Friday, January 23, 2009

Growing Freesias

By John Howard

Belonging to the Madder family this genus includes about 200 evergreen shrubs and rarely small trees. Best known representatives are G. jasminoides, or cape jasmine, and G. Veitchii, the florists gardenia, with its waxy, fragrant white flowers and glossy foliage.

During its blooming season, G. jasminoides must be kept thoroughly wet and not allowed to dry out, but in winter it is kept fairly dry. G. Veitchii is an ever blooming gardenia, the most popular hothouse or house plant variety.

During its blooming season, G. jasminoides must be kept thoroughly wet and not allowed to dry out, but in winter it is kept fairly dry. G. Veitchii is an ever blooming gardenia, the most popular hothouse or house plant variety.

It is also summered outside, in a shaded moist location, and kept wet summer and winter. It must be returned to its partly sunny window indoors before frost.

Raw bone meal and cotton seal can also be used to advantage. In October, seed may be broadcast or planted " inch apart in rows six inches part in a well-prepared seedbed. Cover seed with fine leaf mold to the depth of one inch. In winter, the seedbed should be protected with burlap or fertilizer sacks.

At the end of the second season the seedlings are usually large enough to be transplanted to their permanent beds six to eight inches apart each way, with the root socks covered to a depth of about two inches. The soil should be kept free from weeds and the plants liberally watered throughout the growing season. For satisfactory growth the plant requires about 75 percent shade during summer.

An abundance of moisture is the most important factor in successfulgardenia culture.Plant containers may be placed in trays or bowls in which water is allowed to stand to a dept equal to the depth of gravel or rubble in the bottom of the flowerpot. If sufficient water is supplied, the plants will be free of bud rot, which causes the buds to drop before flowering. Humidity around the leaves can be kept high by putting a plastic bag over the plant.

Goldenseal still has many medicinal values. When combined with bicarbonate of soda, it can be used to treat sore throats and inflammation of the mouth. It is sometimes used in eyewash applications as well. Goldenseal is still a home remedy for upset stomachs and is used as a laxative. - 16887

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