Some years ago I found pots of moonflowers (Ipomoea alba, syn. Calonyction aculeatum) started in a nursery. These are a species in the morning glory genus, and you can see the resemblance in their large, pure white trumpet flowers, twining vines and heart-shape foliage. Moonflowers are distinguished by their night-blooming schedule (opening in late afternoon), and an … [Read more...] about Moonflowers from seed
Growing from seed
Dark morning glories from seed
It’s impossible to think of morning glories without calling up an image of ‘Heavenly Blue’ (Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’), the classic sky blue flowers with deep white throats. Now there are additional colours to think about, including ‘La Vie en Rose’, a blend of pale pink to deep rose and red; ‘Dacapo Blue’, a pale blue flower with purple striping; ‘Flying Saucers’, blue … [Read more...] about Dark morning glories from seed
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
Starting primroses from seed
There’s no need to shrink from the mere thought of starting primroses from seed. It might seem mysterious and excessively scientific, requiring the defeat of inbred germination inhibitors, necessary freeze and warmth cycles, and exposure to light or complete darkness — too complicated and fidgety to attempt. Except, of course, you could learn the methods and do it; and be able … [Read more...] about Starting primroses from seed
