Josan Nursery

Jandiala, Amritsar, Punjab

Cyperus papyrus (papyrus sedge, paper reed, Indian matting plant, Nile grass)is a species of aquatic flowering plant belonging to the sedge family Cyperaceae.

Cyperus papyrus is also known as water papyrus plant. Highly suitable to keep in pots.

Cyperus papyrus is distributed in northern and central Africa and Sri Lanka. In India it is reported from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Unique Roses

The Unique Roses - ( 9 seeds Pack ) contains:
Rose Seeds 1. Rainbow Rose 2. Rose Blue 3. Rose Green 4 . Rose Black 5. Rose Purple 6. Climbing Rose Red 7. Climbing Rose Yellow 8. Climbing Rose Pink 9. Climbing Rose White

Water Lettuce is a floating plant from Tropical America. Its thick, fleshy, light green leaves are heavily ribbed and form a rosette that looks like a small head of lettuce.

Pistia is a genus of aquatic plant in the arum family, Araceae. The single species it comprises, Pistia stratiotes, is often called water cabbage, water lettuce, Nile cabbage, or shellflower. Its native distribution is uncertain, but probably pantropical; it was first discovered from the Nile near Lake Victoria in Africa. It is now present, either naturally or through human introduction, in nearly all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways.

Common Name: Water Lettuce
Latin Name: Pistia stratiotes
Light: Does best with shade during the hottest part of the day, but can adapt to full sun.
Size: Individual rosettes can range from 2" to 18" across.
Being a floating plant, water lettuce obtains all its nutrients directly from the water. This makes it a great plant to use to combat algae. The long feathery roots also make great shelter for young fish and other wildlife.

Water lettuce is grown for its foliage, but it does bloom. The insignificant flowers are usually hidden down between the leaves.

Planting & Care

Water lettuce is generally care free, but there are a few reasons it may not thrive. Fish love to nibble at the roots and if they are large or there are a lot of them, they may kill the plant or even eat the entire thing. Placing the lettuce in floating baskets or partitioning them off from the fish with rocks may help.

Lettuce loves to be crowded and even though they are floating plants, they dont like to drift around. Corralling them with a hoop of plastic tubing, a hula-hoop, fishing line, or even rocks will keep them from moving around. Water lettuce also does not like to have water on its leaves.

Lack of nutrients will cause water lettuce to grow poorly and turn yellow. Lettuce is such a vigorous grower it sometimes uses up one or more nutrients in the pond. This can especially be a problem in very small ponds and ponds with very few fish.

There are two ways of fertilizing your lettuce. If you only have a few, you can float them in a bucket of water with fertilizer for a few hours at a time. If you have too many lettuce to remove from the pond, you can treat the entire pond with a solution of Muriate of Potash. Lettuce and other floating plants also usually respond well to any of the micro nutrient solutions specially made for pond plants.

Another problem can occur if you try to ship water lettuce during hot weather. You will end up with a head of lettuce and no roots. Float the plants in a shade spot and they usually grow new roots very quickly. Adding a little fish emulsion to the water (not in the pond!) may help, too.

Water Lettuce seems to prefer some shade in warmer climates, but is also susceptible to frost, and even a brief exposure to frigid temperatures produces scalded leaves that quickly turn to rotting areas

Uses
Water lettuce is often used in tropical aquariums to provide cover for fry and small fish. It is also helpful as it outcompetes algae for nutrients in the water, thereby preventing massive algal blooms.

The Ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original distribution was in the central areas of the Deccan plateau, as well as the middle section of the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the Indian Subcontinent. The Ashoka is prized for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It is a very handsome, small, erect evergreen tree, with deep green leaves growing in dense clusters. Flowering season is around February to April. The Ashoka flowers come in heavy, lush bunches. They are bright orange-yellow in color, turning red before wilting. Here are a few varieties of the Ashoka tree. One variety is larger and highly spreading. The columnar varieties are common in cultivation. It is also used for medical purposes.


Ashoka tree has several other indigenous names which have been assigned to the tree by various regions and states. For instance it is known as Asok or Devdaru in Bengali, Ashopalava in Gujrati and Aksath in Kannada. The various other names of the tree are as follows Anagam in Tamil, Asoka in Telegu, Asok in Punjabi, Asoc in Konkani, Asoko in Oriya, Asokam in Malayalam and Ashokam in Sanskrit. Apart from the various regional names it has a scientific name of Saraca asoca. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar have been home to the Ashoka plant. Interestingly the plant does not require any specific natural conditions for its growth; it grows in places like central and eastern Himalayan foothills and in the western peninsular India. Ashoka plant also forms a major part of the evergreen forest in the southern part of India. More than being a part of the natural forest, the plant is more a part of the planted trees.

