The year's shortest day December comes this month, and by recognizing and utilizing this fact we can have color and bloom in the greenhouse for Christmas.
by KeithMarkensen
The year's shortest day December comes this month, and by recognizing and utilizing this fact we can have color and bloom in the greenhouse for Christmas.
The early-flowering hardy bulbs which sometimes brave the snow outdoors make good subjects for early forcing. Iris resiculata, early daffodils, tulip species, snowdrops and crocuses are all good.
August work is the key to Christmas bloom. At that time experienced gardeners were potting bulbs, starting plants from seeds and cuttings and carefully shading and nurturing plants such as cyclamen and Christmas begonias. Other show plants started from seed almost a year earlier include streptocarpus, nemesia, schizanthus, primula, cineraria and calceolaria. Poinsettia, botanically Euphorbia pukherrima, is queen of an amazing tribe of milky-juice plants including the E. splendens or crown-of-thorns, a well known house plant.
The poinsettia "plant" the florist sends, all done up in Christmas ribbon, usually consists of a dozen or more tip cuttings which were rooted in July and grown in small pots. Later these were repotted- several to a bulb pan - and grown with careful attention to heat, humidity and ample nitrogen fertilizer.
As the weather became cool in August and September the leaves grew large and handsome. With shortened days the beautiful floral bracts and the curious but relatively inconspicuous flowers appear. Under good conditions of water, light and humidity the plants last for a long time, but when subjected to our warm and dry rooms they may start to shed their leaves.
The greenhouse amateur will often start with leafless "dead" plants, complete with ribbons, laurel trimmings, crepe paper and tinsel. The "sticks" or dormant plants may be stored under the bench and watered only enough to prevent stems from shriveling. In April repot the best ones and cut the plants back. Plants must be watered and fed regularly.
Bushier plants like the ming aralia will result if the new growth is pinched back several times until August. Temperature should be at least 60 and drafts and sudden drops in temperature avoided. Poinsettias are very sensitive to light at night. Even a light in the greenhouse for a short period at night may prevent blooming.
Cuttings from the new growth may be rooted in July and will produce flowers in December. Use tip cuttings about 6 inches long and place in a sterile rooting medium. Shade must be provided or wilting will occur.
About the Author:
Learn more of what Keith Markensen has to share over at http://www.plant-care.com. Unpack for yourself why so many people are interested in ming aralia.
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