GardenSeed

Yellow Golden Passion Fruit

2010-09-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Passiflora edulis L.
Other name: Passiflora, apricot vine, grenadilla, maracuja, maracuya.

Plant Description
Passion fruits are great for use in soft drinks or cocktails. The fruits grow on a climbing plant which is also well known for its beautiful flowers. The passion fruit vine is a strong, vigorous, evergreen climber, produces egg sized fruit filled with wonderfully tart, bright orange pulp and it originated in South America. This uncommon golden passion fruit is native in Malaysia. Passion fruit vines are hardy to 32F, so protect from any frosts. They can withstand short drops below 32F but foliage may die back. It can grow about 20ft per year. The plant vine can live between 5 to 7 years. Passion fruit can grow well in Southern California and Florida.
　
How to grow
It grows and produces well between altitudes of 2,000 and 4,000 ft (650-1,300 m).
Soil type: light to heavy sandy loams, of medium texture are most suitable, and pH should be from 6.5 to 7.5. If the soil is too acid, lime must be applied. Good drainage is essential to minimize the incidence of collar rot.
Seeds are planted 1/2 in (1.25 cm) deep in beds, and seedlings may be transplanted when 10 in (25 cm) high.
Regular watering will keep a vine flowering and fruiting almost continuously.
Pruning passion fruit is essential to avoid overgrown and fungal diseases.
　
Planting Season
Late spring to summer

Maturity Period
Usually 18 months for first fruit bearing.

Harvest
Passion fruit falls from the vine when mature, and the fruit is harvested off the ground.

Usage
Eat raw as fruit or use the fruit pulps to make juices or addictive.
In Madeira, the juice of passion fruits is given as a digestive stimulant and treatment for gastric cancer.

Nutrition info
Good sources of potassium, vitamin A & C and dietary fiber

Red Stem Malabar Spinach

2010-08-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Description
A red stemmed cultivar of malabar spinach, it can be grown just like it's green stemmed counterpart. Malabar spinach is in the Basellaceae family, not the spinach family. The taste is similar to spinach. Malabar spinach is grown in Far Eastern countries for the shoots and leaves of the plant. It is a tender and fast growing, climbing tropical vine; growing up to 12 feet tall. This variety has a red stem, dark green leaves in thick heart-shaped; the species is called Basella alba rubra. It is also called Ceylon spinach, Vietnamese Spinach (Mong Toi), Indian Spinach, Emperor Vegetable. It is attractive plant treated as an ornamental vine too.
　

How to grow
Seeds have hard coating and it is suggested to soak seeds in water overnight or the seed skin be scratched before planting. Sow the seed directly on the soil and cover with thin layer of soil.

The plant is almost insect-free and is very easy to grow.
Full sun / light shade; plant outdoors after last expected frost.
It can be grown as a spring-sown annual. Tolerates high rainfall and is extremely heat tolerant; soil pH 6.1 to 6.5.
The soil must be rich and well drained.
　
Planting Season
Late spring to early summer

Maturity Period
60-70 days.

Cooking info

Only the leaves and young stems are eaten; they are used in salads or steamed with tofu and ginger. The taste is similar to spinach. It is usually cooked with noodles or soup, stir-fried. They have succulent mucilage (a thick gluey substance produced by most plants) that is uses as a thickener in soups or stews. In Japan, it is cooked in tempura or braised and topped with a sesame dressing.

Nutrition info
High in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium; also a good source of chlorophyll and dietary fiber.

Kale 'Red Russian'

2010-05-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea

Description
Red Russian is kale variety originally from Siberia. It was brought to Canada in the mid-1880s. Red Russian has tender, red leaves with purple veins. Grows to 2 meters tall; 1 meter wide. Blue green oak leaf type brassica with purple veining. Very ornamental and very edible. Very thick stems can withstand heavy snows. Open pollinated heirloom from Russia. Cold hardy to -10C with very little protection. Plants will survive for years if you don't let them set seed. Will self sow and provide an abundance of greens. Leaves are sweet and tender. Use flowering shoots like rapini; turns green when cooked. Good substitute for Purple Sprouting Broccoli. Yummy.

How to grow
Sow 6 mm deep. Keep moist. Opt. germination temp: 15-25 C. Days to germ: 7-14. Culture: full sun; well draining average soil; moderate feeder start almost anytime; indoors Feb. for spring-summer greens or June to over winter to provide sweet tender leaves late winter/early spring.

Nutrition info
High in Beta-Carotene, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Potassium.

Red Russian Kale is sweeter, more tender and sturdier than other Kales and Spinaches and is perfect for soups and stir-fries.

Arugula

2010-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Eruca vesicaria

Description
Arugula is a leafy green herb of the mustard family. Known also as rocket, Italian cress, roquette, and rucola has elongated dark green leaves that are lobed like the leaves of an oak. In the ground, the plant resembles a loose lettuce with long, slender leaves. The flavor of the leaves is similarly hot and peppery. The leaves can be between 3 and 8 inches (7.5–20 centimeters) in length, depending on the maturity of the leaf. Native to the Mediterranean region, arugula has been grown as a vegetable since the Roman era. The flowers are small, white with dark centers and can be used in the salad for a light piquant flavor. The seed was used for flavoring oils.

How to grow
Arugula seed prefers a cool soil temperature of 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and prefer a slightly shaded area in which to grow. For the best results, the soil should be fertile and loose, but Arugula will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and will grow just about anywhere provided water is available

When planting the seeds in the open soil, sow the seeds one inch apart and in rows that are located 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover the seed with 1/8th of an inch of soil and apply water. The seeds should sprout in 3 to 10 days (longer in cooler than ideal temperatures). For a continuous crop, sow another row every two weeks and this will insure that new cuttings are available at regular intervals.

Once the seedlings are established and begin to crowd one another, thin the plants to four inches apart. (At this stage, you are encouraged to use the thinning).

Arugula matures very quickly, typically within 40 days. Care should be taken not to allow the leaves to grow too large as they are susceptible to growing very bitter and will be tough. (Arugula also becomes bitter if grown in full sun, so this is definitely a crop for growing in places where many others will not grow). For the best results, select young, tender leaves.

Harvest
To harvest simply pick the young leaves when the leaves are still smooth and the plant will keep generating new ones for months. Older leaves are a bit tougher and have a stronger taste.

Larkspur Giant Imperial Mix

2010-05-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Delphinium consolida

Description
Also known as Annual Delphinium, Larkspur produces tall, heavily-flowered spikes in a beautiful mixture of blue, pink, lilac, rose, and white colors. Growing vigorously to 4 feet in height, they are excellent along walls and fences or as a backdrop to other flowers in beds. A top notch cut flower.

How to grow

Flower Type: Annual
Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
Height: 3' to 5'
Exposure: Full Sun

When to Sow Outside: Early Spring, as soon as the soil can be worked (2 to 3 weeks before last frost.)
When to Sow Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before last frost.
Seed Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 1"
Days to Emerge: 10 - 15
Thinning: When 3" tall thin to 1' to 2' apart

NASTURTIUM Dwarf Jewel Mixed Colors

2010-05-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Tropaeolum minus

Description
Nasturtium Dwarf Jewel Mixture seeds grow colorful flower as annual plant. nasturtiums are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed which makes them an excellent plant for young gardeners. The plant is low, it is ideal for massing, borders or for spot color. Does well in cool weather. Excellent cut flowers for small arrangements. Leaves and flowers are edible. The multi-hued blooms make tasty additions to salads as well as bright, edible garnishes for most dishes. The flavor of both the flowers and the leaves is similar to watercress. Nasturtium can be planted outdoors after the last frost in the spring. Nasturtiums will bloom from the summer until the first frost of autumn.

How to grow

Flower Type: Annual
Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
Height: 6" to 12"
Exposure: Full Sun or Light Shade
When to Sow Outside: Spring, after last frost. In warm climates, plant in fall for winter blooms.
When to Sow Inside: Two weeks before last frost. Best to plant directly outside since nasturtiums don't transplant well.
Seed Depth: 1/2 "
Seed Spacing: 2"
Days to Emerge: 10
Thinning: When 2" tall thin to 8" to 12" apart

Lovage

2010-05-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Levisticum officinale

Description
Lovage is a lofty perennial aromatic herb plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. The herb bears dark green leaves and greenish yellow flowers. All parts of the plant are highly perfumed. Its scent and flavor are similar to celery. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall, but the leaves can be harvested once the plant is at least 1 foot tall. Leaves and stems are edible. The leaves and seeds or fruit of Lovage are used to flavor food, especially in South European cuisine.

How to grow
Lovage can grow in most soil but prefer moist and well-drained soil. Full sun or partial shade. Temperature is 64-70 F. Keep soil moist for germination and it takes about 14 days to germinate. Sow seed 1/4 inch depth and spacing is 18 inches apart. Regular watering is essential.

Uses
Medical uses
lovage is an extremely beneficial herb for the digestive and respiratory systems. Lovage also possesses considerable diuretic and antimicrobial properties and hence it is normally administered for healing urinary tract problems. Apart from these features, lovage stimulates menstruation and alleviates menstrual pain. The warming quality of lovage helps in improving the poor blood circulation system.

Culinary uses
Lovage is an excellent ingredient to add flavor or tang to your favorite soups, particularly those that contain potatoes, peas, beans and lentils. The herb and its derivative may also be used to spice up stews like chili, chicken pot pie, stir-fried vegetables and all favorite seafood cuisines. Addition of lovage to tasteless vegetables like summer squash adds flavor and savor to it.

Sweet Chocolate Bell Pepper

2010-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum

Description
Originally introduced in 1965, Sweet Chocolate is an early maturing, medium sized pepper which matures from green to chocolate brown. Plant produces good yields of medium sized chocolate red sweet peppers. Peppers are very sweet, have thick walls, and turn from green, to chocolate when mature. The interior walls are brick red. Plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers. Excellent fresh in salads. Maturity in 80 days (brown color)

How to grow
Full sun is ideal. Keep soil warm and evenly moist during germination, but do not allow to become soggy. Water regularly. Sow seeds at 1/4 inch depth in fertile, well drained, neutral ph soil.

Temperature: 27 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit)
Spacing: 2 inch spacing, in rows 18 to 24 inches apart
Germination Time: 2 to 4 weeks

Bell Pepper - Big Red

2010-04-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum

Description
Bell pepper or sweet pepper is a cultivar group of the species Capsicum annuum (chili pepper). Big Red variety bell pepper produces thick, sweet fleshed fruits maturing to a bright red with 3 to 4 lobes. High yielding and excellent for either fresh markets or home gardens.

How to grow
Full sun is ideal. Keep soil warm and evenly moist during germination, but do not allow to become soggy. Water regularly. Sow seeds at 1/4 inch depth in fertile, well drained, neutral ph soil.

Temperature: 27 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit)
Spacing: 2 inch spacing, in rows 18 to 24 inches apart
Germination Time: 2 to 4 weeks

Maturity
Approximate 80 days

Nutrition:
A red bell pepper is simply a mature green bell pepper. As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter and milder. Red bell peppers contain eleven times more beta carotene than green bell peppers. It contains rich in Vitamin C, A and dietary fiber.

Cooking info
Eating raw as salad, stuffed, roasted, stir-fried, and making soup.

Large Red Cherry Tomato

2010-04-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Other name:

Description
The cherry tomato plant is large and vigorous, bearing large clusters of cherry size tomatoes. Large Red Cherry produces 1 1/4 inch fruits that sweet and firm. Grows on indeterminate vines; Plants are vigorous and need staking. It is great for salad. Try this popular cherry tomato variety in your vegetable garden this season.

How to grow
Plant seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before danger of frost is past. May also be planted directly outdoors after last frost. Plant seed 1 inch apart and cover with 1/4 inch of fine soil, well pressed down. Place seed starting tray in a very warm spot (both night and day) and cover with frame of glass or polyethylene to preserve the moisture until seeds start to grow. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin or transplant 2 inches apart in another tray. After danger of frost is past, transplant outdoors in rows 2 to 3 feet apart, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart in the row. Germination take places in 5-10 days. Maturity in about 60 days.

Tips: Tomatoes are of tropical origin and like warm weather. Do not set outdoors too early. Maintain good fertility and moisture during the season.