A small tree or large shrub, 6-12 ft (2-4 m) tall and 6-9 ft (2-3 m) wide. Leaves narrow, lance shaped, leathery, distinctly citrus aroma. Fuzzy-looking flowers composed mostly of stamens. Bark moderately rough, light brown.

Leaves year round, blossoms heavily in early spring with red flowers followed by some blossoms in summer.

Scientific Name(s): Callistemon spp.
Abundance: common
What: leaves, flowers
How: tea, seasoning
Where: dry sunny yards, landscaping
When: all year
Nutritional Value: flavanoids
Planting & Care

As a frost tolerant and woody plant, bottlebrushes are attractive options for home gardeners. Since they also tolerate drought and damp conditions well, they are showcased throughout landscaped lawns and gardens all over the world. The flower spikes are colorful and full of texture, and the leaves of some bottlebrush varieties are ornamental as well. Since the average lifespan for bottlebrushes is twenty to forty years, they promise beauty and blooms for many years. Although the woody shrub is low maintenance, proper care can help to ensure it continues blooming to its fullest each year.

Planting

Arrange to plant a bottlebrush shrub in full sun to maximize the amount of blooms and growth of the plant. Find a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for best results.

Choose a well-draining soil to plant the bottlebrush. Although bottlebrushes do well in a variety of soil types, they do not take kindly to alkaline type environments. Plant the seeds during spring or summer. Cuttings from mature bottlebrushes may also be used. Do not plant other flowers or plants within five feet of sowing the seed into the soil. Since bottlebrushes tend to expand and grow quite easily, give them room and resist planting other varieties of flowers too close.

Fertilizer

Apply any organic fertilizer, its a very low mantainence and hard to kill plant.

Water

In extreme heat and dry conditions, give the bottlebrush a deep watering to ensure it prospers. Mulching can help keep out the intense heat in some regions as well. Otherwise, the bottlebrush does not require regular watering other than natural rainfall.

Pruning

When the plant has produced flowers and is thriving, prune the bottlebrush back to desired size and shape. This must be done either early in the season before the flowers have bloomed or after the flowers are finishing. Cut the tips of the branches for early season pruning. Or you may choose to cut behind the finished flowers. Some flowers may have to be sacrificed in order to achieve a desired shape.

Use

Its a very hardy plant, used for ornamental purpose.

Delonix regia also known as Gulmohar, Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant, Krishnachura, Krusnachuda, Krishnasura, Peacock tree or Kaalvaripoo


Delonix regia is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It is noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant display of flowers. In many tropical parts of the world it is grown as an ornamental tree and in English it is given the name Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant. It is also one of several trees known as Flame tree.

The trees are naturally deciduous in winter or dry season depending on the type of climate. These trees are semi- to fully deciduous even in more tropical climates (during the dry season--our winter). They have been introduced into South Florida where they seem to grow beautifully. If you following the instructions on the fertilizer you are using, you should not be afraid of harming the tree. Not sure of the specific nutritional needs of this plant, but given its rapid rate of growth, I am sure it would appreciate an occasional fertilizing. If you can, put the plants outside for the summer. Also, your pots look to be large enough but they seem half full. If you add more soil make sure you add it to the bottom (do not pile it on the top or the trunks will rot). Hope this was helpful.

Cultural significance

In the Indian state of Kerala, Royal Poinciana is called Kaalvarippoo which means the flower of Calvary. There is a popular belief among Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala that when Jesus was crucified, there was a small Royal Poinciana tree nearby his Cross. It is believed that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers of the tree and this is how the flowers of Royal Poinciana got a sharp red color

Propagation

The Royal Poinciana is most commonly propagated by seeds. Seeds are collected, soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours, and planted in warm, moist soil in a semi-shaded, sheltered position. In lieu of soaking, the seeds can also be nicked or pinched (with a small scissors or nail clipper) and planted immediately. These two methods allow moisture to penetrate the tough outer casing, stimulating germination. The seedlings grow rapidly and can reach 30 cm in a few weeks under ideal conditions.

Less common, but just as effective, is propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings. Branches consisting of the current or last seasons growth can be cut into 30 cm sections and planted in a moist potting mixture.

Azadirachta indica is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem tree is the official tree of the Sindh Province and is very common in all cities of Sindh, there are projects underway for planting this tree in all over Sindh Province. Neem trees also grow in islands in the southern part of Iran where it is called "Cherish or Azad derakht in Persian. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 1520 metres (4966 ft), rarely to 3540 metres (115130 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or ovular and may reach the diameter of 1520 metres (4966 ft) in old, free-standing specimens.

