertilize after every two week using half strength liquid 8-8-8 fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pomegranate tree in pot often becomes zinc deficient, which is indicated by yellowing leaves. To overcome this, you can spray diluted zinc solution on foliage.
Application of compost or manure is also beneficial. Take care not to over fertilize it as it can cause the tree to produce lots of foliage and comparatively less flowers.
Overwintering Pomegranate
Overwintering pomegranate is similar to citrus. It is a deciduous tree that worships sun. Most of its species are sensitive to frost. But to low temperatures, the plant has developed a protective mechanism.
It sheds its leaves and become dormant below freezing temperature. There are only a few pomegranate tree varieties that survive really freezing temperatures with more than -10 C without damage.
If the pomegranate is cultivated in a pot in a cold climate below USDA Zone 9, it is important to prune it in the fall. Best place to keep pomegranate plant in winter is the garage or basement that remains warm. Temperature while keeping it indoors should not fall below 37 F (3 C). However, the optimum low temperature for most of the pomegranate varieties is 7 C (45 F).
If you’re able to keep your pomegranate tree in temperature around 55 F (15 C) indoors and allow it to take at least 4 hours of sunlight, it will not shed its leaves and go dormant. During the period of dormancy the pomegranate hardly needs fertilizer or water. However, the plant in winter should not dry out completely.
In spring, bring back the plant to a warm and bright place so that it’ll gradually acclimate the climate. A window that is oriented to South is good. Just when the plant show the first sign of growth and forms a few fully developed leaves, you can again start to fertilize it and give more water. Once the temperature comes in range of 7 C (45 F) place it outside.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to give and maintain desired shape of your pomegranate tree and encourage flowering and fruiting. Pruning it best done after all danger of frost has passed when the tree is about to start growing.
Prune off weak, dead and undesirable branches to direct tree’s energy to right part and shorten long branches to encourage flowering.
Repotting
Repot your pomegranate tree when it becomes slightly root bound. Right time to repot is when there are no flowers or fruits on the plant, especially when it start its growth in the beginning of growing season.
Diseases, pests and other problems
Pomegranate tree is not very vulnerable when it comes to pests and diseases. It is mostly attacked by fruitflies, whiteflies and pomegranate butterflies.
Fruit crack is one problem that is common in all pomegranate varieties. It occurs due to fluctuation or lack of moisture in substrate at the time of fruiting.
Harvesting
If pomegranate is grown from seeds fruits will begin to form in third year.
Generally the fruit will ripen in three to six months after the appearance of flowers.
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文章
Juze
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow dragon fruit, it’s one of the most strange looking subtropical fruit you’d like to grow in your garden. Growing dragon fruit is fairly easy both outdoors or in the pot.
USDA Zones— 9 to 11
Propagation Method — Seeds, vegetative propagation
Difficulty — Moderate
Soil pH — 6 to 7
Other names — Indonesia buah naga, Khmer sror kaa neak, Thai kaeo mangkon, nanettika fruit, Kaktus madu, Long guo, Cereus triangularis, Thanh long, Strawberry Pear, Cactus fruit, Night blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Jesus in the Cradle.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, belongs to the cactus family. Its flowers are unique and one among the largest in the world. It has a diameter of 25 cm and is about 30 cm long. One more feature of its bloom is: it only opens for one night and exudes inviting fruity fragrance.
Growing Regions
Dragon fruit is native to Central America and grown throughout the subtropical and tropical part of China, Israel, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and
Nicaragua.
How to Plant and Grow Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit plant is actually a climbing cactus and needs support to climb on, usually as the plant becomes mature it forms aerial roots from the branches and find something to climb. So, it’s best if you’re growing dragonfruit, find something to support your plant.
Dragon fruit is a sub tropical plant, it loves heat and sun but it’s better to plant it in a spot that remains dry and receives only partial sun.
If you’re living in more temperate climate or if you’re an urban gardener and don’t have much space, grow dragon fruit in pot, it’s fairly easy to grow and adapts itself well in containers. In pot you can move and overwinter it to save from frost as pitaya plant can survive only short period of freezing temperature (below 28 F is detrimental) and frost.