Mustard Mizuna

2010-04-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Botanical Name: Brassica rapa
Other name: Kyona, Japanese Mustard, Potherb Mustard, Japanese Greens, California Peppergrass, Spider Mustard

Description
A Japanese mustard green, Mizuna is believed to have evolved originally from India and is prized as much for its ornamental beauty as its culinary value. The mounds of thin, holly-like serrated leaves seem to “float” above the ground when planted as a border, or in the flower garden as a backdrop for low-growing flowers such as alyssum or lobelia. The plants grow quickly which also makes them great for hiding daffodil and crocus foliage once flowers are done blooming. Grown as an annual plant.

Leaves are ready to harvest in just three weeks after seedlings emerge and will withstand heat longer than lettuce without bolting. Mizuna’s looks are deceptive – this beautiful, graceful, branching plant may have a delicate appearance, but its seedlings are tough and will germinate outdoors under cold and wet spring conditions.

How to grow
Sow seeds in early spring to early summer and late summer to early fall. It can be sown as early as 3 weeks before the last spring frost. It typically takes about 55 days to reach maturity. Sow at 1/2 to 1 inch in fertile, well-drained loamy soil, should should not be sandy. Keep soil moderately moist during germination, avoid soggy conditions, 6 inch spacing in rows 12 to 18 inches apart to grow to maturity. Germination in 10-14 days.

Cooking info
The delicate leaves add crisp, fresh beauty to a salad of other micro greens or mixed with white daikon. Milder than arugula, the peppery mustard flavor is an excellent addition to soups and stir-fries, as well. The Japanese enjoy the spicy leaves pickled.

Brussel Sprouts - Catskill

2010-04-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea
Other name:

Description
An heirloom from 1941, Catskill is a dwarf variety with high yields. Sprouts are 1.25 to 1.75 inches on 20 to 24 inch plants, dark green and firm.

How to grow
Brussel sprouts grow best in cooler seasons when the temperatures are 5 to 19 degrees Celsius (41 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit). Plant seed 1/2" deep, spaced 3" apart. Rows should be 6" - 8" apart. Thin or transplant seedlings to 18" if necessary when a few inches tall. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate. After germination, water as needed. Mulch plants when they are 4" to 6" tall to keep the soil cool and to retain moisture. To increase the size of Brussels sprouts pinch 4" - 6" off the top of the plants when the lower sprouts are 1/2".

Harvest when the heads are 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Plant in spring after the last frost once the soil can be worked or in the mid summer about 12 to 14 weeks before the first frost.

Wheat Grass Sprouting Seeds (Hard Red Wheat)

2010-04-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Triticum aestivum
Other name: Hard Red Wheat

Description
Wheatgrass grown from hard red wheat berry seeds is extremely nutritious and offers a number of health benefits. The grown wheatgrass is often used to make juice. Growing your own red wheat berry seeds at home makes the cost of this nutritional drink very affordable.

How to grow
Growing wheatgrass can be fun and enjoyable. The process is simple and the end result is nutritious as well as delicious. Soak seed for six to twelve hours. Spread seed evenly within a propagation tray and water thoroughly, but do not saturate. Cover the tray with a humidity dome or plastic until germination. After germination, the plastic can be removed and a regular light misting, as necessary, is sufficient to keep the sprouts moist. After about five days of growth, the nutrients within the seed will be expended and a low-strength, liquid hydroponic fertilizer will be necessary. Seaweed fertilizers are usually recommended when doing a soilless germination. After an additional week's growth the wheat grass can be harvested. Trays should be cleaned and sterilized prior to reuse.

Uses
You can juice the wheat grass sprouts to make a highly nutritious beverage, use the sprouts on sandwiches for a satisfying crunch, or add them to baked goods for a nutritious edge.

Lupine - Russell Strain Mix

2010-04-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Botanical Name: Lupinus polyphyllus
Other name:

Description
One of the most decorative plants, thanks to it's tall stalks bearing large flowers in a number of brilliant colors. Very hardy, long-lived and low maintenance. The popular Russell Lupine produces a mixture of pastel shades including rose, lavender and blue flowers and blooms from April through July.

How to grow
Lupines do not require a lot of moisture and grow well in both full sun and partial shade conditions. For best results, seeds should be soaked in cold water overnight and planted in the early autumn. Keep soil moderately moist during germination, do not overwater. Cover with 1/8 inch of soil, use light, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. It germinate in temperature 55-70F. Days to germination in 15-70 days. Direct sowing is recommended as Lupines do not transplant well.

Chinese Forget Me Not

2010-04-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Cynoglossum amabile
Other name:

Description
Chinese Forget Me Not is native to Europe. Forget-me-not is the state flower of the American state of Alaska. Forget-me-not can be annual or perennial plant, produces clusters of medium blue flowers and blooms from early spring through summer. Forget me nots are versatile, being small enough to be planted where larger plants would not fit. They do not require much maintenance. Just plant, feed once in a while and enjoy.

How to grow
Forget me nots are grown from seed. They can be sown in the spring directly into the garden after all danger of a frost has past. Mix organic compost into the soil. Cover them lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. Put the seeds 4 to 5 inches apart. Germination temperature is 65-75F and it takes about 2 to 4 weeks to germinate. When the seedlings start to grow, thin them out to 4 to 5 inches apart. They can be started indoors about 3 weeks before the usual time of the last frost. They prefer shady areas, but they can do well in the sun. Hardiness zone is zone 3 to zone 9.

China Aster Crego Mixed

2010-04-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

Botanical Name: Callistephus chinensis
Other name:

Description
China Aster are long-stemmed daily-like flowers head about 4-6 inches diameter. The Crego Mix variety contains flowers of white, pink, red and blue. China Asters are good as cut flowers in bouquets, beds, borders or pots because of their longevity.

How to grow

Temperature germination : 70F
Days to germination: 10 days
Bloom time: Mid summer - early fall
Light: Full sun
Soil needs: Moderately fertile, well drained, consistently moist soil with a Ph of 5.1-7.5.

Sow indoors 6 - 8 weeks prior to last frost or direct sow into garden after last frost.Sprinkle seeds over soil mix and cover to a depth of 1/16". Thoroughly moisten soil and keep moist throughout germination. Soil should not be soggy. Transplant to garden when all danger of frost is gone.

Plant established plants 9" -12" apart. Root stimulator will encourage quicker rooting and stronger root system. Use a slow release fertilizer at planting time or begin using water-soluble fertilizer at planting time and continue to use every 3 weeks throughout the growing season. Apply 3 inches of vegetative mulch plants in summer to help retain soil moisture. Water regularly - don't over water. Dead head to keep plants neat and prevent self seeding.

Zinnia 'Pom Pom'

2010-04-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

Beehive-shaped flowers in pastel and jewel-tones make this zinnia a standout in the flowerbed.
Like all zinnias, it's a great cut flower, too. Blooms summer to frost. Half hardy annual with 18 to 20 inches tall. A special blend of very attractive pompon Zinnias with 1.5 inch flower double, in a wide range of very cheery colors, including orange, purple, red, rose and yellow. Bushy plants produce an abundance of perky, small blossoms all summer.

How to grow
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seeds. Days to Sprout 5 - 10. Easy to grow. Germination temperature is 70-72F. Sow on sterilized surface and cover lightly. Can be sown directly because Zinnias transplant without difficulty. For early bloom, start indoors. Or after all danger of frost, sow outdoors. Ideal for borders and massed in beds. Delightful and long lasting cut flowers for petite bouquets. Removed faded blossoms to prolong bloom.

F1 Hybrid White Bitter Melon

2010-03-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Plant Description
The scientific name for bitter melon is Momordica charantia. Climbing plant resembles a cucumber vine, with a sprawling growth habit, curly tendrils, and bright yellow flowers. The fruit is white color and can grow up to 20-25 cm long. It is less bitter than normal green bitter gourd.

How to grow
Bitter gourd is a fast-growing fruiting vine that grows well in hot, humid climates with daytime temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers well drain soil and full sunlight location. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Sow two to three seeds together at a depth of 1/2-inch deep. Water the planting area immediately after sowing. Bitter gourd seeds will germinate in two to three days. Manually pollinate the plants if insects are not available in the area. Flowers will appear on the plant five to six weeks after planting. Touch the male flowers to the female flowers to transfer pollen. A successful pollination will result in large portion of the flower growing into a fruit.

Tips: The fruits are often protected and covered using paper sleeves, by closing the top end but keeping the bottom end open, to block the sunlight exposure and to minimize skin scratch during the fruit growth, to obtain beautiful fruits.

Maturity & Harvest
Days to maturity is 80-90 days.

Nutrition Info
Rich in Beta Carotene, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, B1 to B3, Phosphorus and good dietary fiber

Health benefit and Uses
Lowering blood sugar levels, effective herbal remedy against diabetes.

Cooking info
Stir fried with egg, broiled with soup, Stew with chicken meat or stuffed with meat.

Melastoma malabathricum

2010-03-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

Botanical Name

This showy bush rapidly colonises wastelands as their seeds are dispersed by birds. As such, the Straits Rhododendron is often considered a weed. The beautiful flowers last only one day, opening after sunrise, closing the same day, with the petals falling off on the a few days later. The flower has two different kinds of stamens.

The seeds are tasteless and can be eaten, but stains the tongue black. In fact, the word melastoma is Greek for "black mouth".

How to grow:
This flowering shrub is not fussy about soil type and M. malabathricum can also be grown in areas with clayey soil but it definitely does better in soil that is fertile and friable. It should be noted that its roots should be consistently moist and plants should not be allowed to dry out between watering. It is a suitable candidate as a marginal plant for bogs and water gardens.

Uses:
The young leaves are eaten raw or cooked and taste sour. The pulp around the seeds can also be eaten (Indonesia). The seeds are used to produce a black dye, the roots, a pink dye. In some places, the leaves are fed to silkworms. Leaves are used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery (Malaysia, Indonesia); wash for ulcers, to prevent scarring from smallpox; and to treat piles.

Monkey Pod / Rain Tree / Samanea saman

2010-03-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

botanical name: Samanea saman
Other name: Rain Tree, Saman, French Tamarind, Ohai Tree, Mimosa.

Description
The money pod tree is originated in Central and South America, but is now common throughout the tropics as a shade tree and are so beautiful. Monkey Pod tree produces a large, dome-shaped canopy and can grow to 50-80 feet tall with a trunk 5 feet in diameter. It has low spreading branches with evergreen oval leaflets. The leaflets are light sensitive and fold together on the approach of rain, or on cloudy days. The tree produces thousands of "powder puff" type flowers that have long, bicolor pink and white stamens that are grouped in dense heads, with multiple flowers per head.

How to grow
This tree is easy to grow; it does best in full sun or very light shade, planted in rich well-drained soil, acidic to slightly alkaline like its natural environments. This is an excellent container plant for the cooler climates and for the tropical regions a beautiful landscape plant. Monkey Pod will not tolerate shade, frost, or low temperatures. Zones 10-11, Minimum Temp 35 F degrees

Uses:
Great wood for carving. The fruits are woody pods which contain several seeds and a pulp that is supposedly sugar sweet and edible.

How to sprout the Monkey Pod Tree seeds:

Step 1
Clean the seed well of all fruit by scrubbing it lightly under lukewarm running water. Make sure that you remove all of the pulp.

Step 2
Fill a small bowl with hot water, at least 175 degrees F. Botanists with the Bishop Museum suggest using water volume five times the seed volume.

Step 3
Place the seed in the bowl of hot water, allow to sit for two minutes, stir, then remove them and place them in a bowl of lukewarm water, 86 to 104 degrees F, for 24 hours.

Step 4
Combine three parts potting soil, one part sand and one part compost. Fill the planting pot with the mixture and water it well, allowing the excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5
Plant the monkey pod seed 1/2 inch into the soil, cover lightly and place the pot in a warm area, such as on top of the refrigerator. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination should occur within 10 days.

Step 6
Allow your seedling to grow to a height of 8 inches prior to planting it outdoors. This may take from three to five months.

Step 7
Plant the seedling in a location that receives sun all day. The monkey pod seedling will die in the shade. Pull any weeds around the seedling as soon as they appear, so that the seedling doesn't have to compete for sunlight and moisture.