Big Dahlia (Yellow)

The origin of Dahlia is in Mexico. It came in India around the year of 1860. At first, farming of Dahlia was rare, due to the problem of keeping the plant alive for next year. From the middle of twentieth century, farming of Dahlia advanced rapidly. As that time people discovered, by doing late cutting, it is possible to keep the plant alive throughout the year. Now they are one of the major attraction in our annual garden, though they belong to a separate group (Bulb). There are many varieties available now, consists of the major groups, namely; pompon dahlia small and medium cactus dahlia small and medium decorative dahlia and large decorative dahlia. Dahlia flower comes in different color and shapes. The size of the flowers varies from 2 inches to 10 inches in diameter. The petals also vary from single to honeycomb type. Their sunlight requirement is very high. So plant it, where you can get sunlight throughout the day, or at least six hours in a day.

With a multitude of different colors, shapes and sizes, Dahlias bring life and beauty to your landscape in late summer and into the fall months. The diversity of the Dahlia allow you to use them in many different aspects of your landscape design, from low growing border plants to stately background plantings that may reach six feet in height!
Dahlias make excellent cut flowers, which will typically last about a week in the house.
Dahlia Plant Care
When & Where to PlantFor best results, dahlias should be planted from mid April through May for most areas. Ground temperature approx. 60 degrees. (exceptions will be hot climates). In general about the same time you would plant your vegetable garden. Dahlias need a sunny location to thrive. An area that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight is best. Less sun equals taller plants and less blooms. Exception for hot climates, they will need morning sunlight, afternoon shade.
Soil Preparation & PlantingGround should be warm, well drained at planting, and in an open sunny location. If you have a heavier soil, add in sand, peat moss or bagged steer manure to lighten and loosen the soil texture for better drainage. Bone meal is ideal at planting time, put a small handful in the hole and work in well before planting tuber. PH level of your soil should be 6.5-7.0, slightly acidic. Lay the tuber horizontally 4-6 deep, about 18 to 24 apart, and then cover with soil. DO NOT WATER TUBERS AFTER PLANTING!! Please wait to water until after the sprouts have appeared above the ground. The exception will be in hot climates, where they should be watered very lightly.
WateringMost areas have enough rain to fill dahlia water needs until the sprouts appear above the ground. After dahlias are established, a deep watering 2-3 times a week for at least 30 minutes with a sprinkler, more required during warmer dryer weather. Hotter climates will need to water more often as conditions require. Proper watering promotes proper blooming.
FertilizerDahlias require a low nitrogen fertilizer, such as used for vegetables. We recommend high percentage potassium and phosphorus fertilizers such as a 5-10-10, 10-20-20, or 0-20-20. First applications should be within 30 days of planting and repeated again approx. 3-4 weeks later. One of the biggest mistakes made with dahlias is over feeding them. Avoid high nitrogen compost and high nitrogen water soluble types as they promote weak stems, small blooms, or no blooms, and tubers that rot or shrivel in storage.

Antirrhinum, Snapdragons (White)

Snapdragons are a particular favorite of children who like to pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close. Their large, blossom-laden flower heads are faintly fragrant and come in in a wide assortment of bright colors.
The vertical flower spikes, opening gradually from the bottom to the top, are available in two heights: dwarf varieties grow to about 10 inches while the taller types grow to a height of 18-24 inches.
A variety that grows up to 5 feet has been developed, but it must be staked. A single snapdragon plant may produce seven or eight blossom spikes in the course of a summer.
Snapdragons plant care
Soil: Snapdragons like a neutral soil pH, between 6.2 and 7.0.
Regular deadheading will keep your snapdragons blooming longer.
Snapdragons are tender perennials and may die off in colder climates. If they do survive the winter, prune them back by about 1/3, to encourage new growth. Dont be too disappointed if they dont last long.
Snapdragons tend to go downhill after their first year and its best to start fresh every year.
Many varieties will self-seed and come back on their own, although they wont always look like the original plants you planted.

Sunny Summer Flowers

The Sunny Summer Flowers - ( 24 Seeds Pack ) contains:
Rainy Flowers 1. Aster 2. Balsam 3. Balsamine Rose Flower4. Celosia 5. Celosia Cockscomb6. Cineraria 7. Cleome8. Coleus 9. Cosmos 10. Eschscholzia Californian Poppy 11. Gaillardia 12. Gerbera 13. Gompherena 14. Iceland Poppy Nudicale15. Morning Glory16. Mathiola17. Mathiola18. Portulaca19. Shirley Poppy20. Schizanthus21. Sunflower22. Tithonia23. Vinca24. Zinnia