PropagationGrowing Dragon Fruit from Seed
With a knife, divide dragon fruit in half and scoop out the black seeds from the pulp. Wash the pulp off the seeds. Put these seeds on a moist paper towel and leave them overnight.
Fill the germinating tray or small pot with well draining but poor starting mix. You can make it yourself by mixing one part peat and one part perlite. Sprinkle the seed on soil surface and cover that with a thin layer of growing medium that barely covers the seeds.
Thoroughly moisten the soil using sprayer and cover the pot with plastic wrap. Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate, which will take around 15 to 30 days.
After the seeds germinate, uncover the plastic and transplant them to bigger pots when necessary.
Growing Dragon Fruit from Cuttings
To learn how to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings, read this.
Soil
For growing dragonfruit, well draining soil that is sandy is better. A mixture of sand in garden soil would be appropriate. It is forgiving to poor soil.
Water
Since the dragon fruit is a cactus, water it moderately with care like you do with other succulents. Water only when soil dries out completely.
Fertilizer for Growing Dragonfruit
Fertilize dragon fruit with balanced fertilizer every month when the plant is active in its growing season. Stop fertilizing in winter if growing in colder climate. Application of aged manure or compost can also be done time to time.
Dragon Fruit Pollination
Many dragon fruit varieties are self pollinating but there are some that requires cross pollination. If your dragon fruit is unable to do self pollination, you’ll need to grow two or more dragon fruit plants closely for cross pollination. As dragon fruit flowers are nocturnal, its pollination depends on moths and bats. For assurance, you can also do self pollination at night.
Harvest
Harvest dragon fruit when its skin color changes from bright green to red or pink. Its fruit is oval to ovate in shape and 10 to 15 cm long and forms 30 to 50 days after flowering.
Pericarp of dragon fruit is rough and scaly and is usually pink in color. However, there are also red, or yellow dragon fruits depending on the variety. The flesh is located in the interior is white and contains black seeds.
Pests and Diseases
USDA Zones— 9 to 11
Propagation Method — Seeds, vegetative propagation
Difficulty — Moderate
Soil pH — 6 to 7
Other names — Indonesia buah naga, Khmer sror kaa neak, Thai kaeo mangkon, nanettika fruit, Kaktus madu, Long guo, Cereus triangularis, Thanh long, Strawberry Pear, Cactus fruit, Night blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Jesus in the Cradle.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, belongs to the cactus family. Its flowers are unique and one among the largest in the world. It has a diameter of 25 cm and is about 30 cm long. One more feature of its bloom is: it only opens for one night and exudes inviting fruity fragrance.
Growing Regions
Dragon fruit is native to Central America and grown throughout the subtropical and tropical part of China, Israel, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and
Nicaragua.
How to Plant and Grow Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit plant is actually a climbing cactus and needs support to climb on, usually as the plant becomes mature it forms aerial roots from the branches and find something to climb. So, it’s best if you’re growing dragonfruit, find something to support your plant.
Dragon fruit is a sub tropical plant, it loves heat and sun but it’s better to plant it in a spot that remains dry and receives only partial sun.
If you’re living in more temperate climate or if you’re an urban gardener and don’t have much space, grow dragon fruit in pot, it’s fairly easy to grow and adapts itself well in containers. In pot you can move and overwinter it to save from frost as pitaya plant can survive only short period of freezing temperature (below 28 F is detrimental) and frost.
PropagationGrowing Dragon Fruit from Seed
With a knife, divide dragon fruit in half and scoop out the black seeds from the pulp. Wash the pulp off the seeds. Put these seeds on a moist paper towel and leave them overnight.
Fill the germinating tray or small pot with well draining but poor starting mix. You can make it yourself by mixing one part peat and one part perlite. Sprinkle the seed on soil surface and cover that with a thin layer of growing medium that barely covers the seeds.
