Clitoria Ternatea, White Butterfly Pea Germination and care

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White Butterfly Pea 

Pea flowers for a biennial tendril sex climbing vegetation, alias sweet peas, peas. 90-180 cm tall, stems often up to 2 m long, winged, pinnate, with 2-5 flowers. Pea flower varieties more, usually half a double and double species, the flower is beautiful, butterfly, design and colour are bright, has white, blue, purple, pansy has also spotted or edge, such as the complex colour varieties.
Clitoria ternatea, common names including butterfly pea, blue pea, Kordofan pea and Asian pigeonwings, is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The flowers of this vine have the shape of human female genitals, hence the Latin name of the genus "Clitoria", from "clitoris". (Synonyms: Clitoris Principessa.)

It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. The most striking feature of this plant is its vivid deep blue flowers; solitary, with light yellow markings. They are about 4 cm long by 3 cm wide. There are some varieties that yield white flowers.

The fruits are 5-7 cm long, flat pods with 6 to 10 seeds in each pod. They are edible when tender.

It is grown as an ornamental plant and as a re-vegetation species, requiring little care when cultivated. As a legume, its roots form a symbiotic association with soil bacteria known as rhizobia, which transform atmospheric N2 into a plant usable form, therefore, this plant is also used to improve soil quality through the decomposition of N-rich tissue.

In Southeast Asia, the flowers are used to colour food. In Malay cooking, an aqueous extract is used to colour glutinous rice for kuih Ketan (also known as pulut tai Tai in Peranakan/Nyonya cooking) and in Nyonya chang. In Kelantan, it is used to colour white rice for Nasi kerabu. In Thailand, a syrupy blue drink is made called nam dok anchan (น้ำดอกอัญชัน), it is sometimes consumed with a drop of sweet lime juice to increase acidity and turn the juice into pink-purple. In Burmese and Thai cuisine the flowers are also dipped in batter and fried.

MEDICINAL BENEFITS

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for centuries as a memory enhancer, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquillizing and sedative agent.

In traditional Chinese medicine, owing to its similarity to the female body part, this plant has been ascribed properties affecting the same (a phenomenon also found in connection with the mandrake, among other plants). It was used traditionally in an attempt to treat sexual ailments, like infertility and gonorrhoea, to control menstrual discharge, and also as an aphrodisiac. This practice aligns with an ancient belief recorded in the Doctrine of Signatures.

In animal tests, the methanolic extract of Clitoria ternatea roots demonstrated nootropic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antistress activity. The active constituents include tannins, resins, starch, taraxerol and taraxerone.

Recently, several biologically active peptides called cliotides have been isolated from the heat-stable fraction of Clitoria ternatea extract. Cliotides belong to the cyclotides family and activities studies show that nucleotides display potent antimicrobial activity against E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa and cytotoxicity against Hela cells. These peptides have potential to be leading compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial and anti-cancer agents.

The enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis and backbone cyclization of cliotides has recently been isolated. It was named Butelase 1 in accordance with its local name in Singapore (Bunga Telang Ligase). But else 1 is the fastest peptide ligase known capable of catalyzing peptide cyclization at an extraordinary efficiency.

ITEM SPECIFICATIONS:

Use: Indoor/Outdoor Plants
Cultivating Difficulty Degree: Very Easy
Classification: Canned Plant
Type: Blooming, Herbs Plants
Location: Courtyard
Function: Beautifying
Size: Small
Style: Perennial, Indian Butterfly Pea
Color: White, Purple and Blue
Full-bloom Period: Winter
Growth period: 70-80 days
Seeding temperature: (18-25 temperature)
The growth temperature: (18-36 temperature)

Gomphrena Globe Seeds Germination and care

QUICK GOMPHRENA GROWING GUIDE FACTS!

Common Names: Globe Amaranth, Strawberry Fields Globe Amaranth, Bachelor Button.

Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.

Height: 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 cm).

Native: South and Central America.

Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.

Flowers: Summer to autumn.

Flower Details: Magenta, red, purple, white, lilac, pink. Ball-shaped. Flowers look similar to strawberry fruits.

Foliage: Oblanceolate. Green, Blueish-green.

Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following the last frost. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).

Sow Inside: Soak seeds for one day.

Germination time: One to two weeks in the dark.

Temperature: 70°F (21°C).

*Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements:

Full sunlight. Good drainage. Soil pH 6 to 7. Average soil. Drought tolerant. Provide a light feed at the first sign of blooming. Pinch tips.

Getting Gomphrena to Germinate.The Winner Is Heat Mat – seeds slightly covered with soil.

In three days the gomphrena on a heat mat germinated. Five of six have germinated. It also appears that the seeds slightly covered seemed to look at bit better. Only two of three seeds left on top of the soil have germinated at this point. Note that since I only have one heat mat, I had to put the seed pack on top of milkweed seeds that were on the heat mat.

Note – Trying to simulate the heat mat by using lights directly on top of the plastic cover and filling the tray with 1/4″ of water. The water should absorb the heat and help create the heat mat effect -Results – heat only got to 73 degrees.

