Saccharum spontaneum/Wild sugarcane/Kans grass

Description:

It is a perennial grass, growing up to three meters in height, often with aggressive rhizomes. It grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The swamps, saline swamps, river banks, deserts, jungles, and the low slopes of the Himalayas are the best place for kans grass. It produces narrow, flat leaves and stems which are culm and erect. The flower occurs in the season of Autumn or mainly after rain. Kans flower disposes in large, silky-white, much and densely branched panicles, with spreading fragile branches and spikes. Its caryopses are dispersed by wind.


Use and Benefits:

1. It has been used in the breeding of sugarcane, as it provides vigour, hardiness and resistance to many major diseases.

2. Plants are used for hedging or screening, thus it contains ornamental values.

3. It is also used for decoration, thatching, making ropes and as fodder.

4. It controls and prevents soil erosion by its extensive rhizome roots which makes it a very efficient binder of soils.

5. In form it is highly variable.

6. It may helps in kidney's problem and blood impurity.

7. It may also be use for good fodder for goats and camels.

8. The white flower against the green, gives pleasant to our eyes and therefore it also a happy reminder of the festive season.

Drumstick: well known indian vegetable, leaf, flowers and essential health benefits,

                 

                                Drumstick/Moringa
Drumstick tree which is also called Moringa or horseradish tree, a small deciduous tree cultivated in Asia but also naturalized in Africa and tropical America. The drumstick tree is evergreen, slim and medium sized tree, which grows upright. It got fruits that appears like drumsticks and in addition white flowers. The fruits, flowers and leaves all are edible.

Flower: Flowers are white in colour. Moringa flowers are a rich source of amino acids, potassium and calcium, making them a vital supplement for nursing mothers. It can be used in making of medicine and cosmetics.

Fruit: The drumstick is a very well known vegetable to Indian. It contains excellent therapeutic and high nutrition values.The angled daggerlike fruits sometimes grow to 45 cm (18 inches) long.

Leaves: The leaves are spherical in shapes.It can be also eaten raw when young, are especially nutritious and are high in iron, potassium, and vitamin C. A horseradish-flavoured  is prepared from the crushed roots. Ben oil, extracted from the seeds, is used by watchmakers and in cosmetics, perfume makers value it for its retention of scents.

Tree:  A fully mature Moringa tree can grow to 35 feet. Moringa is a resilient tree. It can survive in a variety of climates and substandard soils. Normal growth ranges from 3-5 meters per year . It is one of the fastest growing biomasses on the planet when properly nourished.
Health Benefits:

1. Fights cold and flu

Drumsticks are content of Vitamin C. Drumstick soup is the immediate remedy of feeling  cold. Drumstick leaves are commonly known to get therapeutic qualities and is also beneficial in asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and other respiratory system difficulties.

2. For strong bones

This is large quantities of iron, Vitamins and calcium. Drumsticks are recognized to offer healthy and strong bones and are also purify the blood. Drumstick pods and leaves particularly are said to be the blood purifier. For better outcomes have smashed drumstick leaves along with milk.

3. Pregnancy and Lactation

Using this tonic on a regular basis by pregnant women will supply them with essential calcium, iron and vitamins. Drumstick pods and leaves help them get over slowness of the uterus, help easy delivery reducing post-delivery problems. A vegetable prepared from leaves boosts breast milk soon after giving birth. The vegetable is prepared by boiling the leaves with salt.

4. Avoids infection

Drumsticks have a superior content of anti-bacterial qualities and are also valuable in avoiding infections within the throat, chest, as well as skin. Drumstick pods, leaves and also flowers are utilized in preparing soups since they are anti-biotic naturally. It may also be utilized in fungal skin problems.

5. Digestive Disorders

Drumstick is  useful for digestive complaints. A teaspoonful of fresh leaf juice, combined with honey plus a glassful of tender coconut water is offered 2 or 3 times like a herbal medicine throughout the management of cholera, dysentery, colitis and jaundice.