Georgia Collard Green

2010-01-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea Georgia

Description
The 'Georgia' Collard Plant is a traditional Southern variety. Non heading, rapid growth rate. Plants get 24 - 36" tall spreading out with large wavy blue-green leaves. A favorite southern dish to quick-cook like spinach.
Georgia is both heat and cold tolerant and is also slow to bolt, so it is suited for just about any climate. A light frost will actually improve its flavor. It does well in poor soil.

How to grow
Collard seeds sprout in soil temperature of 45 degrees F. Transplants are usually planted in the spring. This can add 4 to 5 weeks to the growing season. Plant Georgia Collards seeds or collards transplants as soon as the soil reaches 45 degrees F. Space plants 1½ - 2 feet apart.

Plant Georgia Collards seeds directly in the garden by making a shallow ½ inch furrow and scattering the seeds. Remember you will be thinning plants at least 1½ feet apart. Cover seeds about ¼" deep or so and lightly water. Keep moist until germination which usually takes 6 - 12 days. Cooler weather slows germination time. 75 Days to maturity.

Nutrition info
Collards are fibrous, tough, mild-flavored greens that require long cooking. Hiding under the green chlorophyll pigment is an excellent source of beta carotene and some vitamin C and calcium.

Health benefit
the antioxidants and phytochemicals in collards may help to reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and heart disease

Cabbage Mammoth Red Rock

2010-01-26T18:30:00.001-08:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea 'Mammoth Red Rock'

Description
Heirloom from 1889 that have solid round flattened purple-red 8-10 in. diameter, large 6-8 lbs heads. 'Mammoth Red Rock' forms volleyball-sized heads with leathery, blue-green, purple-tinged "wrapper" leaves and relatively thin, burgundy red, tightly packed inner leaves. Flavor is robust and slightly peppery. Vigor and flavor decline with heat. Although cool weather enhances flavor, plants may flower (or "bolt") following extended chilly spells. Cabbage heads may split if not harvested promptly. This cabbage can be grown as a winter vegetable in areas such as the Southeast United States and western California. Excellent keeper with hard and tightly wrapped leaves, large-framed medium core that is great for pickling, boiling and general use. Excellent quality cabbage.

How to grow
For early crop, start red cabbage seed indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. For late crops sow red cabbage seed in rows, directly outdoors May thru July. Cover seed with 1/8 inch of fine soil, well pressed down. Keep soil moist until red cabbage seeds start to grow. Seed germinates in 7 to 14 days depending on soil temperature and weather conditions. When red cabbage plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, thin or transplant 2 feet apart, in rows 2-1/2 feet apart.

Maturity
110 days. Harvest Red Rock when cabbage head is firm by cutting just under the head.

Nutrition info
Red cabbage contains Calcium, Iron and Vitamins A, B, and Vitamin C.

Health benefit
Red Cabbage has more phytonutrients than the green cabbage. The vitamin C content of red cabbage is 6-8 times higher than that of the green cabbage. Red cabbage contain anthocyanin (red pigment/color) is an antioxidant that can help protect brain cells, thus can help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Brocoli Waltham 39

2010-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea

Description
Bred by University of Massachusetts, Waltham Field Station, Waltham, MA around 1950. Waltham produces uniform high yields, good color, cold resistance, dwarf compact plant, and big side shoots. Main heads are 4-8" with steady side shoot production after main head is harvested. Leaves are borne on a low, compact plant having a distinctive slate-green color. Good cultivar for freezing.

Days to Maturity
74 days. Cut main head when 3"-6" across, buts are tightly closed and don't show any yellow color. Cut head with a couple of inches of stem with a sharp knife. Smaller heads on side shoots will develop for an additional harvest.

How to grow
It is the best for late summer and fall harvest. Developed to withstand the cold temperatures of fall and can survive dry spells. For a spring crop start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant outside 2 weeks before the last frost. For a fall crop direct seed in the garden in later spring or early summer. Broccoli grows best in mostly sunny locations during the cooler parts of the growing season. Prefers fairly rich soil kept fairly moist. Set plants 18 inches apart. Germination: 7-14 days. Germination temperature: 55-75F.

Tips: Give broccoli plenty of water and push it along with frequent applications of high-nitrogen plant food to develop the big, vigorous plants that are necessary to support large heads

Nutrition info
Studies suggest that broccoli may be important in preventing cancer, diabetes, and lowering cholesterol. The heads and stems are packed with vitamin C and provide calcium, potassium, and iron.

Health benefit
Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption in the body, prevents the development of cataracts, and also eases the symptoms of the common cold. The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancies. The potassium in broccoli aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis

Crimson Giant Radish

2010-01-21T16:51:00.001-08:00

Description
Crimson Giant Radish seeds grow large 1½ - 2" globe shaped crimson radishes that don't become hollow or pithy with its extra size. The white flesh is crisp, firm and mild. You will be harvesting 29 days after seeding.

How to grow
Sow seeds as soon as the ground is workable. Plant every 2 weeks to keep a continuous supply until the weather becomes too hot. Sow Crimson Giant Radish Seeds ¼" deep and cover lightly spacing seeds 1 inch apart. Keep moist until seedlings are established. Once Crimson Giant radish seedlings are established thin to 4" apart. Germination takes 5-7 days. Keep soil moderately moist during germination. Radishes grow best during the cooler parts of the growing season. Don't plant radish's where you planted them or cabbage the year prior as they may fall victim to root eating insects.

Nutrition value
A very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Folate and Potassium.

Health benefit
Radishes are moderately high in Vitamin C and contain properties that appear to be beneficial for symptoms of colds, flu, fever, cough, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. For digestive problems, put a handful of radish leaves in boiling water, cover, and let sit for about 20 minutes. Strain, add honey to taste and drink as a tea. For colds, flu, and the associated symptoms, grate one radish and mix with honey to taste. Let this mixture stand for 10 hours in a dark place. Take 2 teaspoons three times a day as a cough syrup.

CABBAGE RED ACRE

2010-01-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea capitata 'Red Acre'

Description
The Red Acre Cabbage is a top notch variety of cabbage. This lovely cabbage variety produces stunning reddish-purple, globe shaped, heads that can add a striking beauty to your vegetable garden or a gorgeous color to meals.Each head reaches up 6 to 7 inches in diameter and typically weigh approximately 3 pounds. This flavorful cabbage variety is especially suited for use raw, cooked or in coleslaw and can add new life to otherwise dull meals due to its striking color and wonderful taste.

Red Acre Cabbage is resistant to cabbage yellowing and is especially suited for small gardens as it takes up less space than other cabbage varieties. In particular, this variety stores better than just about any other early cabbage variety available and the heads will hold up for a long period in the garden before splitting or bursting. Matures in 75 days

How to grow
Start indoors or in greenhouse in early spring. Cover seeds with 1/8 inch fine soil.
Transplant seedlings indoors after first pair of true leaves have developed. Space them 4 inches apart or pot them individually in 2 1/2 inch pots. Once plants us established, harden off and transplant outdoors after severe frost danger has passed.

Spacing: Space rows 2 to 3 feet apart depending on space available. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the rows.

Germination: 7 to 10 days at 70 F indoors. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.

Drooping Amaranthus

2010-01-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranthaceae)
Other name: Kiss-Me-Over-The-Garden-Gate, Purple Amaranth, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete, Tassel Amaranth, and Tassel Flower

Description
Crimson tassels cascade to the ground from an exotic, showy, bushy plant. Love-lies-bleeding was popular in colonial America and Victorian English gardens, and the plant's history is as colorful as its reddish-purple tassels. Many parts of the plants, including the leaves and seeds, are edible, and are frequently used as a source of food in India and South America.

How to grow
Best in hanging baskets where drooping flowers are best seen. May be used in beds or borders. Interesting edging along walks or paths.

Bloom Time: Summer to Early Fall
Height: 3' to 4'
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil: prefers a fairly dry, nutrient poor soil; it tends to be less colorful in rich, fertile soils.
When to Sow Outside: Spring, after the average last day of frost.
When to Sow Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before last frost.
Seed Depth: 1/8 inch
Seed Spacing: 1"
Days to germinaqtion: 7 - 14
Thinning: When 2" tall thin to 15" tall
USDA Zones 8-11

Prince's Feather 'Oeschberg'

2010-01-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

Botanical name: Amaranthus cruentus 'Oeschberg'
Other name: Upright Love Lies Bleeding, Upright Amaranthus.

Description
AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS "OESCHBERG", also known as Upright Love Lies Bleeding. It grows well over 4 ft tall with lots of crimson "spikes" or "feathers" rising above deep red foliage. It also held its foliage and flower color longer than other similarly colored varieties. Amaranthus are re-seeding annuals, great in dried floral arrangements as well as fresh floral arrangements. They are very drought tolerant and love the heat. In fact, the seeds won't sprout until temperatures get hot.

How to grow

Light: Full sun
Soil: Well drained soil and dry tolerant
Height in inches: 28-48"
Spread: 24"+
Germination: 4-10 days; Soil 70F
Sowing time: Late spring or early summer.

Lance-Leaved Coreopsis

2010-01-06T21:44:00.001-08:00

Botanical name: Coreopsis lanceolata (Asteraceae)
Other name: Tickseed

Description
Features solitary, yellow, daisy-like flowers (1-2" diameter) with eight yellow rays (toothed at the tips) and flat yellow center disks. Flowers bloom atop slender, erect stems from spring to early summer. Narrow, hairy, lance-shaped leaves (2-6" long) appear primarily near the base of the plant in basal tufts. Lower basal leaves are mostly entire, while smaller stem leaves may be pinnately lobed.

How to grow
Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought. Prompt deadheading of spent flower stalks encourages additional bloom and prevents any unwanted self-seeding. Freely self-seeds, and in optimum growing conditions will naturalize to form large colonies. Plants may be cut back hard in summer if foliage sprawls or becomes unkempt. If grown in borders, division may be needed every 2-3 years to maintain robustness.

Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 20-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65-70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: May-July

Calendura 'Pacific Beauty' Mix

2010-01-05T21:15:00.002-08:00

Botanical name: Calendula officinalis (Compositae)
Other name: Pot Marigold, Scotch Marigold

Description
Calendula officinalis is an aromatic annual plant, that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Typically, it grows to about half a meter in height. The stems are straight and ramified. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, hairy on both sides and 5 to 15 cm long with toothed margins. The inflorescences are thick capitula or flower-heads (3-8 cm) surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts. The tubular, hermaphrodite, central flowers are generally, of a more intense orange-yellow colour than the female, tridentate, peripheral flowers. The flower-heads appear all year long. The fruit is a thorny curved achene. The "Pacific Beauty" variety is a mix of yellow, orange, apricot, and cream colors.

How to grow
For cold winter climates, you can sow outdoor in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. For warm winter climates, sow outdoor in early fall for winter/spring blooms. You can also sow inside 6 to 8 weeks before average last frost (recommend for cold winter climates)

Flower Type: Annual
Bloom Time: Summer to early summer, Fall
Height: 12" to 24"
Exposure: Full Sun
Seed Depth: 1/4" to 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 2"
Days to Emerge: 5 to 15
Thinning: When 1" tall thin to 12" apart

Uses
The leaves and petals of the Pot Marigold are edible, with the petals added to dishes as a garnish and in lieu of saffron. The leaves can be sweet but are more commonly bitter, and may be used in salads. It was used in ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods and cosmetics. It is a popular cultivated herb or Long lasting cut flower, great in parking strips, containers, and borders.

Bird's Eyes

2010-01-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Gilia Tricolor (Polemoniaceae)
Other name: Tricolor gilia, bird's eye gilia

Description
A hardy annual native to the western United States that will easily adapt to a variety of conditions. The elegant trumpet shaped flowers are lavender and white with golden throats. Flowers are delightfuly fragrant, and retain their color when dried. A beautiful ornament plant to have in your garden.

