A Flower of Choice
Hibiscus are now in bloom. Hybridization has brought so many changes in size and color that if you can buy them while they’re flowering, you’re better off. For unusual hibiscus, look in the Carlsbad-Encinitas area. Hibiscus are not little plants; the single, pink ‘Agnes Galt’ can grow into a small tree 20 to 25 feet high. And they’re undemanding as long as the weather is warm; a little fertilizer and water improve their appearance.
Iberis sempervirens, the perennial candytuft, should have its old flowers sheared off after bloom (hedge shears are appropriate). For more, take three four-inch cuttings, and start them in a flat or pot in partial shade. During hot weather, keep them moist. In the garden, the dark-green foliage makes a striking contrast with the light yellow-green of golden feather. Planting freesia bulbs under iberis in the fall will provide additional spring color, and the iberis will help hold up the top-heavy stems of freesia.
Also, remove faded flowers from roses, annuals and others. When you pick off dead flowers, the energy that would have gone into the seed is directed back to the plant to produce more flowers.
Chrysanthemums, except for the pillow or bedding varieties, should not be allowed to grow rangy. Cutting them back within inches of the ground will not reduce the amount of bloom. In fact, if you trim them now, they’ll require less water. After Labor Day, take off the side buds on the stems; that will produce the large exhibition type of blooms that you see at the florist.
Miniature roses are increasing in popularity and with reason. They can be grown now where they never would have been considered before. Because they grow only seven or eight inches high, they can be grown on sunny windowsills, on balconies or even as a collection on patios. ‘Starina,’ a brilliant red, is the most highly rated of all miniatures, but there is also an abundance of pinks, yellows, whites, oranges and bi-colors. There are even miniature climbing and tree roses. Care is very similar to that of regular roses, only on a smaller scale. After the plants are pruned and shaped in the spring, new ones are easily started from cuttings.
Corn and beans should be replanted when their respective patches reach the end of the harvest cycle. With lots of hot weather still ahead of us, these two warmth-loving vegetables can be replanted throughout the rest of the summer. A small row of bush beans planted every 10 days will provide you with beans until early fall.
Begin planning your fall vegetable garden now by ordering the new or special cool-season vegetable varieties available in seed catalogues. Since it usually takes several weeks for mail-order seeds to arrive, you’ll have them in time for late-summer planting.
You can save a lot of weed pulling by using black plastic mulch to cover selected areas around your vegetable garden. In addition, if applied under sprawling crops such as melons, it will keep the fruit clean and prevent it from rotting by soil contact.
Fruit trees will develop stronger, more extensive root systems if you follow a summer fertilization program. Use fertilizer designed for the plants you have; citrus trees require a different formula and trace-element content than do stone fruits such as peaches and plums. Always follow label instructions precisely. Be especially careful with young trees, because they’re highly susceptible to fertilizer burn; use slow-release tablets. After feeding, water deeply and thoroughly.