6. Lung problems

This veggie cum herbal plant is extremely great at dealing with asthma and various other lung associated difficulties. The steam water of drumstick vegetable is generally breathed in throughout the lung problem.

7. Excellent iron tonic

The juice extract is a great tonic for young kids. This particular tonic helps to strong the Bones and  cleans the blood. For pregnant as well as feeding mothers, this is a great tonic since it contains all of the important components just like calcium, iron, and vitamins etc.

8. Glowing skin

The juice of drumstick pods is extremely useful in improving the glow as well as shine of the face. Usually, it is combined together with lime juice and is particularly quite effective in getting rid of acne, blackheads, pimples and other skin diseases.

9. Impotency

The powdered type of this excellent veggie is utilized to prevent impotency, semen thinness, as well as early ejaculation etc. It also turns out to be extremely helpful for treating the problem of sexual debility and enables in the better operating of the male along with Female Sterility.


10. Urinary Disorders

A tablespoonful fresh leaf juice, combined with a glass of fresh juice of cucumber or carrot, is an efficient medication for scanty urination . A teaspoonful of the juice along with 10 gm. of rock salt once daily is utilized for stopping extreme urination of non-diabetics.

11. Increases Bone Density

After consuming drumstick regularly for just two months it’s been proven that it raises density of bones. This is extremely great for growing up kids.

12. Reduces Cancer Level

Constant ingesting of drumstick and its leaves decreases the probability of creating cancer by 80% and it has been proven females who are victim of breast cancer recover fast out of this sickness.

13. Improves Vision of Eye and Retina

It enhances the vision of eye additionally clears the toxins through the retina that boosts the lifetime of retina.

14. Reduces Ladies Period Cramps

Drumstick leaves soup whenever taken constantly for 21 days,it changes the cycle of period in ladies which will help in cutting the cramps.

15. Asthma, Bronchitis, Tuberculosis

Person needs to prepare the soup from leaves of Drum stick twice daily as well as take in fresh soup. This helps to make lungs powerful eliminates the toxin through the lungs that are settled due to smoking cigarettes or even heavy industry air pollution.

16. Beneficial for Brain Injury

Drumstick and its leaves are extremely helpful for all those kind of head injury. Even doctors suggest patients to get this after going through operation on brain.

17. Improves Digestion problem

After consuming the leaves and drumstick for specific time period, it will help interior organ to operate effectively. As kidney lever function enhances, it will help intestine to boost the quality of gastric juice. It will help in Digestion problem.

18. Makes Gall Bladder Healthy

It will help in enhancing the function of gall bladder, which really helps diabetes individuals to decrease the sugar score. Those who are not diabetic it assists them to keep their gall bladder healthy and balanced.

Orchid seeds sowing and potting guide

Sowing Orchid Seed:
Growing orchid from seed is the most rewarding, but it will be another five years or so before you see the results of a new flowering orchid, so you will need to be patient.
Step by step guide;
1. pour a small quantity of the seeds into the sterilizing solution.
2. a screw-top jar containing sterilized jelly should be ready to receive the sterilized seed from the test tube.
3. using a platinum wire loop, carefully spread the seed across the surface of the jelly. Reseal the jar.
4. Put the jar there where the temperature can be carefully controlled, under special fluorescent tubes or such other.
5. Within a few days the first signs of life appear as the seed, lying on the surface of the jar turns green.
6. After a few week the seed masses swell into mounds of bright green protocorms. Each one is a individual plant.
7. Within several months, each protocorm will have produced a tiny leaf from the top and a root from the base.
8. The young plants with distinguishable leaves, will grow vigorously on a different medium.