How to grow

Light: Full sun
Soil: well-drained soil
Height: 12-18 inches
Germination: 20-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65-75F
Sowing depth: Surface Sow
Spacing: 20cm
Blooming period: March-May

Bird's Foot Trefoil

2010-01-03T20:23:00.001-08:00

Botanical name: Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae)
Other name: Birdsfoot trefoil, bloomfell, cat's clover, crowtoes, garden bird's-foot-trefoil, ground honeysuckle

Description
Birdsfoot trefoil is a low-growing, perennial forb with stems that can reach 2 ft. (0.6 m) long. Leaves are compound (with 5 oval to linear leaflets), stipulate and alternate. Leaflets (upper 3) are 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) wide; the lower two resemble leaf-like stipules. Sweet pea-like flowers develop in clusters of 2-8 on a long peduncle (stalk). Fruits are pods that occur in head-like clusters. Each pod is brown to black, cylindrical, 0.6-1.4 in. (1.5-3.5 cm) long, contains up to 49 seeds and has a persistent style at the apex. Birdsfoot trefoil is native to Eurasia and North Africa and occurs in pastures, roadsides, wetlands, disturbed grasslands and riparian areas.

How to grow
Birdsfoot trefoil grows best when planted in early spring, although you can plant in late summer as well. Note: Birdsfoot trefoil seeds have a tough outer coating and need to be scarified before planting.

Height: Up to 2 feet
Light: Full sun
Soil: thin and poor soil
Sow depth: 1/2 inch
Germination: 2-4 weeks
USDA zone: 3-9
Bloom Time: Early and mid-season

Black-eyed Susan

2010-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta (Asteraceae)
Other name: Yellow Ox-eye Daisy

Description
A stiff, upright annual or shortlived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. It is the state flower of Maryland. Black-Eyed Susans are perennial daisies or coneflowers, members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The flower heads measure 2 to 3 inches in diameter with yellow rays circling a dark-brown, spherical center. Commonly found in fields and on roadsides. Cut flower has a vase life of 6 to 10 days.

How to grow
It is easy to grow from seeds. Sown 2 weeks before the last expected frost, or started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting them outdoors in the Spring.

Light: Full sun
Soil: any type soil with well-drained
Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 7-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-August
USDA Zone: 3-10

Bells Of Ireland

2010-01-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Moluccella laevis (Mint Family)
Other name: Molucca balmis, Shellflower, Shell flower

Description
Bells of Ireland is a summer flowering annual, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. Attractive and unusual bedding plant producing rich olive green bells delightful for use for real flower arranging with their highlighted tones and various shades of green. It is cultivated for its spikes of flowers. The tiny white flowers are surrounded by apple green calyces which are persisent. The rounded leaves are pale green. A member of the mint family, the blooming stems can be cut and used in fresh or dried flower arrangements.

How to grow
sow seed indoors in April. Cover seed lightly. Germinate at temperatures of 55 - 64º F (13 - 18º C). Do not cover with soil, as the seeds need light to germinate. Germination will normally occur within 20-35 days. Harden seedlings off and plant outdoors after last frost. Light: Full sun to partial shade. Soil: Neutral, moist, well-drained.

For cut flowers, cut stem ends and dip briefly into boiling water, and transfer to warm water in a vase. If you want to collect seed for sowing the following year, let flower stalks remain on the plant and collect seed when the seeds turn a dark color and fall out easily.

Clasping Coneflower

2009-12-31T15:22:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Rudbeckia amplexicaulis (Asteraceae)
Other name:

Description
A hardy annual native to the southeastern United States, and has naturalized throughout most of North America. The identifiable black, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by bright yellow, drooping reflexed ray flowers. This drought tolerant annual is quick growing, with masses of 'Mexican hat' blooms all summer, aloft blue-green foliage. Grow in wide drifts to create a natural 'prairie' effect in the garden. A very heavy reseeder. Another wonderful variety for cut arrangements.

How to grow
It is adapted to many soil types, but clasping coneflower generally prefers a moist site. Natural stands are usually found on bottomland areas with a fairly rich soil and ample moisture. It prefers full sun and will not persist in a shaded location.

Height: 1 1/2-2 feet
Germination: 7-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-September
USDA Zone: 6-10

Cosmos 'Sensation' Mix

2009-12-31T06:39:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Cosmos bipinnatus (Asteraceae)
Other name: garden cosmos, Mexican aster,

Description
This series of annuals produces extra large, cup-shaped blossoms to 3-1/2 inches across in shades of white or pink all summer long. Large, sturdy plants have beautiful ferny foliage This Mexican native is loved by butterflies. It produces excellent cut flowers and is ideal for a cutting garden, mixed border, or annual border.

How to grow
One of the easiest seeds in the world to grow. Cosmos seed looks like miniature pine needles, which makes seeding simple. Just scatter the seed over freshly turned bare soil, and then compress the seed into the dirt. Do not cover.

Height: 3 to 6 feet
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Germination: 7-10 days
Optimum temperature for germination: 75F
Blooming period: Summer through Fall
Seed Depth: 1/4 inch
Seed Spacing: 1 inch
Thinning: When 1" -2" tall thin to 1' - 2' apart
USDA Zone: 3-10

Love-in-a-mist 'Persian Jewel' Mix

2009-12-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Nigella damascena 'Persian Jewel' Mix (Ranunculaceae)
Other name: Persian Jewels, Wild Fennel, Nigella damascena, Devil-in-a-bush, Jack-in-the-green, Lady-in-the-bower

Description
This small to medium sized annual grows 15-24" high and up to a foot wide (if not crowded). Plants have finely cut, bright green leaves that resembles fennel leaves. Light green, lacy, finely divided threadlike bracts form the “mist” surrounding the jewel-like flowers.

Flowers are usually bright blue to very pale blue. Each flower is 1½” across, with 5 large, petal-like sepals and small, deeply divided petals hidden beneath the stamens. The flower is followed by attractive, balloon-shaped “seedpod” (actually an inflated capsule composed of 5 fused true seedpods) up to 2” long and green with purple or bronze stripes. Love-in-a-mist looks good in the garden even when the plant is not in bloom, with its handsome foliage and interesting seedpods after flowering.

'Persian Jewels' series – is a mixture of shades of mauve, lavender, purple, rose, light blue and white double flowers.

How to grow
Love-in-a-mist is very easy to grow. The plants do best in full sun in well drained, fertile soil. Sow the deep black, sharp-cornered seed about ⅛” deep where you want the plants to grow, as love-in-a-mist does not transplant well because of the plant's long taproot. Seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks under most conditions. Begin sowing as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outdoors, but they should be sown in individual peat pots and transplanted with care. Love-in-a-mist tolerates frost, so is primarily a spring and fall annual; it does not perform well in hot weather.

Dame's Rocket

2009-12-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Hesperis matronalis
Other name: Dame's Violet, Mother-of-the-Evening, Sweet Rocket, Danask Violet, Dame’s Gilliflower, Night Scented Gilliflower, Queen’s Gilliflower, Rogue’s Gilliflower, Summer Lilac

Description
An upright, hardy perennial native to Europe, but has escaped cultivation and adapted throughout most of the United States. Delightful lilac-purple flowers are concentrated at the end of sturdy stalks. The genus name, Hesperis, is Greek, meaning "evening", referring to the plant's unique characteristic of filling the night with its ever so sweet fragrance. It can be seen from great distances when planted in mass.

How to grow

Height: 2-3 feet
Light: Prefer full sun
Germination: 20-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70-80F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Soil type: Moist soil preferred.
Blooming period: May-August

Catchfly

2009-12-30T21:38:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Silene armeria (Caryophyllaceae)
Other name: Sweet William Silene, Garden Catchfly, None-So-Pretty, Campion

Description
The name comes from the way in which small insects are trapped by the sticky sap exuded onto the stem. An attractive annual or tender perennial native to Europe, but has naturalized throughout the United States. The generous rosepink flowers are arranged in compact clusters radiating from a slender stem. Makes a breathtaking display when planted in mass.

How to grow

Height: 24-36 inches
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Soil: well-drained soil
Germination: 15-25 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: Surface Sow no deeper than 1/16 inch
Blooming period: May-September

Ox-eye Daisy

2009-12-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Asteraceae)
Other name: White Daisy, Margurite Daisy, White Weed, Moon Daisy, Oxeye, Leucanthemum vulgare

Description
An herbaceous perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) with numerous stems from 1 to 3 feet tall. Stems are slender, erect and may emerge from the root crown or singly from an upturned rhizome. Stalked basal leaves are spoon-shaped, broadly toothed, and 2 to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. The stem leaves are alternate, smooth, glossy and dark green. The leaf stalks are short and clasp the stem. Solitary flower heads composed of 15-30 white ray florets that surround a compact yellow disc with a depressed center. Flowers occur singly at the ends of stems and bloom from June to August. The fruit is a flat seed 0.08 in long, 10-ribbed, dark gray at maturity with no pappus. The root system is comprised of shallow, un-branched roots and rhizomes. Plants reproduce by roots and seeds.

How to grow
Excellent as a ground cover or border since the foliage is attractive and remains green year round. An ideal cut flower for arrangements lasting up to ten days. A prolific reseeder.

Soil: Moist and rich soil with well-drained
Spacing: 12” to 15”
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: May-July

Medicinal
Ox-Eye Daisy is edible and medicinal. Young spring shoots are edible, finely chopped and sparingly added to salads, said to be strong and bitter, young leaves are cooked as a pot herb. The whole plant, and especially the flowers, used as a medicinal herb is antispasmodic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic, nervine and vulnerary. Constituents include Essential oils, Tannin, Saponins, Mucilag, Bitter Principle and Flavones. It has much of the same properties of Chamomile. The flowers are balsamic and make a medicinal infusion for relieving chronic coughs and for bronchial problems. The herb is used in the treatment of whooping cough, asthma and nervous excitability. The root is used successfully for stopping the night-sweats of pulmonary consumption. Externally, it is used as a medicinal lotion for wounds, bruises, and ulcers. A distilled water made from the flowers is an effective eye lotion in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

Corn Poppy

2009-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae)
Other name: corn rose, field poppy, Flanders poppy, red poppy

Description:
A hardy annual native to Europe, which has naturalized throughout the United States. The large 2-4 inch blooms are fire engine-red vividly marked with purplish-black centers individually borne on erect hairy stems. The foliage remains inconspicuous allowing the flower to express its full beauty.

How to grow
Performs best if sown in late fall in the southern regions of the U.S or in early spring in the northern regions of the U.S. An outstanding spring favorite.

Height: 2-2 1/2 feet
Germination: 10-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-70F
Sowing depth: Surface Sow
Blooming period: March-July
Suggested use: Flower gardens, roadsides, meadows, mixtures, cut flowers.

Benefit
Its seed is a moderately useful commodity, used in bread dough, for example, and to decorate bread. The red petals are used to make syrups and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. Red poppy syrup is a traditional beverage of Mediterranean regions like Bozcaada.

Baby Blue Eyes

2009-12-29T23:36:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Nemophila menziesii (Hydrophyllaceae)
Other name:

Description
Baby blue eyes is a trailing annual, 6 to 12 inches tall. Flowers are bell-shaped, 1 inch in diameter, with sky blue blossoms and a white center, very freely blooming. Foliage is pale green, lacey, and delicate. Used effectively with bulbs as a low cover. Likes cool, moist climates, not heat tolerant.

How to grow
It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. These flowers are planted extensively in rockery, hanging baskets and around borders.

Height: 6-12 inches
Spacing: 9-12 inches
Light: Partial Shade to Full sun
Germination: 12-20 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 55-65F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
USDA Zone: 3-10
Blooming period: March-May (Summer)

Columbine 'McKana's Giant' mixed

2009-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Aquilegia hybrida 'McKana's Giant' Mix (Ranunculaceae)
Other name:

Description
'McKana Giant' is an extra large flowered Columbine available in a wide assortment of colors. The flowers either face outwards or are nodding. Once the perennial begins blooming flowers can be expected for 4 to 6 weeks. Removing spent flowers helps to encourage new flower growth. McKana Giants large blossoms are good for cutting, but they only last a few days once removed from the plant.

How to grow
Columbines are perfect for the middle of a sunny, moisture retentive border. They attract butterflies and bees. Columbine is also a great choice for rock gardens, naturalizing and they make beautiful accent in a bouquet of cut flowers or arrangements.

Height: 24-30"
Spacing: 10"-15"
Light: Prefers Light Shade, but will grow in the Full Sun with enough water.
Soil: any well-drained soil
USDA Zone: 3-10
Germination: 1-3 months, soil temperature 60-70F
Blooming period: May-June

Note: Columbine seed needs to be chilled for 3 to 4 weeks before it will germinate. Place the entire seed package in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks... then sow as usual.