Thoroughly moisten the soil using sprayer and cover the pot with plastic wrap. Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate, which will take around 15 to 30 days.
After the seeds germinate, uncover the plastic and transplant them to bigger pots when necessary.
Growing Dragon Fruit from Cuttings
To learn how to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings, read this.
Soil
For growing dragonfruit, well draining soil that is sandy is better. A mixture of sand in garden soil would be appropriate. It is forgiving to poor soil.
Water
Since the dragon fruit is a cactus, water it moderately with care like you do with other succulents. Water only when soil dries out completely.
Fertilizer for Growing Dragonfruit
Fertilize dragon fruit with balanced fertilizer every month when the plant is active in its growing season. Stop fertilizing in winter if growing in colder climate. Application of aged manure or compost can also be done time to time.
Dragon Fruit Pollination
Many dragon fruit varieties are self pollinating but there are some that requires cross pollination. If your dragon fruit is unable to do self pollination, you’ll need to grow two or more dragon fruit plants closely for cross pollination. As dragon fruit flowers are nocturnal, its pollination depends on moths and bats. For assurance, you can also do self pollination at night.
Harvest
Harvest dragon fruit when its skin color changes from bright green to red or pink. Its fruit is oval to ovate in shape and 10 to 15 cm long and forms 30 to 50 days after flowering.
Pericarp of dragon fruit is rough and scaly and is usually pink in color. However, there are also red, or yellow dragon fruits depending on the variety. The flesh is located in the interior is white and contains black seeds.
Pests and Diseases
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文章
Abigal
2017年05月22日
Learn how to grow star anise in this article. Star anise is a spice widely used in South East Asian cuisines, growing star anise is easy in subtropical climates. It is adorned with beautiful flowers and fruits that are star shaped.
USDA Zones— 8 – 11
Difficulty— Moderate
Other Names— Anis de Chine, Anís Estrellado, Anis Étoilé, Anis Étoilé Chinois, Aniseed Stars, Anisi Stellati Fructus, Ba Jiao Hui, Badiana, Badiane, Badiane de Chine, Bajiao, Chinese Anise, Chinese Star Anise, Eight-Horned Anise, Eight Horns and Illicium verum.
It belongs to the family of Illiciaceae, dicotyledonous angiosperm species. It is a tropical evergreen tree, tall between 5-10 m. Star anise has large glossy green foliage, its white flowers are beautiful and of great decorative value. Star anise fruit has eight carpels that together form the star-shaped fruit (hence called “Star anise”).
Propagation
Star anise is propagated by seeds or cuttings. How to grow star anise from seed: Seeds are propagated best when temperature range around 65 – 70 F (18 – 20 C). You can sow seeds in pots and or directly outside.
Water the seeds frequently to keep the soil moist and make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
Growing Condition
Star anise is native to Vietnam and China and grows in warm subtropical climate. It is a frost tender perennial. Star anise only grows in areas where the temperature does not fall below 15 F (-10 C) . If you live in a cooler area below USDA Zone 9, plant star anise in a container so that you can keep it in a greenhouse or indoors in winter.
Requirements for Growing Star AnisePosition
Star anise requires dappled shade, partial sun but if you’re growing star anise in a much cooler climate, plant it in a warm and sunny location. Choose location in a way that it is not exposed to cold and dry winds.
Soil
Provide soil that is humus and compost rich. Soil texture should be loamy and well drained. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is optimal.
Watering
For growing star anise, do regular watering and keep the soil slightly moist but reduce the watering in winter.
Star Anise CareFertilizer
Spread a 3-inch layer of compost or aged manure on the ground surrounding the tree in the spring. This is the only fertilizer it requires.
If soil is poor, apply slow release fertilizer all purpose fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning
When the plant is young pinch and prune it if you want to make it bushier. There are no special pruning requirements, however, you can always prune off dead, diseased and weak branches.
Harvest
Star anise tree takes at least 6 years to fruit if grown from seeds. These fruits (wrongly called seeds) are picked unripe while they are still green, later on these fruits are sun dried until their color change to reddish-brown, seeds can be removed once the fruits are ready to be stored.
