Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Propagating perfect plants

Thursday 24th December
Here is a shot of some plants I am planning on potting up for the markets.
There are lemon balm, peppermint, mint, two different pig faces, hydrangea and Devils ivy.

I have been doing some reading on the internet about growing cyclamens and growing from seed. From what I have read they prefer a soil ph of 5.5-7.5 (so acidic in a way). Also of note are the number of people saying getting them to flower again is hard and one guy says he throws them out after they finish flowering. This seems an awful waste and mine are going to flower again. I have two as well as the new seedling plant and they have recovered and flowered again before.







I am aware they need temperatures below 20 degrees or so to flower but have heard about just leaving them on side in garden until it cools. I am still watering but from below now as recommended and leave for 10 minutes and then drain away any residual water.



The baby cyclamen seedling.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Cucumbers, tomatoes and sprouting orchids.

Sunday December 13th




Yes the vegies are growing, my cucumbers have lovely babies on them as do the tomatoes.





The orchid back bulbs that I separated from a large pot bought at a garage sale are sprouting.















To show progress of the cyclamen seedling as it pushes its way towards the sun, see below.





Saturday, December 5, 2009

The Cyclamens are growing.

Sunday December 6th
Yes the seeds I planted weeks ago are finally growing and a cyclamen has produced a leaf. They appear to take ages to sprout, picture quality not the best but will post a better one as it grows.



The first cyclamen leaf!!! This one will be pink flowered.



            This is a cyclamen seed pod on a plant with deep red flowers.
                     When they are less firm they split
                 and the seeds can be planted. It seems to take 3 weeks
                                  plus for germination.



The first bell shaped zucchini.