Crimson Clover

2009-12-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Trifolium incarnatum (Fabaceae)
Other name: Scarlet Clover, Italian Clover, German Clover

Description
Crimson clover is a species of clover in the family Fabaceae, native to most of Europe. This upright winter annual herb grows to 20-50 cm tall, unbranched or branched only at the base. The leaves are trifoliate with a long petiole, each leaflet hairy, 8-16 mm across, with a truncated or bilobed apex. The flowers are produced throughout the spring and summer, rich red or crimson, congested on an elongated spike inflorescence 3-5 cm tall and 1.5 cm broad; the individual flowers are up to 10-13 mm long and have five petals. The banner of each flower does not sit upright, but folds forward. It can typically be found in forest margins, fields and roadsides. Popular ornament plant in certain countries.

How to grow
Crimson clover is a cover crop--a plant grown over the winter to help suppress weeds, prevent erosion and build healthier soil. Cover crops are also known as "green manures" because they add valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Crimson clover is an excellent cover crop because it helps fix nitrogen into the soil and its beautiful maroon flowers lure beneficial insects into the garden in spring.

When to sow: Plant crimson clover four weeks before your average first hard frost in fall.
Soil: Tolerance to all types of soil. Prefers loam soils with good drainage.
Light: Full sun
Height: 6-12 inches
Germination: 7-21 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65F-68F
Sowing depth: 1/8"
Blooming period: March-May

Benefit
Farmers have used this annual clover effectively as a cover crop in corn, soybeans and wheat due to rapid growth during cool weather, shade tolerance and a positive reseeding potential. It is widely used as a winter cover for soil protection or green manure crop for soil improvement. Crimson clover is widely grown as a protein-rich forage crop for cattle and other livestock.

Blue Pimpernel

2009-12-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Anagallis monelli (Primulaceae)
Other name: Blue Anagallis, Anagallis linifolia

Description
Blue Pimpernel is a low growing, wide spreading perennial. Lance-shaped, 1 inch long, green leaves grouped in pairs or threes. It is a long-blooming annual with stunning saucer-shaped, 5-petaled flowers, electric-blue flowers blooming non-stop from mid summer to late fall. It is native to the Mediterranean region.

How to grow
It is easy to grow and deal groundcover or hanging basket plant. Excellent in rock gardens.

Plant height: 6-8 inches
Light: Sun to Full Sun
Sow depth: 1/16 in.
Germination: 10-14 days, 65-70F
Bloomtime Range: Early Summer to Late Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 8
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Clay Loam, well-drained
Water Range: Normal to Moist

Dwarf Cornflower "Jubilee Gem"

2009-12-28T22:09:00.001-08:00

Botanical name: Centaurea cyanus 'JubileeGem' (Asteraceae)
Other name: Bachelor Button, Knapweed, Devil's Flower, Campion, Bluebottlem Boutonniere Flower, Hurtsickle

Description
Dwarf Cornflower 'Jubilee Gem' is an annual that reseeds, is native to Europe but has naturalized through North America. This bushy plant produces beautiful vibrant blue flowers that attact butterflies and bees. It grows to about 12-18 inches tall. An easy to grow garden favorite suitable for beds, borders, and container planting and excellent for cutting.

How to grow
Sow in early spring where they are to flower in well cultivated soil. Sow thinly 1/8in deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Dwarf Jubilee Gem can also be sown in the late summer/early autumn to produce even better plants for flowering next summer, and final thinning should be left until the spring so that the plants are about 45cm (18in) apart.

Height in inches: 10-18"
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11
Spread: 18-24"
Germination: 8-12 days, below 70F.
Light: Full sun
Soil: well-drain soil
Blooming period: May through August

Medical Benefit
To use for cuts and scrapes, simply rub the cut end of a Cornflower stem on the affected area. For use as an eyewash, prepare as you would a tea, then soak a washcloth and use as an eye compress. For facial skin eruptions, acne, or other irritations, the leaves and flowers can be used as a steam facial - boil the leaves and flowers, then cover the head with a towel and sit over the steaming container. After 15 minutes or so, rinse the face with cool water, and feel the difference!

Scarlet Flax

2009-12-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Linum grandiflorum rubrum (Linaceae)
Other name: Flowering Flax, Red Flax

Description
Scarlet Flax is a hardy annual, and like many of these temporary garden decorations, provides a bright splash of colour in the summer months. It has tall, thin stems with narrow leaves, all in a glaucous greyish-green, with spectacular rounded flowers about an inch and a half across in bright crimson with a deeper centre leading to a solid black eye, with a matching deeper rim to each petal. It is native to northern Africa and southern Europe, it has naturalized throughout the United States. Once established this variety can tolerate immense heat and extremely dry conditions. The glossy, deep scarlet flowers bloom in profusion and are best admired if planted in density.

How to grow

Light: Full sun
Soil: Well drained soil
Height: 12-24 inches
Germination: 20-25 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65-70F
Sowing depth: 1/16", and 12 inch apart, Thin out the seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6in) apart
Blooming period: April-September

Usage
The seeds glisten because of their high oil content, flax being the source of linseed oil with which linoleum is manufactured, & artists' paints, with scores of industrial uses. L. usitatissum is the species grown commercially for linseed oil, but it can also be obtainted from L. grandiflorum & other flaxes.

In Africa, the seeds are roasted & added to baked bread, & is thought to have medicinal properties. It is not eaten in the west, but the meal that remains after oil extraction is used as a livestock feed.

California Poppy

2009-12-28T00:35:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Eschscolzia californica (Papaveraceae)
Other name:

Description
California poppy is state flower of California. It can grow 5–60 cm tall, with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are ternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2–6 cm long and broad; their color ranges from yellow to orange, and flowering is from February to September. The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning, although they may remain closed in cloudy weather. The fruit is a slender dehiscent capsule 3–9 cm long, which splits in two to release the numerous small black or dark brown seeds.

How to grow
It is drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens. Sow seed in spring or in early autumn in mild climates. California poppies do not transplant well, so plant the seeds where you want the flowers to grow. They bloom all summer long, right up to the first frost. This is one of the best annuals you can find for flower beds and borders. They thrive in a rock garden.
Tips: To use as cut flowers (although they last only a few days), harvest before the buds are fully open.

Soil: grow best on poor, well drained soils
Light: Full Sun
USDA hardiness zone: 5-10
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: April-August

Medicinal Uses
The California Poppy has been used traditionally mainly as a remedy for toothaches (the root cut and the juices applied directly), and as a tea for headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. Children seem to benefit from this for mild cases of colic, sleeplessness, and tension or anxiety.

Tidy Tips

2009-12-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Layia platyglossa (Asteraceae)
Other name: Coastal Tidytips

Description
An easy to grow annual with attractive, single golden ray-petalled blooms tipped with white and enhanced by a light fragrance.. It is native to California and is a member of spring wildflower blooms in meadows and grasslands. Its daisy-like flowers are attractive, making it a popular garden ornamental and ingredient in commercial wildflower seed mixes. The genus is named for the botanist George Tradescent Lay that visited California in the early 19th century.

How to grow
Very drought tolerant once established. Suitable for bBorders, rock gardens, mass plantings, raised beds.

Height: 4 to 10 inches tall, 5 to 10 inches spread
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Rich and well-drained
Soil depth: 1/16 inch
USDA: 6-10
Germination: 6-9 days
Germination temperature: 70F to 72F
Blooming period: March through June

Yellowray Goldfields

2009-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Lasthenia glabrata (Asteraceae)
Other name: Goldfields, California Goldfields

Description
This is a daisy like annual herb growing up to about half a meter in maximum height. The thin stem has a few pairs of oppositely-arranged, smooth-edged linear leaves each up to 15 centimeters long. The plant flowers in solitary or loosely clustered flower heads with golden yellow disc and ray florets. The fruit is an achene a few millimeters long with no pappus.

How to grow
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any well-drained soil, including nutritionally poor ones. It prefers a sunny position. An annual plant, germinating in the autumn and growing through the winter in California. In horticulture, most make hardy ornamental plants, suitable for flower-beds or borders. Autumn is the best time for sowing the seed, but it may also be sown early in the spring. A second flowering can be obtained from plants if they are trimmed back after flowering and before setting seed.

Scarlet Sage

2009-12-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Salvia coccinea
Other name: Lady-in-Red Salvia, Blood Sage, Texas Sage

Description
Scarlet sage is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. A hardy annual or tender perennial, native to Texas, and found throughout the southern portion of the United States. In warmer climates, this variety tends to act as an annual. The fluorescent red tubular flowers are concentrated in whorls surrounding a square stem. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental.

How to grow
Scarlet sage is a good bedding plant and useful in borders where brilliant color is desired. This American mint is especially desirable in natural area gardens where it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and maintains itself year after year without dominating or becoming invasive. The plant can be planted from seed and grown as an annual to USDA Zone 4. Will survive the winters in Zones 9 and 10 and sometimes in Zone 8. Will reseed itself annually in zones 6-8.

Plant tall: 2-3 ft
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Rich and well drained soil
Germination: 10-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 68-75F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: Early summer to first frost.

Indian Blanket

2009-12-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Gaillardia puchella (Compositae)
Other name: Firewheel, Indian Blanketflower, or Sundance

Description
Indian blanket is a short-lived annual flowering plant native to the central United States. The branching stem of this plant is hairy and upright, growing to 60 cm (2 ft) tall. The leaves are alternate, mostly basal, 4–8 cm long, with edges smooth to coarsely toothed or lobed. The pinwheel, daisy-like inflorescences are 4–6 cm diameter, vividly colored with red, orange and yellow. The central disc florets of the flower head tend to be more red-violet, with the outer ray florets being yellow.

How to grow
The plant is easy to grow. It is an excellent cut flower with a vase life from six to ten days. An excellent variety of coastal beach-front property or sand dune reclamation sites. Tip: If you plan on allowing these flowers to propogate, don't mow Indian Blanket until after the leaves turn brown.

Light: Full sun & Hot climate
Soil: Well drained mixed soil
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70-75F
Germination Time: 2 to 6 weeks
Sowing depth: 1/8"
Blooming period: May-September
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10

Annual Baby's Breath

2009-12-24T00:26:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Gypsophila elegans 'Covent Garden'
Other name: N/A

Description
Gypsophila Elegans ‘Covent Garden White’ also known as ‘Baby’s Breath’ is a lovely cut flower filler. It has delicate white flowers that add frothiness to a bouquet and contrasts with bolder flowers. This flower is easy to grow and will be one of the first to bloom in the spring. Its origins are native to the Ukraine. It has lance shaped grey/green leaves and grows to 45cm tall with a spread of 30cm. Looks stunning in an all white flower bouquet with flowers of contrasting shapes and sizes as well as more traditional arrangements.

How to grow

Light: full sun
Soil type: well drained
Ideal for: bedding,border,cut flower,flower arranging
Sowing: early spring, 3mm (1/8in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart.
Germination: usually takes approximately 20 days.
Blooming period: Early spring through Early Fall

An autumn sowing can be made for overwintering to produce earlier flowers and they can also be autumn sown and grown on in pots in a well ventilated cold greenhouse to produce spring flowering pot plants.

Candytuft Tall Mix

2009-12-23T23:05:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Iberis umbellata
Other name: Sarjasaippo, Globe Candytuft, Garden Candytuft

Description
Garden candytuft is a fast-growing, annual, bushy plant with small, dense, round heads of fragrant flowers. This decorative plant grows to a height of 12-16 inches. It has shiny, dark green lance-shaped leaves, up to 3.5 inches long. Flowers range in color from pink, purple and mauve to white. Flowers have 4 petals, with two being longer than the other two. Globe Candytuft makes a great cutflower. It is a taller and less compact plant than Perennial Candytuft, but as you can see, the colors are striking and it makes a wonderful addition to the garden, especially in mass plantings.

If you are a beginning gardener, this is the plant for you, as it will make you look like you really know what you are doing! This is also a good plant for gardening with kids, because it grows and flowers so fast from seed (It is in bloom in just weeks from seed).