Potting up orchid seedlings:
1. Using a wire hook, remove the seedlings and the agar into the bowl of water. Wear gloves as the water contains a fungicide.
2. Remove the plants, one at a time making sure that they are clean and free from jelly.
3. Grade the seedlings into sizes and discard the smallest and any large misshapen ones.The large ones can be coarse and may produce ugly flowers.
4. Use a compost perhaps of fine bark and perlite, and pot up each seedling into a segregated tray. Hold a plant  by the tip of the leaf and pour the compost in with the other hand. It is not necessary to firm the plant down.
5. The segregation method ensures that if one plant damps off it is not likely to affect its neighbours.
6. When the tray is full label with a stock number or name and the date of potting. Yong seedlings placed in warm place and kept evenly moist will grow quickly.
7. Six to nine months later the tray will be full of vigorous young plants which are now ready for potting now.
8. The advantage of segregated trays is that when the plant is ready for potting into a large pot there is less disturbance of the rootball when it is removed.
9. Damping off often takes place. The aftercare of orchids certainly through the first 12 months as well as through winter can be a trying time for a grower.

Orchid's caring - daily feeding and watering

In order to grow orchids successfully, you need to create an environment that imitates their native habits, which mean taking humidity, temperature and light into consideration, as well as their feeding and resting needs.

Feeding: 

There was a time when the feeding of orchids was frowned upon. But now as the nutritional needs of orchids have better understood and modern inorganic compost materials have increased, feeding orchids has become scientifically based. Orchids can be fed at all ages, from young seedlings and propagation to adult plants. Feed only healthy plants, as they have the ability to absorb and convert the chemicals. Do not feed plants that are sick or have lost their roots.

How to feed:

As a general guide apply feed added to the water at every second or third watering. By using plain water in between the feeds, any leftover chemicals in the compost will be washed through, avoiding the build-up of any residue. Feed very sparingly during the winter and more liberally in summer, when there is better light and higher temperatures to balance the extra nutrients being supplied.
 Fertilizers: Fertilizers consisted of horn and bone-meal powder mixed with the compost(at early stage) and another products like cow-tea and ammonia were also used at later stage.

Watering: 

Watering is the greatest cause of uncertainty among orchid growers, and whether a plant is ready for water or not is always under debate. As a general rule, water a typical orchid once or twice a week in the growing season and once every two or three weeks while it is resting. commence watering when new growth shows in the spring.
Keep plants evenly moist while they are growing. Always remember, limp foliage may indicate under-watering or even over-watering.

Methods of watering: 

1. Water orchids indoor regularly from the rim of the pot, using a spouted watering can. Thoroughly soak the compost right through.
2. Orchid such as Asconopsis, has been allowed to become dry for a considerable time, dip it in a bucket of water and allow it to soak for 10 minutes to wet the compost thoroughly.
3. Orchid that grow on bark in a greenhouse should be dipped in a bucket of water at least once a week and sprayed daily.

Grow Your Orchid Indoor and Outdoor

Orchids are grown for the astonishing beauty and variety of their flowers. The most beautiful are the gorgeous South American cattleyas, rosy-purple and mauve blooms; these are the aristocrats of the orchid world. Others have an altogether different appeal; these are the strangely weird, sometimes evil-smelling species, which are found among the bulbophyllums in particular.

Orchids can charm and tantalize, fascinate and frustrate. They provide endless satisfaction and they are lifelong plants. Daily spraying, weekly watering and feeding, and constant attention to growing requirements, such as light, warmth and your orchid's general comfort, is a rewarding process.

Types of Orchid

There are a number of different types of orchid which are classified according to the way they live and survive ,whether they are supported by trees or rocks or grow in the ground. 
1. EPIPHYTES: Those orchids that have evolved to live upon trees are called epiphytes.

2. TERRESTRIALS: These orchids grow in the ground, and there is hardly any area where terrestrial orchids have not adapted to grow. 

3. LITHOPHYTES: Performing a balancing act somewhere between the epiphytes inhabiting the trees and the terrestrial in the soil are lithophytes. 