Pests and Diseases
There are not any specific pest or disease that bothers it. Star anise itself has anti bacterial and pest repellent properties.
Uses
Star Anise is widely used in Asian cuisines to flavor dishes especially meat and curries, it is also used in desserts and beverages. Together with fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon and pepper it is considered as one of the “Five Chinese Spice”, used for its strong taste and spicy flavor. It is an essential part of Chinese cuisines and also used in variety of Indian recipes. It’s addition to other popular Indian spices makes a special spicy ingredient, which is called “Garam masala”.
Warnings
While growing star anise, don’t confuse it with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) or “Shikimi“, which is a poisonous plant and native to Japan. Its seeds or fruits are somewhat similar to those of star anise and are only slightly smaller and looks like cardamom, having a more rounded shape and have a small hook.
USDA Zones— 8 – 11
Difficulty— Moderate
Other Names— Anis de Chine, Anís Estrellado, Anis Étoilé, Anis Étoilé Chinois, Aniseed Stars, Anisi Stellati Fructus, Ba Jiao Hui, Badiana, Badiane, Badiane de Chine, Bajiao, Chinese Anise, Chinese Star Anise, Eight-Horned Anise, Eight Horns and Illicium verum.
It belongs to the family of Illiciaceae, dicotyledonous angiosperm species. It is a tropical evergreen tree, tall between 5-10 m. Star anise has large glossy green foliage, its white flowers are beautiful and of great decorative value. Star anise fruit has eight carpels that together form the star-shaped fruit (hence called “Star anise”).
Propagation
Star anise is propagated by seeds or cuttings. How to grow star anise from seed: Seeds are propagated best when temperature range around 65 – 70 F (18 – 20 C). You can sow seeds in pots and or directly outside.
Water the seeds frequently to keep the soil moist and make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
Growing Condition
Star anise is native to Vietnam and China and grows in warm subtropical climate. It is a frost tender perennial. Star anise only grows in areas where the temperature does not fall below 15 F (-10 C) . If you live in a cooler area below USDA Zone 9, plant star anise in a container so that you can keep it in a greenhouse or indoors in winter.
Requirements for Growing Star AnisePosition
Star anise requires dappled shade, partial sun but if you’re growing star anise in a much cooler climate, plant it in a warm and sunny location. Choose location in a way that it is not exposed to cold and dry winds.
Soil
Provide soil that is humus and compost rich. Soil texture should be loamy and well drained. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is optimal.
Watering
For growing star anise, do regular watering and keep the soil slightly moist but reduce the watering in winter.
Star Anise CareFertilizer
Spread a 3-inch layer of compost or aged manure on the ground surrounding the tree in the spring. This is the only fertilizer it requires.
If soil is poor, apply slow release fertilizer all purpose fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning
When the plant is young pinch and prune it if you want to make it bushier. There are no special pruning requirements, however, you can always prune off dead, diseased and weak branches.
Harvest
Star anise tree takes at least 6 years to fruit if grown from seeds. These fruits (wrongly called seeds) are picked unripe while they are still green, later on these fruits are sun dried until their color change to reddish-brown, seeds can be removed once the fruits are ready to be stored.
Pests and Diseases
There are not any specific pest or disease that bothers it. Star anise itself has anti bacterial and pest repellent properties.
Uses
Star Anise is widely used in Asian cuisines to flavor dishes especially meat and curries, it is also used in desserts and beverages. Together with fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon and pepper it is considered as one of the “Five Chinese Spice”, used for its strong taste and spicy flavor. It is an essential part of Chinese cuisines and also used in variety of Indian recipes. It’s addition to other popular Indian spices makes a special spicy ingredient, which is called “Garam masala”.
Warnings
While growing star anise, don’t confuse it with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) or “Shikimi“, which is a poisonous plant and native to Japan. Its seeds or fruits are somewhat similar to those of star anise and are only slightly smaller and looks like cardamom, having a more rounded shape and have a small hook.
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