GERMINATION GUIDE

If growing globe amaranth from seed outdoors then sow the seeds following the last frost of spring; lightly cover the globe amaranth seeds once sown. Ideally, amaranths should be spaced at about 20 to 30 cm apart and grown in a sunny part of the garden, For best result grow Gomphrena species in a soil of pH 6 to 7.

If starting off Globe amaranth indoors then first soak the seeds for a day, then sow into pots. Germinate Gomphrena at a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees centigrade in the dark. Transplant the globe amaranth seedlings into the garden following the last frost.

Caring for Globe Amaranth

It is easy to look after globe amaranth and other Gomphrena species. When they are young pinch back the tips to encourage branching; this will result in bushier Gomphrena plants. Once flowers break from their buds give a light feed.

IMPORTANT WATERING USE:
Use a watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood in particular area. Or use a sprayer to spray the water like mist.

 WARNING

1. Do not sow seeds on Rainy day or in a cloudy weather

2. Wait for the bright sunny day and clear weather

3. Please check forecast before sowing the seeds on the website

Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris sowing and caring

Common Names: Tree Mallow, Royal Mallow, Rose Mallow, Annual Mallow, Mission Mallow.

Life Cycle: Hardy annual.

Height: 24 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).

Native: Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Asia, Australasia.

Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.

Flowers: Summer to the first frost.

Flower Details: Pink/Rose

Foliage: Lobed. Palm-like.

Sow Outside: 
Cover seed. Every two or three weeks from just before the last frost until mid-spring, and in early autumn in warm climates. Spacing 12 to 30 inches (30 to 75 cm).

Sow Inside: 
Use peat pots. Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements: 
Full sunlight. Good drainage. Moist soil. Average soil. Monthly feed. Regular watering. Deadhead. Propagate cuttings in spring.

How to grow Mallow!

When growing Mallow and other Lavatera outdoors as annuals it is best to sow them continuously from spring to early summer; this will create a continuous bloom of Mallow flowers. Once the seeds are sown, simply cover them. Mallow likes to grow in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage. For the best flowering, the soil should not be moist and not too rich.

If planning to first grow Mallow indoors then they should be planted in peat pots, about 7 or 8 weeks before putting out in the garden (transplant Mallow from after the last frost of spring until the start of summer). They take two to three weeks to germinate at 21 degrees Centigrade. They should be spaced at 30 to 45cm (small Lavatera species) or 60 to 90cm apart (large varieties).

Caring for mallow in the garden!

Once growing Mallow's should be watered regularly and dead flower heads removed. It is best to fertilize them with a low nitrogen feed. If you require more plants and don't want to let them self-seed then take cuttings at the start of summer.

Perennis Tasso Strawberries and Cream Germination

SPECIFICATION OF TASSO STRAWBERRY

Type: Perennial
Zones:3-9
Height:3 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm).
Flower Color: Strawberries and Cream/ white and pink/red
Bloom Time: Late spring and summer

SOW OUTDOORS
Early spring before the last frost or in autumn. Sow in mid-summer or autumn in warmer areas. Spacing 5 to 8 inches (12 to 20 cm).

SOW INDOORS
Germination time: ten days to four weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Transplant outdoors following the last frost in cool areas; or in late summer or early autumn in warmer areas.

Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Moist soil. Rich soil. Regular watering. Requires a feed early in the growing season. Supply mulch in cooler areas to help over-wintering seedlings. Can be divided once flowering has finished.

How to grow:

When growing outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface from spring to mid-summer. They prefer to grow in rich soil and prefer lightly shaded or sunny areas of the garden. it is important to cut flowers back after flowering or they may take over the garden.

GERMINATION

Step 1 :

Fill a pot with water that equals five times the seed volume and brings it to a boil on a stove. Check the temperature of the water with a cooking thermometer, and when it reaches 176 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the pot from the stove.

Step 2:
Place the monkey pod tree seeds in the hot water and stir them for up to two minutes with a spoon before draining the liquid.

Step 3:
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water that's between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and soak the seeds in it for 24 hours. This pre-treatment is called scarification and alters the hard seed coat, which increases the chances of uniform germination.

Step 4:
Fill a pot with the moist seed-starting mix up to 1 inch from the top, place the seed on top of the surface and cover it with a 1/2-inch layer of the mix. Tamp down lightly and moisten the surface with a water-filled spray bottle to avoid washing away the seed.

Step 5:
Cover tightly plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture retention and place it in a dimly lit area of the house. Lift the plastic daily to check that the soil is moist. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.

Step 6:
Remove the plastic as soon as the seedlings emerge, and gradually move the pot to a brighter area over a two-week period so that at the end of that time they're acclimated to being in full sunlight.

Step 7:
Transplant the seedlings outside to an area with full sun and well-draining soil after three to five months, when the seedlings are about 8 to 12 inches tall.

IMPORTANT WATERING USE: Use watering can for watering. By moving the water stream constantly waves the can. Do not let the water to flood in particular area. Or use a sprayer to spray the water like mist.