Some Orchids suitable for growing indoor:

Brassia verrucosa, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidiums(small growing), Dendrobium infundibulum, Laelia anceps, Lycaste aromatica, Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum, Oncidium ornithorhynchum, Paphiopedilums, Phalaenopsis, Pleiones, Prosthechea radiata.

Some Orchids suitable for growing in a conservatory: 

Anguloa clowesii, Angulocaste hybrids, Brassia verrucosa, Cattleyas plus allied genera, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidiums(small growing & larger growing), Dendrobium infundibulum, Laelia anceps, Lycaste aromatica, Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum, Oncidium ornithorhynchum, Paphiopedilums, Phalaenopsis, Pleiones, Prosthechea radiata.

Chrysanthemum Carinatum Painted Daisy

FACTS

Common Name: Painted Daisy

Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum Carinatum

Zones: 1-10

Ideal Regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, West, Pacific Northwest

Advantages: Cut Flowers, Extended Blooms

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/ Half Shade

Mature Plant Size: 18-36" tall

Bloom Time: Summer to Fall

Life Cycle: Annual

Flower Colour: Mixed

Soil Moisture: Dry, Average, Well Drained

Soil Type: Sandy, Loamy, Drought/ Dry

GERMINATION

Sowing:

After the last frost of spring, direct sow on the surface of the soil and press down lightly for good soil contact. To start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, sow in a flat and press lightly into the top of lightly moistened soil. Keep the moisture consistent and the temperature around 70 degrees F until germination, which should take place within 14-20 days. When the seedlings reach a height of several inches and there is no chance of frost, transplant them outdoors.

Growing:

These plants adapt to many soils, though they appreciate well-drained, evenly moist soil. Water the seedlings regularly until they become established; mature plants also appreciate occasional watering, especially when in bloom. Pinch back the tips of the developing plants for healthy, bushy foliage. For the longest blooming, remove the spent blossoms. To survive the winter, these plants must remain in soil that drains well.

Harvesting:

Daisies make long lasting fresh flowers; cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.

Seed Saving:

Late in the season, allow the blossoms to fully mature; when the centers turn brown, cut them off and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. After about two weeks or when the heads have fully dried, rub them lightly to separate the seed from the husks. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

Abutilon Seeds Germination

 


Flower Specifications

Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 8 - 10
Height: 20 - 30 inches
Width: 17 - 21 inches
Bloom Season: Early spring to late winter
Bloom Color: Mix
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Moist, but well drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8



GERMINATION GUIDE

Most important: Avoid Rainy day or a cloudy weather for sowing the seeds.
You will definitely get nothing, wait for the bright sunny day and clear weather.

Please check the forecast before sowing the seeds on the following website :
http://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather?wealocations=wc:inxx0038
 Select your Area
Check the local weather. It will let you know whether forecast for about 7 days of your city

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimeters. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.

As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimeter). Thereafter spread the Jasmine seeds on the mixture. If your seeds are so tiny then you can spread water very lightly and carefully on the seed.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.It is very important to notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed if it happens then the fertilization of the seeds have become difficult.


Temperature: 72F+
Average Germ Time: 28 - 42 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Do not cover
Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Continuous, bottom water (not wet)
Plant Spacing: 36 inches


Care & Maintenance:

Grow in loam-based potting compost for indoor and few days after in full light. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly; water sparingly in winter. For outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Abutilon is a lovely Flowering Maple has early blooms and vivid colors. Abutilon blooms, when full-sized, will stand out from across the garden. This flowering maple plant will provide brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow from spring until frost. The flowers are 3 inches across and have a crepe-paper feel, somewhat like Hibiscus. There are to many flowers we can  get on each and every plant grown from Abutilon seeds.

Flowering Maple is also called Parlor Maple because it makes a lovely house plant, and this variety can also be used for containers. Abutilon Hybridum is superb for the garden, too. Low enough to edge a pathway or dazzle in the front of the border, it's a nice accent plant for the patio as well and so easy to grow from flower seeds. Need a good  partial shade for tolerant where summers are long and hot.

