For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday's walk around the nursery - Part 2

The most important criteria for success with growing Cyclamen are temperature, fresh air, and moisture.

Cyclamen will rarely succeed if the temperature goes above sixty-five degrees during the day and fifty degrees at night. Cyclamen said should be watered daily to keep the soil moist.
Ideally, they should be kept on top of a pebble fill tray of water. Never pour the water over the crown of the plant, as this will cause the corm to rot.
Because they prefer a humid atmosphere, misting is beneficial. Keep them out of drafts! They come in many beautiful colors.
In early fall the potted corm can be again moved into the house, where it should be kept in a window where it will receive a few hours of morning sun each day.
Many varieties of kale are referred to as "flowering kales" and are grown mainly for their ornamental leaves, which are brilliant white, red, pink, lavender, blue or violet in the interior or the rosette. Most plants sold as "ornamental cabbage" are in fact kales.
Ornamental kale is as edible as any other variety, provided it has not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
When uncooked, standard Kale is a popular garnish.

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