How to grow
Simply scatter seed on loosened ground in spring. Plant seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your region's last frost date. Since candytuft doesn't like transplanting, start seeds in peat pots - those brown, biodegradeable pots that you plant in the ground right along with the seedlings

Sowing:
Light: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Medium, rich and well-drained, drought-resistant. The addition of lime to acid soils will improve the growth of candytufts.
Spacing: 6 - 12 inches apart
Germination: 10-15 days. 68-70F
USDA Zone: 3a-9b

Medical Properties
Candytuft was an herb that was often used in Colonial times, mostly for rheumatism, gastrointestinal complaints, bronchial problems, and asthma symptoms. The whole plant is edible, but it is very bitter and for this reason has no uses in the modern kitchen. More recent studies have shown that it does have some merit cases of unexplainable gastric problems, but again, the taste is so bitter that any homemade remedy would taste too bad to be useful. There are, however, herbal preparations in existence with Candytuft as an ingredient that seem to be of some benefit in certain cases.

Gloriosa Daisy

2009-12-23T21:54:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta "Gloriosa" Mix (Asteraceae)
Other name:

Description
Gloriosa daisies are a strain of black-eyed Susan that was developed in the United States, and is now grown world-wide. The center of the is brown and surrounded by petals in shades of yellow, gold and mahogany. The six-inch blossoms available in double or single forms. Plants are erect and thick stemmed, and grow two to three feet tall. Gloriosa daisies are actually biennials or short-lived perennials, but are often grown as annuals because they bloom the first year.

How to grow
Sow the seeds outdoors any time in the fall or as early in the spring as the ground can be cultivated. Simply compress the seed into bare sunny soil in spring, summer or fall. Takes two years to bloom from seed. Plants transplant well and should be spaced 12 to 15 inches apart. They reseed themselves readily, so watch for seedlings in subsequent years.

Gloriosa daisies are superb, long-lasting cut flowers and cutting encourages the plants to send out more blossoms. They grow well in almost any soil, and look great in beds or borders, and in full sun or part shade.

Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 7-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-September
USDA Zone: 3-10

Spurred Snapdragon 'Northern Lights' Mix

2009-12-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Linaria maroccana (Scrophulariaceae)
Other name: Morrocan Toad flax

Description
Spurred snapdragon ‘Northern Lights’ mix is the idea annual flowering plant if you want to attract lots of birds, bees and butterflies to your garden. Snapdragons, native to Morroco, are a particular favorite of children who like to pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close. This 'Northern Lights' Mix of Spurred Snapdragons come in colors ranging from yellow, red and pink to white or purple.

How to grow
These flowers are perfect for showy border plants, cut flowers or large container gardening. This is a wonderful annual flower to plant in large clusters, allowing the colors to bounce off one another and showcase other flowers in your garden. These seeds are not receptive to the winter months. Therefore it is best to plant in the Spring and early Summer months in areas where frost is common.

Height: 18-24"
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Sowing: 1/32 of 1 inch depth. surface sow, do not cover the seeds.
Germination: 2 to 4 weeks
Spacing: 10" - 12"
Blooming: May through July
USDA Zone: 3-9b

Maltese Cross / Jerusalem Cross

2009-12-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Lychnis chalcedonica (Caryophyllaceae)
Other name: Jerusalem Cross, Campion, Burning Love, Dusky Salmon, Flower of Bristol

Description
Maltese Cross is native from central and eastern European Russia east to Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northwestern China. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 35-100 cm tall with unbranched stems. The leaves are produced in opposite pairs, simple broad lanceolate, 2-12 cm long and 1-5 cm broad. The flowers are produced in clusters of 10-50 together; each flower is bright red, 1-3 cm diameter, with a deeply five-lobed corolla, with each lobe further split into two smaller lobes, which creates a general shape similar to the Maltese Cross to which it owes its name. The fruit is a dry capsule containing numerous seeds. It becomes popular ornament plant in garden.

How to grow
Maltese cross blooms in June with glowing, scarlet-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It may bloom the first year from seed if started early indoors. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. Or sow outdoors after the last frost. Barely cover the seeds. Spacing 12-18 inches, germination takes about 2-3 weeks. It grows best in partial to full sun and in any good well-drained soil, if provided with a constant moisture supply. The flowering period is extended if faded flowers are removed (Cut it back to 4" when the flowers fade to encourage repeat blooming.). Hardy in zones 4-10. Easy to grow. Excellent as cut flowers, in mass planting, meadows, mixed border, and at the back of beds.

Bishop's Flower

2009-12-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Ammi majus (Apiaceae)
Other name: False Queen Anne's Lace, White Lace, White Dill, Bullwort

Description
An erect, branching annual easily established from seed. Native to North Africa and Eurasia, it has naturalized throughout much of the United States. The plant produces an abundance of large, rounded, five to six inch flower heads made up of small snow-white florets. Looks very similar to Queen Anne's lace and will produce blooms the first year.

How to grow
Bishops Flowers prefer full sun but will tolerate some light shade. Ordinary garden soil that is kept evenly moist will do just fine. Requires a minimal amount of moisture once established. Deadhead or remove spent flowers to prolong blooming period. Plant 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date. Ammi can be grown as a pot or accent plant and is much sought after as a cut flower.

Height: 2 1/2-3 feet
Germination: 7-25 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 55F-65F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: May-August

Chicory

2009-12-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Cichorium intybus
Other name: Blue Daisy, Blue Sailors, Coffeeweed, Succor, Belgian Endive, French Endive

Description
Chicory is a perennial with stems that are two to three feet high, with numerous and spreading lateral branches, growing at a very considerable angle from the central stem, so that the plant does not appear rich and full. Chicory is one of only two species that comprise the genus, Cichorium, endive being the other.

This hardy and attractive plant is due to become one of my favourite weeds. It has been introduced to the farm via the vegetable garden and after it sets seed, should become well established on the farm.

Chicory grows wild in Europe and many cultivars have been selected for garden and medicinal use. Young leaves give a boost to salads adding a little bitterness and flavour to the mix. Chicory produces a deep tap root and is able to survive harsh conditions. Being such a tasty weed, I am happy to see some plants growing on the farm. Growing in the wrong place however, this plant can become a persistent weed. Chicory is a prolific plant that thrives in places where nothing else will grow. Some consider it a weed, while others appreciate its beauty and culinary virtue.

How to grow

The way you go about growing chicory will depend on whether you plan on using its root, grown as a coffee alternative, or its leaf, which is used in salads. To harvest the root, simply dig it up once the plant is grown. The leaf can be picked and eaten at the end of the summer, blanched to minimize bitterness, or forced and enjoyed during the winter months.

Planting Chicory

Step 1
Prepare the soil. Chicory does best in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. However, chicory will also grow in other soils if they are enriched with plenty of manure and organic fertilizers.

Step 2
Sow the chicory seeds 8 inches to 1 foot apart, and 1 inch deep. Do this early, in late spring to early summer, about a month after the last frost.

Step 3
Wait for your crop to sprout, and thin the seedlings so that they are no more than 9 inches apart. Germination time for a chicory plant is anywhere from one to three weeks.

Step 4
Keep your sprouts free of weeds and water well. If you would like to harvest your plant and use the root, you may do so after four months. The leaf may also be picked from the garden and used in a fresh salad.

Benefit
Medicinally, Chicory has been used to treat skin disorders, gout, jaundice and to reduce an enlarged liver. As a poultice, Chicory was thought to improve inflammations, swellings, bruises and eye disorders. In India, the plant is still used by herbalists used to treat dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and skin allergies. Animal studies have revealed that Chicory can lower pulse rate and reduce cholesterol levels.

Shirley Poppy Mixed

2009-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae)
Other name: Shirley Poppy Single Mix

Description
A hardy annual native to Europe, but has been naturalized throughout the United States. These annual poppies are among the easiest flowers to grow. These delightfully scented flowers come in brilliant shades of scarlet, pale pink, salmon, rose and white. The two to three inch flowers come in single form. Ideal for cutting bed, border, wildflower meadows. Shirley Poppies make excellent cut flowers. Cut them just before they open, and sear the bottom of the stems over an open flame.

How to grow
Poppy seeds are very tiny. If you plan to broadcast them, they should be sown thinly, and this is sometimes easier if you mix the seeds with sand. In colder zones (3-7) sprinkle the seeds outdoors in late fall. They don't need to be covered. They will germinate in the spring when the ground thaws. Seeds can also be sown in the spring. In warmer zones, seeds will germinate in fall and you'll have blossoms in late winter.

Height in inches: 24-36"
Spread: 8-12 inches for beds and borders
Germination: 10-30 days
Soil Temp. for Germination: 60-70F
Sowing Depth: Surface sow. These seeds are very small.
Blooming Season: Spring/Summer
Light: Full sun & light
Soil: well-drained soil with not too fertile.
Flower color: scarlet, pale pink, salmon, rose and white.

Shasta Daisy

2009-12-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Chrysanthemum maximum "Alaska" (Asteraceae)

Description
A hardy perennial, forming dense colonies once established. Native to Europe, it has naturalized throughout all regions of the United States. The white petalled flowers with golden yellow centers are borne individually on single erect stems. Compared to its cousin, the Ox-Eyed Daisy, Shasta Daisies generally grow 6 to 12 inches taller and have a larger flower head diameter. Excellent as a ground cover or border plant since the foliage is attractive and remains green all year. It is an ideal cut flower, lasting up to 10 days in arrangements.

How to grow
Prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile soil. This perennial thrives in rich, moist soil, as long as it drains well - especially in winter. These plants are heavy feeders, and will benefit from an application of liquid or granular perennial fertilizer in the spring, and again in mid-summer.

Height: 1-3 feet
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-September
USDA hardiness zones 3-8

California Bluebell

2009-12-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Phacelia campanularia (Hydrophyllaceae)
Other name: Desert Blue Bells, Desert Bell, Wild Canterbury Bell

Description
A hardy annual native to the western United Satates and adapted to very arid environments. The stunning deep blue, bell-shaped flowers are highlighted by long golden stamens. Leaves are heart-shaped, covered with soft white hairs closely resembling an African Violet. Prefers full sun in very sandy or well-drained soils. Sow in early spring, seedlings are not winter hardy. One of Mother Natures most extravagant shades of blue. The plant does well in poor sandy soil and makes a splendid pot plant.

How to grow
Likes full sun, and is accustom to hot days and cool nights. Prefers sandy or gravelly areas. Very Drought tolerant after seedlings are established in well drained areas. However, if kept watered during the blooming period, these little flowers will maintain a longer flowering cycle. Most striking when sown in mass. The eye-catching flowers last 3 to 4 weeks.

Origin: Sandy or gravelly areas of Southern California
Height: 8-24 inches
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-70F
Soil Preferences: Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: February-June
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant / Spiderflower

2009-12-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Cleome serrulata (Capparaceae)
Other name: Cleome, Bee Plant, Stinkweed, Stinking Clover, Toothed Spider-Flower, Spiderflower

Description
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is an annual herb plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall with very attractive pink flowers having long exserted stamens. It develops large fluffy flowerheads of small complex flowers, which look like spider, also known as spiderflower. Its leaves are long, narrow, and in threes. The plant is found along roadsides and other disturbed areas and often grows in attractive clusters of many plants.

How to grow
Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground. The Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. This is a unique flower for your garden collection.

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Eastern WA state east over the Rockies and into the Great Plains.l
Propagation: Seeds
Soil preference: Adaptable
Moisture Requirements: Average to arid
Best in USDA Hardiness zones 3a-9b.
Blooming: Summer

Benefit
Rocky Mountain bee plant was an important food source for Native Americans in the Southwest. The leaves were boiled and used for greens (like spinach) and cooked in meat stews with wild onions and celery. The seeds were cooked, dried and used in mush and were also used to make bread. Native Americans also used the plant medicinally. They would take a tea made from the plant for fevers and stomach disorders and use a poultice of crushed leaves soaked in water to treat sore eyes. They also steeped the leaves and used the liquid as a body and shoe deodorant. A black paint made from the plant was used to decorate pottery.

Godetia / Farewell-to-Spring

2009-12-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

Description
Farewell to Spring is a flowering plant native to western North America, found in coastal hills and mountains from British Columbia south to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is an annual plant growing to 1 m tall, with slender, linear leaves 2-7 cm long and 2-6 mm broad. The flowers are pink to pale purple, with four broad petals 1.5-6 cm long. The fruit is a dry capsule, which splits open when mature to release the numerous seeds.