Use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer if the plant give us  much flower. Pruning is also important if the plant becomes too tall or gangly. Prune it back to a leaf joint to encourage more branching. If grown outdoors, prune in the early spring.

English Daisy Germination & Care ( Bells Perennis)

English Daisy( Bells Perennis) is a wild flower.It is biennial in its character and it also a hardy plant.It is bloomed especially early spring to early summer.It has many colors like red, white etc.Bells is generally called English Daisy.

SPECIFICATION OF ENGLISH DAISY

Season: Biennial
Height: 12- 18 inches
Bloom Season: spring to summer
Bloom Color: mixed
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.8
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Depth: 1/4 inch
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 8 - 12 inches

GERMINATION GUIDE

Step 1

Use a flat seedling tray and its deep will be 5 centimeter. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage.

Step 2
Take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost. Then  mix all the three ingredients into one container.

Step 3

As the seeds are perfect in size then you can put the seeds over it by 1/3 after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 1 cm (one centimeter)
If your seeds are so tiny then you can spreed water very lightly and carefully on the seed.Make sure that the water must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder(2 gm in 1 litter water). It is very important  notice to follow that the seeds will not to go very deep inside the mixture by speeding water on the seed, if it happen then the fertilization of the seeds are become difficult.

Step 4
  
Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1 liter water) after sowing the seeds.We have to careful about putting the seed because seeds will not to go deep inside the mixture.

Step 5
 Cover the seedling tray with tightly  plastic polythene wrap over the pot to promote soil moisture  and place it in under  light shadow area . Lift the plastic after three days  to check that the soil  moist or  not. If not, lightly moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle before replacing the plastic.

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.

CARE

• The plant needs shade in the nursery.High intensity of sunlight is harmful to it.

• When seedling will be  reached at 4 to 6 leaf soon they will  be transplanted to poly bags.

• But do it carefully from beds with all roots immediately after transplantation.

Site and soil:

The most important requirement  is a good location with plenty of light. It needs at least five or six hours of good sunlight. It will  perform even better when located in full sun all day. With out  much  light they will produce  fewer flowers.

Spread the organic matter two to three inches thick. Then incorporate it into the soil to a depth of eight to ten inches, using a rototiller or garden fork. This helps open up heavy clay soil, which improves drainage, but can also increase the ability of light, sandy soil always hold moisture and nutrients.

Nastertium Flower Seed Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use .

Nasturtiums are tropical American herbs. It is often used as an ornamental plant for its beautiful red and yellow flowers. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and make a lovely addition to the garden and it is full of vitamin C.

SPECIFICATION OF NASTURTIUM

Bright single blooms

Bright single blooms. Ideal for borders and where the soil is poor.

Height: 30cm(12in)
Plant Class: Hardy Annual (HA). Habit: Bushy, Dwarf.
Soil: Any soil is good for this plant
Sunlight: full sun or partial shade

Sow Indoors:
 Soaking seeds in water overnight prior to planting may speed germination, but nasturtium seeds sprout best when the soil is warm. Poke seeds into the soil about 3 cm deep and 8 cm apart. Thin to 30 cm apart in all directions.

Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two to three weeks.Nasturtium is an easy plant to grow. Put two seeds (1" deep) in each pot and grow them under lights or in a bright location, such as a south-facing window.Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 75°F (24°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the last month of spring. It takes about 10 to 12 days for nasturtiums to germinate.



HEATH BENEFIT OF NASTURTIUM

Nasturtium has a vast number of healthy vitamins.

1. Nasturtium's leaves are used as an antibiotic. Eating a couple of its leave can stop from colds and flu.

2.It is enriched with full of Vitamin C.

Neem Seed Germination Tips

Neem is commonly called divine tree commonly found throughout greater parts of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These fast-growing shade trees can survive drought and grow well in poor soil. And, the leaves, fruit and seeds are edible. The trees commonly grow 50 to 75 feet tall and can live for 200 years. The simplest way to propagate neem trees is by seed.
 
