|
||||||||||||||
Location;
|
HeliotropiumCommon name; Heliotrope A half-hardy to tender annual that requires cool greenhouse cultivation and may also be used in summer bedding schemes. The clusters of scented flowers sit on top of masses of purple veined crinkled leaves to form a sub-shrub which is suitable for containers or a sheltered sunny border. The flowering period is from May to October. They grow to a height of 500mm (18") with a 300mm spread. Grow on in 150mm (6") pots of potting compost in a greenhouse, giving light shade in summer. Water freely during the summer, the atmosphere should be kept relatively humid, but ventilate freely when the temperature exceeds 13°C (55°F). Apply a weak liquid feed at intervals of ten days from May to September. Re-pot or pot on annually in March. Over-winter at a minimum temperature of 8°C(45°F) for early flowering provide a temperature of 16°C(60°F) during winter. Keep the plants just moist in winter. For outdoor bedding schemes, set out young plants grown as annuals in any fertile, well-drained garden soil in full sun.
Week 6; Take 75mm (3") long semi hardwood cuttings, insert them in pots/trays containing equal parts (by volume) peat and sand, and place in a propagator set to give a temperature of 18°C (65°F) When rooted, pot up the cuttings into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost. Grow on at 10°C (50°F) for a week to ten days, then gradually harden off until planting out time.
Week 10; Sow seeds for bedding plants in pots trays of seed compost; germinate at a temperature of 18°-21°C (64°-70°F) Germination takes about a week, and results can be a bit erratic in terms of numbers germinating.
Week 13; Prick out the seedlings, if large enough to handle, into boxes/cell trays of potting compost. Grow on at a minimum temperature of 15°C (60°F) for a week to ten days, gradually reducing the temperature then placing them in a cold frame till planting out time. Pinch out when 75mm (3") high to encourage bushy growth.
|
Related Links
Pests/Diseases; |