The Royal Rainy Flowers - ( 24 Seeds Pack ) Contains:
Rainy Flowers1. Ageratum2. Alyssum 3. Balsam 4. Calendula5. Cosmos 6. Dianthus 7. Gaillardia 8. Godetia 9. Gomphrena 10. Larkspur 11. Mimosa, Touch Me Not12. Marigold13. Mathiola14. Nasturtium15. Nemesia 16. Pansy17. Poppy18. Petunia19. Phlox20. Salvia21. Schizanthus22. Statice23. Sweet Pea24. Tithonia

The Magical Marigolds - ( 11 Seeds Pack ) contains:

Marigolds
1. Marigold F-1 Inca Mixed - Seeds
2. Marigold F-1 Inca Orange - Seeds
3. Marigold F-1 Inca Yellow - Seeds
4. Marigold F-2 Orange Dwarf Double - Seeds
5. Marigold F-2 Yellow Dwarf - Seeds
6. Marigold F1 Vanilla White - Seeds
7. Marigold French Royal - Seeds
8. Marigold Nana Patula Orange - Seeds
9. Marigold Nana Patula Yellow - Seeds 1
10. Marigold Perfection Orange - Seeds
11. Marigold Rodeo Royal Mix - Seeds

The Exotic Pansies - ( 15 Seeds Pack ) contains:

Pansies
1. Pansy F1 Aqua Lemon
2. Pansy F1 Arancione Orange
3. Pansy F1 Beconsifield
4. Pansy F1 Black Blotch
5. Pansy F1 Black With Blotch
6. Pansy F1 Blotch Mixed
7. Pansy F1 Delta Fire
8. Pansy F1 Mont Blanc White
9. Pansy F1 Purple Smile
10. Pansy F1 Scarlet Red
11. Pansy F1 Scarlet Red Blotch
12. Pansy F1 Swiss Giant
13. Pansy F1 Violet / White Blotch
14. Pansy F1 White Blotch
15. Pansy, Viola Johny Jump Up

This cool-season crop grows best when daytime temperatures are in the 60s F. Grow in both spring and fall, but avoid mid-summer crops as hot weather can cause premature bolting.

Like spinach, can be grown in the spring or fall. In fact, you may be able to get a continual harvest throughout both seasons if you time planting correctly. A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is rich in vitamins.

Lifecycle: annual, Biennial grown as an annual.
Ease-of-care: moderately difficult
Requires good soil, timely planting and protection from pests.
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom time: early summer, mid-summer, late summer, early fall, mid-fall
Flower color: yellow
Foliage color: medium green, Some cultivars have a bluish cast.
Foliage texture: medium
Shape: upright

Growing Information

Broccoli prefers full sun, but partial shade can prevent plants from bolting (going to seed) in areas with warm spells. Provide a rich, well-drained soil, with plenty of compost.

Cool days and nights are essential once the flower heads start to form. Theres a wide range of days to maturity, so pick a cultivar that will mature before the weather in your area turns hot. Gardeners in most temperate areas can harvest both spring and fall crops. In areas without ground freezes, try growing a third crop by planting a slow-maturing variety such as Marathon in winter.

Sunlight: full sun, Can tolerate light shade but will slow maturity.

Soil conditions: requires well-drained soil, Prefers well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. Needs plentiful, consistent moisture.

Planting

Broccoli is hardy; it can germinate at temps as low as 40F.
Broccoli requires full sun and moist, fertile soil thats slightly acidic.
If you live in a warm climate, a fall planting is best, as broccoli thrives in cool weather. Plant seeds in mid- to late-summer in most places.
For spring plantings, direct sow outdoors (or transplant seedlings) 2 to 3 weeks before last spring frost date.
For fall plantings, direct sow seeds outdoors 85 to 100 days before your average first fall frost.
If you transplant, assume 10 less days for growth or the "days to maturity" on the seed packet.
Work in 2 to 4 inches of rich compost or a thin layer of manure before planting.
Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the side heads you want to harvest.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 3 inches apart. You will need to thin seedlings.
Care

Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.
Provide consistent soil moisture with regular watering, especially in drought conditions. Some varieties of broccoli are heat tolerant, but all need moisture.
Do not get developing heads wet when watering.
Roots are very shallow, do not cultivate. Suffocate weeds with mulch.
Mulch will also help to keep soil temperatures down.
Harvest

In terms of timing: Harvest broccoli when the buds of the head are firm and tight before the heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately.
For best taste, harvest in the morning before the soil heats up.
Cut heads from the plant. taking at least 6 inches of stem.
Cut the stalk of the main head at a slant, about 5 to 8 inches below the head.
Most varieties have side-shoots that will continue to develop after the main head is harvested. You can harvest from one plant for many weeks, in some cases, from spring to fall, if you are summer is not too hot.
Store broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wash before storing, make sure to dry it thoroughly.
Broccoli can be blanched and frozen for up to one year.

