Gardening : Callas Grow Well in Southland
QUESTION: I am new to Southern California and would like to try growing callas. Do they require any special care?
ANSWER: Actually, except for the very coldest zones, callas grow almost like weeds in most Southland locations. The common calla will grow in most soil types. In the hot inland valleys grow callas in partial shade; near the coast in full sun. Callas do require lots of water.
Strawflowers Easy to Grow and Will Reseed
Q: I want to grow strawflowers for my dried floral displays. When do I plant them and do they need any special care?
A: Strawflowers may be planted anytime during the spring. They are quite easy to grow, and once established in a flower bed, they will reseed themselves annually. They need a sunny area of the garden and are easily planted from seeds. Strawflowers even thrive in our alkaline soil. Although they require an occasional watering, once the plants are established, they are quite drought-tolerant.
Most Native Shrubs Don’t Require Feeding
Q: Do California native plants such as Western Redbush require fertilizer?
A: Western Redbush and most other California native shrubs don’t require feeding. However, they will benefit from an occasional organic mulch. In addition, allow their fallen leaves to accumulate underneath the plants and decompose naturally.
Proper Care for Cymbidium Orchids
Q: Will Cymbidium orchids grow well in Southern California?
A: Much of the Southland has an ideal climate for cymbidiums--with the exception of the hotter inland valleys, deserts or mountain areas. Most cymbidiums are grown in containers. They require a frost-protected, wind-sheltered area of a patio or yard. The plants should have only half-day sun (morning exposure best), or they need to be grown under the filtered light of lath or a 50% shade cloth.
What to Plant for Fall Foliage Display
Q: I moved here from Vermont, and while I love the climate, I miss the fall foliage displays. Is there any tree that I can plant here that will give me a fall foliage show?
A: There are several, however, I would particularly recommend the Chinese Pistache (Pistachia chinensis) . In most years this tree changes its leaves in the fall to brilliant shades of red, burgundy, orange and yellow. Several colors will often appear on different parts of the same tree, producing a stunning effect.
Pollinate Cherimoyas by Hand for Best Result
Q: I think cherimoyas are the most delicious of all fruits. I would like to plant a cherimoya tree. How long will it take the tree to bear fruit and do I need two trees for cross-pollination?
A: A tree purchased at a nursery should begin to bear fruit about three years after planting. You do not need two trees for pollination. However, you need to hand-pollinate a cherimoya tree to get a decent fruit yield.
Here’s how you do it: Beginning in June, you have to pollinate each flower with a small paintbrush. Remove the pollen from the male portion of the flower when the flower is fully open in the afternoon and store it in the refrigerator. Then in the morning brush the pollen onto the cone-like pistil of the partially open female part of the flowers.
Hand-pollinate about a dozen flowers per week through August.
How to Identify Young Citrus Tree
Q: There is a young citrus tree in the back yard of the house I just bought. It is too young to have fruit on it. How do I tell if it is an orange, lemon or grapefruit tree?
A: Actually, the tree may be none of the above; it could be a lime or one of many specialty citrus trees. With young citrus trees it is sometimes difficult for experts to determine what they are. However, if you examine the leaves you may get a clue. Generally a lemon tree has paler foliage than an orange tree, and the leaves of a grapefruit tree are considerably larger than most other citrus trees.