English Lavender Germination and Cultivation

 English Lavender Vera, Lavandula Angustifolia

Lavender Vera is thought to be the true English Lavender. Also called True Lavender or Fine Lavender, it is thought to be the best Lavender for medicinal and aromatherapy purposes. This evergreen is a staple plant for the herb garden, the fragrant flowers have been used in perfumes, poultices and potpourris for centuries.
It is an excellent plant for low informal hedging and as a specimen evergreen for borders and formal gardens. For best effect plant it by doors and paths, where it's delightful scent can be fully appreciated.


BOTANICAL INFORMATION:

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Lavandula
Species: Angustifolia
Synonym: Lavender Vera
Common Name: True English Lavender, Fine Lavender
Hardiness: Hardy Perennial
Flowers: Mid to late Spring
Foliage: Evergreen, narrow grey-green leaves
Height: 30 to 45cm (12 to 18in)
Spread: 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in)
Position: Prefers Full Sun, Sheltered
Soil: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy
Germination: 21 to 90 Days
Notes: Herb, Evergreen Shrub (Hardy)

GERMINATION:

Late winter to late spring (February to April) or sow in late summer to autumn (August to Oct)
Lavender can be sown at any time of year but prefers the ground temperature to be around 13 to 18°C (55 to 65°F). Sow seed on the surface of a well-drained, seed compost in pots or trays. Cover seed with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Germination in 21 to 90 days.
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 45cm (18in) apart. For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun.

Prepare a planting mix with the sand, soil and vermicompost=>Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1-litre water) after sowing the seeds. Make a hole in the potting mix with your finger=>Insert each seed in a hole as 1/3=>Place the planted pots or flats in a warm, above 60ºF (15.5ºC), sunny place=>too wet is quite dangerous for the seeds to keep the potting soil moist but not too wet until the seeds emerge, which should be in about 21 days=>cover the mixture with poly bag=> after 21 days  you can remove the plastic.

COLD GERMINATION:

1. Put seeds into 40° C water for 24 hours.
2. Put seeds into very wet sands or coco pit then it must be able to retain the moisture and to circulate the oxygen for germination. ( Generally, it takes more than 40 days. )
3. Move it into the soil after it sprouts.
4. Germination temperature: 20-25℃
5. Germination time: 40 days
6. Growth optimum temperature: 10-25 ℃
7. Spacing: 20 * 20cm
8. Rose on soil not ask for much, just with some humus soil aggregate 

CULTIVATION:

Lavenders do best in moderately fertile, well-drained, alkaline soils in full sun. Once established they thrive on poor, dry, stony soils, but do not tolerate waterlogging. In poorly-drained soils plant on a mound or, in the case of hedging, on a ridge which will keep the base of the plants out of the saturated soil. On heavier soils consider adding large quantities of gravel to improve drainage. It will grow in slightly acid soils.
Adequate spacing is essential to provide good air circulation. For informal plantings allow up to 90cm (36in). Where grown as a hedge, plant about 30cm (12in) apart or 45cm (18in) apart for taller cultivars. Prune back to encourage bushy growth. Although lavenders are drought-tolerant, they need watering until established. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Lavenders grow well in containers but are deep-rooted and need large pots with a diameter of 30 to 45cm (12 to 18in). Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3 with added coarse grit for drainage and a controlled-release fertilizer. Plants will need regular watering in summer but should be kept on the dry side over winter.

PRUNING:

Lavenders should be pruned every year to keep them in a tidy shrub form. Pruning or trimming should be done each year in late summer, as soon as the blooms have faded so that the bushes have time to make a little new growth before winter. On established plants use secateurs to remove flower stalks and about 2.5cm (1in) of the current year’s growth, making sure that some green growth remains. Hard pruning is sometimes done in April, but this means the loss of a season’s flowers.

HARVESTING:

Harvesting Lavender is one of the most enjoyable pleasures any gardener can have. Lavender flower heads look grey before the flowers open. Cut lavender stems when the lowest blossom opens. Make the cut slightly above the first set of leaves leaving a stem length suitable for a vase or whatever flower arrangement you choose. The colour will be more vivid when dried.

Cut the flower stems during the cool of the morning after the dew has dried. The fragrance is the strongest then, and the blossoms will keep most of the perfume oils present, even when dried. Keep cutting blooming stems to encourage more growth. Plants can flower up to three times during a summer.

Tie the stems in small bunches and hang upside down in a warm dark place for the deepest colour and to prevent them from bending. More essential oils will be retained, too. Use a dark, dry, airy room for fast drying. It will take about a week for the flowers to completely dry.

Banks and Slopes, City/Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Cottage/Informal Garden, Drought Resistant, Flowers Borders and Beds, Garden Edging, Gravel Garden, Mediterranean, Patio/Container Plants, Rock Garden or Wildlife Gardens.
Aromatherapy, Culinary uses, Companion Plant and Insect repellent.

COMPANION PLANTS:

The scent of lavender repels fleas and moths can protect nearby plants from insects such as whitefly. While flowering it nourishes many nectar feeding and beneficial insects. Lavender planted under and near to fruit trees can deter codling moth.