Special Notes

Broccoli is rich in vitamins, One ounce of broccoli has an equal amount of calcium as one ounce of milk.

Health Benefits

Cancer Prevention - Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. It also contains indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen found to not only hinder the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also boosts liver function.
Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Cholesterol Reduction- Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body.
Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation.
Powerful Antioxidant - Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.
Bone Health - Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
Heart Health - The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocya

At home in both formal and naturalistic settings, lilies also most take readily to containers. They all make wonderful cut flowers.

By carefully blending early, mid-season, and late varieties into your garden, you will enjoy their bewitching blooms and seductive scents from spring through frost

Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom and the easiest to grow. Hybrids come in pure white, pinks, vivid yellows, oranges, and reds; heights are from one to six feet. Intense breeding has erased much of the Asiatics fragrance, but in spite of their lack of perfume, they are a favorite with floral arrangers.
Oriental hybrids bloom in mid- to late summer, just when Asiatic lilies are beginning to fade. From tiny two-footers to towering eight-foot-tall giants, Orientals are always a striking choice (the shorter ones are great for patio beds or container gardens). Adored for their intoxicating fragrance that intensifies after dark, Oriental lilies produce masses of huge white, pink, red, or bi-color blooms. They make wonderful cut flowers that will fill even the largest of rooms with their spicy scents.

Care:

Our plants have been dipped in an antiseptic/anti-parasitical that is completely non-toxic.

Your lotus will do best in good quality soil, though they will grow in pure sand or gravel. Some garden centers sell water plant potting mix. Gravel at the bottom of your pot will help sink the planting container and one-inch gravel at the top will keep foraging koi out. Be sure your pot or soil has no insecticide/herbicide residues.

Unpack your lotus carefully and pay particular attention to the fragile growing, pointed, tip. Leave the growing tip just above soil level and be careful not to break it off. (Do not worry, another will grow if you do!) Elevate the pot in the pond to expose the growing tip to sunlight, and, as the lotus grows, you may lower the pot until you reach the desired depth (1 to 3 feet) Lotus does exceptionally well in a bog too!

If your pond has little available nitrogen (few fish or abundant plant life), fertilize when the lotus produces leaves. Slow release tablets made for ponds are great, but you can use 15-15-15 or similar by wrapping it in some newspaper and inserting it just under the soil level. If the lotus is planted in the pond bottom mud or if you are using the plant for biofiltration and nitrate removal, supplemental fertilization is usually unnecessary.

The more direct sunlight, the healthier the plant and the more blooms you will get! There should be a minimum of four hours direct sunlight. Optimum temperature is between 70 and 90 F.

As winter approaches, you will see the leaves die and the tuber will go dormant. Unless your pond freezes to the tuber level, your lotus will survive and wake next Spring. If you think the pond bottom will freeze, then dig the tubers out and put them indoors (33-45 Deg F) or even in your refrigerator! Plant in the Spring when the water warms to at least 50 Deg F.

Some people may think lotus and waterlilies are the same, but they are two distinct water plants. Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.) have leaves and flowers that float on the surface of the water and long roots under the water. The leaves of lotus plants are at the top of tall, sturdy stalks held high above the muddy soil they grow in. Both plants have large cup-shaped blossoms. The two lotus species, the native American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) and the Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), have similar needs. Water lotus is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, and has an aggressive growth habit, although it has not been classified as invasive.

Planting Lotus Seeds

Spent lotus flower heads form unusual, attractive seed cones filled with large brown seeds with hard seed coats. Collect the seeds when the cones have dried, but do not wait too long or the wind will shake the seeds out of the cones. File the hard seeds slightly to expose the white inside, but do not damage the seed or it wont be able to sprout. Another way to deal with the hard seed coat for better germination is by soaking the seeds in warm water for a couple of days, then removing the outer seed coat. You will see the white seed and possibly the beginnings of the sprout. Plant the seeds in containers or in the muddy water along your pond by pushing them into the wet soil about 1 inch and patting the soil down firmly.

In Containers

Lotus has been grown in bowls and pots since ancient times. Even the tallest lotus grows well in a large container as long as it has the right soil -- rich soil mixed well with peat and kept moist to wet. Plant the tuber or seedling at least 1 inch deep in wet soil in a sunny spot and watch the beautiful gray-green foliage sprout and leaf out. The smallest types of lotus grow less than 24 inches tall and grow well as houseplants in small containers with the right conditions, including evenly moist soil that never dries out, moisture in

Narrow Petal Frangipani is a cultivated hybrid derived from a cross between Plumeria stenophylla and an unknown parent. The tree grows mostly up to around 1.5-2 m tall and is deciduous, therefore losing its leaves during long, dry periods. The leaves of Narrow Petal Frangipani are long and narrow. The white flowers have petals that are fused at the base to form a narrow tube and five petals which are narrower than those of any other Frangipani, and are widely spreading. Faint yellow coloration may be present in the center of the flower. Flowers are very fragrant at night.