How to grow
Farewell-to-Spring is a lovely heirloom annual that will bring vivid color and charm to your garden, windowboxes or containers. It is an ideal cut flower, and looks good in large pots.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: California
Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist, needs good drainage, prefers a sandy soil
Propagation: Seeds
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: 1"
Germination: 5 - 15
Best in USDA Hardiness zones 7-10.
Thinning: When 1" tall thin to 12" apart
Flowering: 3 months from seed germination
Blooming: From summer to early fall

Foxglove 'Excelsior' Mix Seeds

2009-12-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae)
Other name: Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Finger Flower, Fairy Glove

Description
Foxglove is a bienneial herbal plant with soft, hairy, toothed, ovate and lance-shaped leaves in a basal rosette. The life span of the plant is 2 seasons. The first year growth remains in a basal rosette of leaves. Second year growth produces flowering stems, 3 -6 feet in height. Flower spikes have purple to white spotted thimble-like flowers which hang down and last about six days. The leaves of the Common Foxglove are the source of the medicinal drug digitalis. The whole plant is poisonous. Foxglove is a source of digitalis prescribed by doctors to strengthen the heart and regulate its beat. Drugs based on digitalis extract, such as Digitoxin and Digoxin, are some of the best known treatments to control the heart rate.

How to grow
They need a soil rich in organic matter to be at their best. Sow them in pots in late summer (early fall, or inside in Phoenix). The seeds should not be covered with soil, but just pressed in. Transplant in late fall. Set the young foxglove plants 1 foot apart (30 cm).

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun
Origin: Central Europe
Growth Habits: Biennial or short lived perennial, up to 5 feet tall (1.5 m), up to 2 feet in spread (60 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular water, good drainage
Propagation: Seeds in fall or division. Self seed easily
USDA: 5-10
Germination: 20-30 days,
Soil temperature for germination: 60-65F
Suggested use: Shaded areas, wildflower mixes, waste places.

Mountain Garland

2009-12-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Clarkia unguiculata (Onagraceae)
Other name: Clarkia elegans,

Description
The plant is native to California, the Mountain Garland is a perfect flower for table arrangements, as it will last a long time if the flowers are cut while still in the bud. The floral arrangements can last as long as 5-7 days in a vase. Clarkia unguiculata is named for William Clark who with Captain Meriwether Lewis made the first transcontinental expedition from 1804 to 1806. The plant attracts bees, birds, and butterflies.

How to grow
Simply scatter seed on loosened soil and then compress the seed into the dirt. Do not cover with soil. The plant is easy to grow. Likes full sun but will grow in partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions but avoid heavy clay soils. These flowers will bloom the best in soil with low nitrogen content.

Season: Annual
Height: 2-3 Foot
Bloom Season: May-August
Germination: 15-30 days
Environment: Full Sun/Light Shade/Moist-well drained
Zones: 3a -10b

Red Mexican Hat

2009-12-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Ratibida columnaris (Asteraceae)

Description
A robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the mid-west and has naturalized throughout North America. The characteristic white, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire-red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent. At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody. An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements lasting 5 to 10 days. Flower resembles a colorful Mexican sombrero, hence the name, Mexican Hat.

How to grow
Prefers full sun in well drained soil. Outstanding in hot-humid climates. USDA hardiness zone 3-9.

Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 20-40 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 68-75F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-September

Sweet William

2009-12-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Dianthus barbatus (Caryophyllaceae)

Description
A perennial variety which usually performs as an annual. Native to Europe, it has escaped cultivation and adapted to all regions of the United States. The brilliant little flowers have fringed petals of red, pink, purple or violet. An ideal spring flower often blooming 60 to 90 days after planting under ideal environmental conditions.

How to grow
Sweet William prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. In areas having extremely hot summers, plant in partial shade for best results. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 3-9.
The plant is best for borders, mass plantings, meadows. The flowers are very sweetly scented. Makes a nice cut flower with a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Height: 12-18 inches
Germination: usually takes 14-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60-70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: April-September.

SWEET ALYSSUM 'Royal Carpet'

2009-12-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Lobularia maritima
Other name: Alyssum, Sweet Alison

Description
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to the Mediterranean region and Macaronesia. It is an annual plant growing to 10-30 cm tall. The leaves are 1-4 cm long and 3-5 mm broad, oval to lanceolate, with an entire margin. The flowers are sweet-smelling white, with four petals; they are produced throughout the growing season, or year-round in areas free of frost. Its flowers are very fragrant and attract insects like butterflies and bees.

How to grow
This is a great plant for rockery and edging. It is Wonderful plants for borders and ground-covers. It can be used to be basket hanging plant too.

Germination: 8-15 days. Do not cover as the seeds need light to germinate. Sow seeds on soil surface at 80F and water.
Requirements: Likes full sun and partial sun with moist to dry soils.
Spacing: 12 to 15 in
USDA Zone: 3a-9b

White Sweet Alyssum

2009-12-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

Siberian Wallflower

2009-12-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Botanical name: Cheiranthus Allionii
Other name: Heart's Ease, Yealowe Violet, Bee-flower, Chevisaunce, and Yellow Stock Gilloflowe

Description
The Siberian Wallflower is a flower native to Europe that releases an appealing fragrance. It will act as a biennial flower when planted in colder climate areas, and as a perennial in warmer climate areas. The flowers seem to hold up real well under winter conditions without any protection (in dry areas). The sweet scent of the blossoms are reason enough to grow Wallflowers, especially in containers or along a path. The low, mounding perrenials have upright or creeping stems and narrow leaves. They give off thick clusters of fragrent, four-petaled, orange to slightly yellow flowers. Although the Siberian Wallflower is a spring bloomer, in cooler summer climates, these will bloom well into the summer.

How to grow
Siberian Wallflower prefers full to partial sun, and thrives in considerably drought tolerant. This hardy and easy to grow perennial is ideal for border accent, rock gardens, mass planting, and looks amazing planted in harmony with the lively and vibrant orange of English Wallflower.

Height in inches: 12-24"
Spread: 8-12"
Germination: 15-30 days
Soil Temp. for Germination: 65-75F
Sowing Depth: 1/16"
Blooming Season: Spring
Requirements: Likes full sun to partial shade in well drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Perfect for rock gardens or stone "walls". USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Green bean with brown seed

2009-12-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

Thai Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.)

2009-11-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Thai Basil is also know as Sweet Basil or Asian Basil and the Thai name is bai horapa Theses tropical varieties of basil are referred to as "Thai Basil" are slightly sweeter in flavor and are more stable when cooked than the Mediterranean basil. The leaves of Thai basil are deep green, smaller than those of Western basil, and arranged on purple-hued stems. The flowers, which are edible as well, are red-purple and licorice flavored. The flowers of Thai basil form in a cluster, not on a spike, unlike those of common basil. The flowers make an attractive plate garnish or colorful addition to green salads.

Growing Tips
Thai basil likes well-drained soil. It is sensitive to frost and should not be planted outside until both day- and nighttime temperatures are fixed above 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Although it will grow happily in full sun, it requires only 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day, and will do fine in filtered or indirect light. It forms a leafy little bush, approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) both tall and wide. Keep the flower buds nipped off to keep the plant putting energy into the leaves and not the flowers. Thai Sweet Basil is popular among home gardeners, can be started from seed, and does very well as a container plant. Indoors, place it in or near a sunny window, make sure its soil is moist but not soggy, and provide a pot large enough so that the plant does not become root-bound.

Harvest
When harvesting Thai basil, don’t remove single leaves as you need them. Pinch off the top section of a stem, stopping just at the intersection where two leaves emerge. This will prompt the plant to produce new growth branching off from the place where you removed the stem. Removing leaves individually will not achieve the same result. Rinse the leaves in cool water to remove dirt or grit and pat dry between paper towels before use.

Uses
Thai basil is considerably stronger in flavor than Mediterranean basil, so make adjustments to the amount used if substituting one for the other. Use Thai basil for Thai, Indian, and Italian recipes. Fresh, it can be added to salads, and either the fresh or dried forms can be used to flavor soups, pasta, and vegetable dishes.

White Egg-shaped Eggplant

2009-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Asparagus fern

2009-09-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri', or Sprenger's Asparagus Fern, a native of South Africa is not really a fern at all. Even though it may appear fern-like to the inexperienced eye, it has flowers and berries, so is clearly an angiosperm. It is highly modified. The needle-like leaves are actually short branches called cladodes. The true leaves are initially green, but remain on the plant as inconspicuous dry scales. The plant will reach from 2 feet (60 cm) to 6 feet (2 m) tall. Taller stems will weep and make the plant a good basket subject. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. When it escapes in the right climate, it is hardy enough to be very weedy and invasive. The berries and sap from the stems are considered poisonous.

Blooming Time: Summer: Flowers are pinkish white and very inconspicuous and are followed by clusters of red berries.

Culture: Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' need full sun to partial shade. The color of the plant seems to be best under 25% shade. The plant tends to yellow if grown in dense shade. A suitable soil mix consists of 2 parts peat moss to 2 parts loam to 1 part sand or perlite. Even though they have very fleshy roots and can withstand a fair amount of drought, they grow better if kept on the moist side during the growing season. During the winter months, it is best to grow them on the dry side, but being careful not to let them dry completely or they tend to have a lot of leaf drop. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer and trim out old growth to make way for new lush growth. Repotting should be done in the spring before new growth begins.

Propagation: Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' are propagated by division and by seed. Seeds usually germinate in 21-30 days at 60-70° F (16-21°C).

Custard Apple (Annona reticulata)

2009-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Plant Description
Custard apple is the fruit of the tree Annona reticulata. This tree is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree sometimes reaching 10 metres (33 ft) tall and a native of the tropical New World that prefers low elevations, and a warm, humid climate. It also occurs as feral populations in many parts of the world including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, Australia, and Africa. It is a shrub or small tree that can reach 6 to 8 meters tall.

How to grow
The custard apple does best in low-lying, deep, rich soil with ample moisture and good drainage. It grows to full size on oolitic limestone in southern Florida and runs wild in light sand and various other types of soil in the New and Old World tropics but is doubtless less productive in the less desirable sites. It requires a tropical or sub-tropical climate. Below 10°C it will shed leaves. cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The tree requires sufficient water (rainall over 700mm); during drought it hardly produces fruits. Regular watering is essentail. The custard apple can be propagated readily from seeds; the seedlings begin producing fruit when 4 to 5 years of age. USDA: 10-11

Nutrition Info
It taste sweet and good to eat. It is widely used to make drink and smoothie. It is an excellent source of vitamin C . It also contains potassium, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber and folic acid.

Health Benefit
Custard apple serves as an expectorant, stimulant, coolant and haematinic and is even useful in treating anemia.
The unripe fruit has been used to assist against diarrhea and dysentery. The tree bark is used for skin and mucosae medicines and the seed bark contains useful tannins and astringents. The leaves are believed to have healing properties and have been used against tumors and cancers. The bark has been used on gums to relieve toothaches.

Yellow Wood Sorrel

2009-06-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Yellow wood sorrel is a native North American plant (also found in Eurasia) which may grow either as an annual or as a perennial. This delicate seeming plant forms colonies which arise from slender but tough underground stems (rhizomes). The smooth, palmately compound leaves are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets, each leaflet having a center crease, from which the leaflets fold upward in half. The leaves are most often green, but may also be purplish or brownish red. Wood sorrel folds its leaves up at night and opens them again in the morning. It also folds its leaves when under stress, such as when growing in direct sun, or during storms. The mature plant may reach 6-15" in height.

How to grow
Wood sorrel prefers moist soil, and partial shade, but is also commonly found growing through the cracks in sidewalks.

