Ask me, and I’d have said there was no need to improve the several styles of zinnias we’ve already got. But plant breeders need a constant supply of plants to improve, and now there is the new pom-pom form ‘Candy Mix’ zinnia (parkseed.com) that grows to 30 inches (75 cm). This isn’t the old, well-loved ‘Candy Cane Mix’ zinnia with spotted petals, but a new double zinnia with a … [Read more...] about New ‘Candy Mix’ zinnia struts on stage
zinnias
Bold, colourful zinnias
There’s nothing subtle about zinnias (Zinnia elegans). Their “in-your-face” attitude appeals to me and I appreciate their big, bold double flowers that flaunt deeply saturated colours all summer. Small cultivars like dwarf ‘Thumbelina’ and the single Zahara and Profusion Series are good for massing in borders or large containers, but what interests me are the tall plants with … [Read more...] about Bold, colourful zinnias
Dwarf vegetables in containers
I have a bright, hot spot on my front stone steps with enough space for three containers to greet visitors as they come up the path. The stone holds heat, which in turn is radiated into the containers and heats the soil. Many plants prefer cool soil around their roots and wouldn’t like this location, but for two years I’ve done well with ‘Tropicana’ canna lilies. Their breeding … [Read more...] about Dwarf vegetables in containers
Global warming and plant hardiness
I’m confused. Current winter weather predictions (2010-11) from Environment Canada, the Weather Network and the Farmers’ Almanac all agree that my southern Ontario garden will have normal temperatures and normal snowfall this winter. But does anyone know what normal is anymore? Over the past decade winters have grown gradually warmer with less snow, and 2010 was the warmest … [Read more...] about Global warming and plant hardiness