Plumerias are tropical trees famous for their gorgeous flowers which are used to make leis (floral garlands). In regions with cold winters, plumerias can be grown in containers and brought indoors when the weather cools in autumn. Other common names are frangipani and Hawaiian lei flower. Plumeria trees bloom in a variety of different colors.

Plumeria Care

Soil & Water: Plumerias are very particular about their growing conditions. They dont tolerate poorly drained soils or over-watering and are very tolerant of dry conditions once established.

Sunlight : Plumerias do best in full sun. During the winter months, protect from frost. Plants in containers can be placed indoors during periods of extreme cold.

Planting

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.
Using E.B. Stone Cactus Mix combine one part soil and one part planting compost.
Place a small handful of E.B. Stone Blood Meal in the bottom of the hole and incorporate into the soil.
Make sure the top of the original root ball is one inch above surrounding soil.
Firmly tap soil to remove any air pockets.
Water in with Bonide Plant Starter.
Fertilizing
For optimum growth and bloom plumeria benefit from bi-monthly feedings during the growing months.

Feed every two weeks from May to September with Grow More Super Bloomer.
One application of E.B. Stone Sul-Po-Mag in late September or October will help build the plants frost resistance.
Control leaf chlorosis or yellowing by applying Iron Supplement in mid-spring and again in fall.
Watering
Test soil by touch. If moist, dont water. Plumerias require at least 1 inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. More water may be required for plumerias growing in containers, but dont overwater or the trunks will rot.

Prunning
Plumerias require very little pruning. Pruning is only needed to:
1. Remove any dead or dying wood.
2. To shape the plant.

Aglaonema, Chinese Evergreen (Green)

Aglaonema Green are herbaceous perennial plants growing to 20-150 cm in height. The leaves are alternate on the stems, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, dark to medium green. They are popular houseplants and ornamental plants for offices and shopping malls because they are among the easiest houseplants to grow. They prefer heavy soil, which should be kept moist but not soggy.

Iris ( Blue flag )

This well-known plant is from 2 to 3 feet hl height With an erect stem, sometimes branched near the top, and sword-shaped leaves, shorter than the stem, from one-half to 1 inch in width and showing a slight grayish bloom. The flowers, which appear from May to July, are large and handsome, each stem bearing from two to six or more. They have a peculiar form, consisting of six segments, the three outer ones turned back and the three inner ones erect and much smaller. They are purplish blue, the narrow base of the segments variegated with yellow, green, or white and marked with purple veins. Blueflag has a thick, fleshy, horizontal, branched rootstock producing many long, fibrous roots. It is poisonous and has caused poisonous effects in persons who mistook the plant for sweetflag which it resembles greatly when not in flower.

Bell peppers are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. The bell pepper is native to Central and North America and is easy to grow. There is now a much wider variety of peppers to choose from with different colors and even different shapes.

Peppers are a tender, warm-season crop. They resist most pests and offer something for everyone: spicy, sweet or hot, and a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. For this page, we will focus on sweet bell peppers.


Growing Information

Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Loamy
Soil pH: Neutral

Preparing the Plants

Peppers like hot weather. They are easily damaged from any cold weather and frost is fatal. If you live up north, utilize items such as plastic mulches, row covers, hoop houses and anything else you can find to quickly grow this wonderful plant before the weather gets cooler.
You will want to start the seeds indoors first and transfer them to your garden when the soil is warm and the weather is right.
Plant the seeds in pots about two inches in size. Larger pots will allow the roots to develop better and offer a more stable plant when it is time to transfer them to the garden.
Place seeds about 1/4 inch deep in moistened, lightweight mix. Keep them slightly moist and warm. Plants will germinate in about 6-8 days. Thin the plants to one per pot after the first true leaves have appeared.
Using bottom heat or heat lamps to keep the soil warm will promote better and quicker germination.
Do not water seedlings directly. Rather, immerse the tray or pots with holes in a pan of water about 1/2 inch deep. Allow the seedlings to drink for a few minutes, but do not let them become soaked.
Seedlings need lots of light. Supplement with fluorescent lights if necessary to avoid tall, weak plants.