Uses
Wood sorrel also contains rather high amounts of potassium oxalate and oxalic acid and should therefore be used in moderation, and avoided by people with kidney disease, kidney stones, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. Medicinally, in moderate dosages, wood sorrel is cooling (refrigerant, febrifuge), diuretic, stomachic (soothing to the stomach, relieves indigestion), astringent, and catalytic. It's also attributed with blood cleansing properties and is sometimes taken by cancer patie

Wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri)

2009-06-21T02:23:00.001-07:00

Wishbone flower is a bushy annual that typically grows 6-12” tall and is noted for its ability to bloom well in shady conditions. Species plants feature two-lipped, tubular, trumpet-shaped, bicolor flowers with broadly 5-winged calyxes. Species flowers are pale violet with dark blue-purple lower lips and a yellow throat blotch. Cultivars expand the range of flower colors to include shades of burgundy, pink, rose, lavender and white. A pair of stamens unites at the anthers in a shape resembling the wishbone of a chicken, hence the common name. Toothed, oval, light green leaves (to 3” long). Genus honors Olof Toren, an 18th century Sweedish chaplain.

How to grow
Annual best grown in consistently moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Although sometimes classified as a warm weather annual, this species of Torenia is not terribly fond of hot and humid summer weather. Given this they will bloom constantly from early summer until frost if deadheaded. Young plants may be pinched to promote compact, bushier growth. Container plants may be brought indoors for winter bloom. Hardiness is USDA Zones 6 - 9. Wishbone flower thrives in warm, humid climates. It is a tender annual that needs temperatures above 40°F (5°C). It does not tolerate frost. For the best effect, plant them close together, about 6 in (15 cm) apart. Sow the seed the soil, do not cover them. Germination in 7-10 days with temperature above 70°F.

When to grow
Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date or sow seed directly in the garden just before last frost date. It is annual plant in tropic weather.

Uses
They make great plants in masses in borders and flower beds. It is also for window boxes, pots and hanging baskets as long as you don't allow them to dry out between waterings.

White Flesh Dragon Fruit

2009-06-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Yard Long Bean - Black Seed

2009-04-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix)

2009-03-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

The kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC., Rutaceae), also known as kieffer lime, porcupine orange, and limau purut is a type of lime native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, and the increased demand for it in North America is relatively recent. It is widely grown worldwide as a backyard shrub. The kaffir lime is a rough, bumpy green fruit that grows on very thorny bush with aromatic and distinctively shaped "double" leaves. It is well suited to container growing. The tree is not tall and grow about 9-18 ft. The green lime fruit is distinguished by its bumpy exterior and its small size (approx. 4 cm wide).

How to grow
It needs tropic climate, well-drained moist soil. Sow the seed directly into the fertile soil 1/2 inches deep and cover it lightly. Keep the soil moist for germination and temperature must at least 24 degree Celsius. It takes about 7-10 days to germinate. Spacing is 1 meter and 1 meter for rows apart. USDA zone 9-10.

Cooking info
The Kaffir Lime is among the most unusual cultivated citrus. The leaves are used extensively in Asian cooking - particularly in Thai cuisine (Tom-yam soup and curry). The smooth aromatic foliage of the Kaffir Lime is high in volatile oils, which gives it a mysterious and distinctive flavor that cannot be duplicated. The flesh and rind from the green bumpy fruit can also be used in cooking

Medical uses
To alleviate colds, lack of energy and tiredness, the juice extracted from the fruit is mixed with plain water and drank three times a day. The juice is quite sour with a bitter aftertaste!
Kaffir Lime contains tannin, triterpenouid and saponin. It is used in herbal medicines and traditional treatments, as the fruit and especially its leaves, have those special properties to encourage the growth of skin.

Slow release petites / fertilizers seedsgarden

2009-03-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

Slow release pellets

This is one of the pellet forms of slow release fertilizer with its nutrients are encased in a resin coating which allows the food to leach through at a rate depending on the temperature, the higher the temperature the faster the release of the food - most of these are designed to release the maximum food levels of NPK at around 21 degrees C. It is ideal for bonsai, flower bulbs and seedlings in your gardening pots.

How to apply
Just sprinkle 1/4 tea spoons directly to the soil surface of the plant. Watering after each application to facilitate the nutrients release. The plant will get nutrient every time you watering. This application assist you not to over-fertilizer your plant. Each application could last for 3 to 6 months

Petunia Rainbow Mixed

2009-03-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Botanical name: Petunia hybrida

Petunias, native to Argentina, are one of the most popular bedding annual flowers with wide trumpet shaped flowers and branching foliage that is hairy and somewhat sticky. It can grow up to 12 inches tall. Petunias are popular low-lying annuals that brag of their diversity of brilliant color and attractive green foliage. They bloom all summer with little maintenance and make perfect centerpieces to containers and hanging baskets and serve as good low bordering color to gardens. This petunia rainbow mixed seeds packet contains seeds mixture of color in Petunia Multiflora Single and Petunia Grandiflora Single series. Each packet has 200 seeds, you can expect good variation.

How to grow
Seeds can be started indoors about 8 weeks before transplanting to the outdoors. Sprinkle the tiny seeds onto the soil surface and gently press them into the soil. Do not cover with soil. Give them lots of light and warmth of about 70 to 75 degrees F. When planting the Petunias outdoors, wait until after the last frost and choose a full-sun location, either in a garden, pot or planter. New plants require plenty of water and regular fertilizer for continuous blooms. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in garden beds, or place 1 to 3 plants in the center of each 10-inch container. Petunias require soil that is a peat based mix containing perlite or vermiculite for drainage. They grow best in full sunlight but will survive in shaded areas that provide at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily.

Pulasan Nephelium mutabile

2009-03-25T04:36:00.001-07:00

Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.var.grossum)

2009-03-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet peppers are plump, bell-shaped vegetables featuring either three or four lobes. They usually range in size from 2 to 5 inches in diameter, and 2 to 6 inches in length. Inside the thick flesh is an inner cavity with edible bitter seeds and a white spongy core. Bell peppers are not 'hot'. They contain a recessive gene that eliminates capsaicin, the compound responsible for the 'hotness' found in other peppers. They are native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America and largely cultivated in European and Asia countries. It is an evergreen perennial growing to 1m by 1m .

How to grow
The plant prefers full sun, light sandy, moist and loamy with well-drained rich soil with slightly acidic. Peppers are best started indoors, eight to ten weeks or more before the last frost date for your area. Sow the seed on the moist soil and soil temperature should be at least 20 degree Celsius. The seed usually germination in 2 weeks time. Transplant when the plant with a pair of true leaves to individual pot or ground. Space 18-24 inches apart, in rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

Maturity info
Approximately 80 to 90 days.

Harvest info
Peppers can be picked as soon as they reach a size which is edible.

Nutrition info
Green peppers are a very good source of fiber, folate, and vitamin A, C & K as well as the minerals molybdenum and manganese.

Cooking info
It can be stir-fried with meat slice, stuffed with meat, eat raw with salad, baked or roasted.

Health benefit
Eating bell pepper may help prevent cancer in organ and glands lined by epithelial tissue due to its high Vitamin A content. It also help to benefit those who has liver disease, obesity, constipation, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Italian Large Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum Large Leaf Italian)

2009-03-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

Italian large leaf fragrant basil grows 18" to 24" high and 12" - 15" wide. Dark green, shiny leaves grow up to 3" long on a tall, erect plant that is slow to bolt. This basil is regarded as the essential variety for true Neapolitan cuisine, especially pesto.

How to grow
It is not hard to grow from seed, which germinates readily at temperatures between 75-85 degrees, usually within 2 weeks. Contrary to most cultivation information on basil, it does not mind slightly acid soil or partial shade. As a matter of fact, it will do best in an area protected from the wind and scorching midday sun. It likes rich, well-drained soil and will grow best in soil enhanced with well-composted manure. It hates cold and should be planted out only when night temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees. If you practice companion planting, plant basil near tomatoes and peppers to enhance their growth. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier plants and to delay flowering.

Uses
Pick the extra large leaves and use fresh or dried in tomato dishes, pasta sauces, vegetables and soups. Fresh basil makes a nice tea, an excellent vinegar, and tastes great fresh with fish, poultry, rice, mild vegetables, eggplant and many others. You can also use basil in the garden as a companion plant to repel aphids, mites, and tomato hornworms.

Green Globe Artichoke

2009-03-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

The Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial thistle originating in southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.5-2 m tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves 50–82 cm long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8–15 cm diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke". The plant normally produce the edible flower only during the second and subsequent years. The globe artichoke is also an attractive plant for its bright floral display, sometimes grown in herbaceous borders for its bold foliage and large purple flower heads.

How to grow
Globe artichokes grow best in a warm climate and most varieties need at least 100 frost-free days to produce their edible flower buds. It requires good soil, regular watering and feeding plus frost protection in winter. Sow seeds one inch deep, spaced 5-6 inches apart. Rows should be spaced 5-6 feet apart. Thin plants to two 2/12 feet apart. The peak season for artichoke harvesting is the spring, but they continue to be harvested throughout the summer, with another peak period in mid autumn. USDA zone is 6 to 7.

Maturity info
Approximately 90 to 100 days. But remember, most Artichoke do not produce buds the first year.

Harvest info
When harvesting, they are cut from the plant so as to leave an inch or two of stem. the large thistle-like heads which develop should be cut just before they open. Cut the main head, known as the king head, first. Secondary growths will then develop, each of which will produce a tender flower head. These are cut when they are the size of a large hen's egg. For better flavour, cut no more than 1 hour before you intend to cook them.

Nutrition info
Artichokes are a good source of potassium and one large artichoke contains 25 percent of the RDA for folacin.

Cooking info
The globe artichoke can be broiled, steamed, roasted, stuffed and deep fried. Artichoke is the primary flavor of the Italian liqueur Cynar. Artichokes can also be made into an herbal tea and juices.

Health benefit
The medical properties of globe artichoke stimulates the metabolization of the cholesterol in the liver; it is diuretic, tonic, depurative, hypoglycaemic. artichoke preparations may be used for treating cardio-vascular, liver, kidney disorders, eczemas, diabetes, podagra, hemorrhoids and for regenerating hepatic cells.

Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis)

2009-03-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hyssop is a compact, shrubby perennial that grows between 40-60cm high. Its smooth, narrow leaves taper to a point at the end and grow opposite one another on the woody stems. Their color is dark, glossy green and they have a pungent aroma and resinous taste. The small flowers blue and appear profusely between July and November in spikes at the ends of stems. They are attractive to bees and butterflies. Planted with cabbage, it helps to ward off cabbage moths.

How to grow
Grow hyssop in full sun and light, well drained soil that is slightly alkaline. New plants may be grown from seeds sown in moist soil in the spring. Keep the soil moist during germination, it takes about 1 to 3 weeks. Spacing is 6 to 12 inches apart and temperature is 15 to 21 degree Celsius. Once established, hyssop will reseed itself.

Uses
Hyssop and its oil are mainly used to treat respiratory problems. The Greek Hippocrates already recommended hyssop to treat bronchitis. Today, hyssop is used for the treatment nasal congestion and mild irritations of the respiratory tract. The hyssop essential oil has stimulant and antiseptic affects. Hyssop can also be used in the kitchen. The hyssop flowers and leaves can be used to flavour dishes, including soups, salads, sauces, meat dishes, vegetable dishes and fruit salads. Fresh and dried hyssop flowers are also used as decoration

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)

2009-03-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis), also known as bean herb, is an anual herb which grow to 1 to 1.5 feet tall. It has small, aromatic leaves that are shiny and green; about 1/2 inch long, are entire, oblong-linear, acute, shortly narrowed at the base into petioles, often fascicled. The hairs on the stem are short and decurved. It flowers in July, having small, pale lilac labiate flowers, axillary, on short pedicels, the common peduncle sometimes three-flowered. It attracts to bees and causes them to make flavorsome honey.

How to grow
Broadcast seeds in early to mid spring, in rows 1 foot apart. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for germination at 18-20 degree Celsius. Thin established seedlings to 6 to 9 inches apart. The plant prefers full sun, in rich, light, well-drained soil. Pinch mature plants often to discourage flowering. If plants get floppy, mound soil slightly around their bases. Leaves are most flavorful before flowers form in midsummer. Cut plant partially back for second crop. You can begin harvesting leaves when plants are 6 inches high.

Uses
The leaves have a peppery, somewhat mintlike flavor. Traditionally, it is used to season beans. It can also be used in sausages, stuffings, meat pies, soups, stews, rice and sauces for pork, lamb, veal and poultry. Add fresh leaves to salads, fish dishes and omelets. Brew into fragrant, tangy tea; or add to vinegar for use in salad dressing.