Planting

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost date.
The temperature must be at least 70 degrees F for seed germination, so keep them in a warm area for the best and fastest results.
Start pepper seeds three to a pot, and thin out the weakest seedling. Let the remaining two pepper plants spend their entire lives together as one plant. The leaves of two plants help protect peppers against sunscald, and the yield is often twice as good as two segregated plants.
Begin to harden off plants about 10 days before transplanting.
A week before transplanting, introduce fertilizer or aged compost in your garden soil.
After the danger of frost has passed, transplant seedlings outdoors, 18 to 24 inches apart (but keep paired plants close to touching.)
Soil should be at least 65 degrees F, peppers will not survive transplanting at temps any colder. Northern gardeners can warm up the soil by covering it with black plastic.
Put two or three match sticks in the hole with each plant, along with about a teaspoon of fertilizer. They give the plants a bit of sulfur, which they like.
Care

Soil should be well-drained, but maintain adequate moisture either with mulch or plastic covering.
Water one to two inches per week, but remember peppers are extremely heat sensitive. If you live in a warm or desert climate, watering everyday may be necessary.
Fertilize after the first fruit set.
carefully around plants.
If necessary, support plants with cages or stakes to prevent bending. Try commercially available cone-shaped wire tomato cages. They may not be ideal for tomatoes, but they are just the thing for peppers.
For larger fruit, spray the plants with a solution of one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water, once when it begins to bloom, and once ten days later.

Harvest/Storage

Harvest as soon as peppers reach desired size.
The longer bell peppers stay on the plant, the more sweet they become and the greater their Vitamin C content.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut peppers clean off the plant for the least damage.
Peppers can be refrigerated in plastic bags for up to 10 days after harvesting.
Bell peppers can be dried, and we would recommend a conventional oven for the task. Wash, core, and seed the peppers. Cut into one-half-inch strips. Steam for about ten minutes, then spread on a baking sheet. Dry in the oven at 140 degrees F (or the lowest possible temperature) until brittle, stirring occasionally and switching tray positions. When the peppers are cool, put them in bags or storage containers.

Special Notes

For maximum flavor, eat peppers on the same day they are picked. You can also leave them on a kitchen counter for a day or two to ripen further. Do not place peppers in the crisper drawer or in plastic wrap or bags in the refrigerator. Peppers are warm-weather fruits and do not store well in cold temperatures. If you have too many peppers, consider the following storage options.

Freezing.
This is the easiest storage method, but the peppers will be soft when thawed. The flavor is retained, however, so use frozen peppers primarily for adding spice to soups, stews, and sauces

You can grow carrots all year round and they are so simple! Just sow carrot seed regularly for a year-round crop.

Carrots are an easy and rewarding crop to grow, great for encouraging children to eat their vegetables! With so many varieties of this popular vegetable available, carrots can be grown in beds, containers and even window boxes making them suitable for gardens of any size.

Carrots are a popular root vegetable that are easy to grow in sandy soil. They are resistant to most pests and diseases, and are a good late season crop that can tolerate frost.

Not all carrots are orange; varieties vary in color like purple, blck to white.

Lifecycle: Biennial grown as an annual.
Ease-of-care: easy
Great crop for kids if planted in deep soil and site gets full sun.
Foliage color: medium green

Growing Information

Orange carrots are the traditional standard, but you can try growing white, yellow, crimson, or even purple-skinned carrots, too.

More important than color, though, is choosing the right root size and shape to suit your soil. Carrot size and shape varies by type, and there are five major categories. Ball-type, Chantenay, and Danvers carrots have blocky shapes that can handle heavy or shallow soil, while slender Nantes and Imperator carrots need deep, loose soil.

Sunlight: full sun, Will tolerate very light shade.

Soil conditions: requires well-drained soil. Good quality roots require plentiful moisture and soil that is deep, loose, free of stones, and high in organic matter. Roots can become twisted and forked in heavy, stony soil. Prefers pH of 6.0 to 6.8 but can tolerate 5.5 to 7.5. Requires only moderate nitrogen. Too much can cause root branching.

Planting

Plan to plant seeds outdoors 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost date.
Make sure your soil is free of stones; carrots need deeply tilled soil that they can push through.
Have you ever seen a carrot that has grown legs or forked? Fresh manure, or even recently applied rotted manure, can cause carrots to fork and send out little side roots. Do not use it before you plant your seeds.
Plant seeds 3-4 inches apart in rows. Rows should be at least a foot apart.
Care

Gently mulch to retain moisture, speed germination and block the sun from the roots.
Soil should be well drained and loose to prevent forking and stunting of the root growth.
Once plants are an inch tall, thin so they stand 3 inches apart. Snip them with scissors instead of pulling them out to prevent damage to the roots of remaining plants.
Water at least one inch per week.
diligently.
Fertilize 5-6 weeks after sowing.
Carrots taste much better after a couple of frosts. Following the first hard frost in the fall, cover carrot rows with an 18-inch layer of shredded leaves to preserve them for harvesting later.
Harvest

Carrots are mature at around 2 months and inch in diameter. You may harvest whenever desired maturity is reached.
You may leave mature carrots in the soil for storage if the ground will not freeze.
To store freshly harvested carrots, twist off the tops, scrub off the dirt under cold running water, let dry and seal in airtight plastic bags, and refrigerate. If you simply put fresh carrots in the refrigerator, they will go limp in a few hours.
Carrots can be stored in tubs of moist sand for winter use.

Special Notes

Here are the health benefits of carrots you need to know.

Prevent Cancer - Many studies show that eating carrots can help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. More recently, researchers have isolated a compound called falcarinol in carrots that may be largely responsible for the anti-cancer benefits.

Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects the roots from fungal diseases. In the daily diet, carrots almost the only source of these compounds.

Improve Eye Vision - Retina of the eye needs vitamin A to function, vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a substance that is converted into vitamin A in the liver. In the retina, vitamin A is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

In addition, beta-carotene helps protect against macular degeneration and prevent cataracts. A study found that people who ate more of a beta-carotene had a 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who ate the least.

Preventing Heart Disease - Studies show that a diet high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Also, it is believed that regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels.

Soluble fiber in carrots can help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding to and removing bile acids, cholesterol triggers will be pulled out of the bloodstream.

Reduce the Risk of Stroke - According to research from Harvard University, people who ate more than six carrots a week are much less likely to suffer a stroke

Capsicums (aka peppers) and the closely related chillis are warm season crops and really need to be left to mid spring before planting in cooler climates. Although they are technically perennial plants (go dormant in winter and regrow the following season) they are generally less productive in successive years and are best replaced each season with fresh seedlings.

Small bushy plant about 40cm high The seeds are reluctant to start germinating if temperatures drop at night. These are best sown in small trays in a warm, sheltered place: a small greenhouse if possible. Then plant out when about 10 -12cm (4-5in) tall.

They are from the same family as chilli but are not hot and spicy. The seeds are bitter.

Capsicums are frost tender and need warmth to ripen the fruit to the brilliant reds and yellows of commercial ones. They can be used green but are not as sweet.

Capsicums vary in size and colour with taste varying in sweetness to a slight peppery taste.There are a number of colours available, chocolate, black, yellow, orange as well as red. They all start off green and change as they ripen.


Growing Information

Soil:
Capsicums and chilli peppers are hungry, gross feeders. They need a nutritious soil that has been well dug through with rich rotted compost. Soil should also drain freely and not hold onto surface moisture for more than about a day after hand watering or a dousing of rain.

Time : October to January
In warmer areas sow indoors or under cover in August and plant out mid to late October as long as it is warm.
In cooler spots sow indoors or under cover in August and September and plant out when all risk of frosts has passed.

Temprature
Capsicums and chilli peppers are intolerant of cold temperatures and cannot handle any frost at all so wait until all risk of frost in your area has passed this normally means at least after Labour Day before you plant your seedlings in the garden. In colder parts of the country you may find you have to wait until December or plant in a greenhouse.

Sunlight:
A site that gets plenty of sun and has shelter from strong winds (which can damage these slightly brittle plants) perhaps a spot against a warm north-facing fence or wall that can reflect heat of the sun throughout the day. If you are planting in a container then this might give you the flexibility you need in choosing the best location. Plants grow to an average of about knee height.


Special Notes

Culinary uses

Peppers a packed full of vitamins A, C and K which support the immune system and cells. They are full of antioxidants too.
Chillies contain capsaicin which could reduce cholesterol and also help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Can be sliced and seeded and used raw in salads. Will freeze successfully without blanching if seeded and sliced.
Or brush with olive oil, roast at a high temperature until the skin changes colour then put in a covered dish until cool and rub off the skin and remove seeds.

The Attractive Zinnias - ( 14 Seeds Pack ) contains:

Zinnies
1. Zinnia Elegans F1 Giant Mixed
2. Zinnia F1 Elegans Orange
3. Zinnia F1 Elegans Pink
4. Zinnia F1 Elegans Purple
5. Zinnia F1 Elegans Red
6. Zinnia F1 Elegans Yellow
7. Zinnia F1 Tall Mixed
8. Zinnia F1 Tall Orange
9. Zinnia F1 Tall Pink
10. Zinnia F1 Tall Purple
11. Zinnia F1 Tall Red
12. Zinnia F1 Tall White
13. Zinnia F1 Tall Yellow
14. Zinnia Liliput Mixed