SPECIFICATION OF NEEM:

Height :12 to 18
Flower : white or pale yellow, small, scented.
Bark : Grey or dark reddish brown with numerous and scattered tubercles.

BENEFITS OF NEEM:

• Neem contains Vitamin C, which helps in getting rid of skin problems like blackheads, pigmentation, dullness and aging, thus leaving the skin with a youthful glow.

• Neem leaf has anti fungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating dandruff.

• Traditionally, neem paste is used to condition the hair and scalp.

• Neem is mentioned in most Ayurveda formulations for the treatment of skin disorders because of its detoxifying properties.

GERMINATION:

Use a flat tray like container of 2 inches depth. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage. Put the seedling mix leaving about 0.5 inches space. Evenly spread the seeds over it and cover the seeds with seedling mix. Sprinkle water thoroughly and place the container in a semi shaded place. 

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 water before replacing the plastic. Expect germination within three to five days.

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. 

TIPS:

• For the seedling mix take equal quantity of sand, soil and vermicompost and mix all the three ingredients into one container.

• Sprinkle diluted fungicide water (2gm in 1 liter water) after sowing the seeds.We have to careful about putting the seed because seeds will not to go deep inside the mixture.

•  The water used to sprinkle must be mixed with diluted fungicide powder.

Sweet William (Dianthus Plant) Germination Trips

Sweet Williams is actually a short-lived perennial, and it is possible to keep it growing for several years by dead-heading. Alternatively, leave plants that have flowered to shed seed. Remove the dead plants to allow the seedlings space to grow.

This compact plant is also suitable for a container . It is best planted together with taller flowering plants to provide vertical contrast.

SPECIFICATION OF DIANTHUS

Name: Sweet William

Scientific name: Dianthus barbatus

Color: pink, red, white, & bicolour

Plant seeds: outdoors just before winter or after frost  and  indoors weeks before the last frost

Bloom time: winter, spring, summer(depends on countries)

Hardiness Zone: 10 - 12 (reseeds itself easily)

Plant Height: 12 - 18"

Plant Spacing: 12 -15"

Light requirements: sun - part shade

Soil & water preferences: average

Activity attracts bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds.

Germination Requirements for Sweet William (Dianthus Plants):

Prepare the Media: 

Best germination, you will need to Professional quality Seedling mix. Below process is the best way to make it :

Sieved Coco peat
Sieved sand
Try to use a mix of half virgin forest leaf soil for better germination if the seeds are very small.
Fungicide (Bastian etc.)

As per requirement, mix 80% Coco peat & 20% Sand Sieved. After mixing add Fungicide 1 gm / 2.6 Kg.

Now sow the seeds carefully and cover mixed seedling media.Sprinkle water to keep the seeds moist.
Cover the seedling tray with rapper and placed on the partial shade.

Wait 10 to 14 days and check and sprinkle water frequently to keep the seed moist.



PROTECT & CARE:

Sweet Williams prefers a good drainage and a slightly alkaline soil. Add lime before planting. Planted in full Sun area where gets at least 5 hours of sunlight a day.
It can put a group of plants into a shallow pot. Water well.

Sweet Williams is very hardy and should survive in most areas.To protect the seeds from insects and birds cover the area with transparent polythene or big leaf of trees(e.g.Coconut or Date plant). After sowing the seeds use spray folidol powder.

Loosen the soil in a full-sun garden bed with a garden fork for direct soil. Spread 2 inches of compost over the soil and work it into the top foot of soil. Space the plants 6 to 12 inches apart in all directions.Spray water slowly.

For gardening pot: Dig the planting holes so they are twice as wide but equal in depth to the nursery pot.Set the sweet William into the planting hole and fill it back in with soil. Place the container in a semi shaded place.  


Water Sweet William immediately following planting. Continue to irrigate once per week through the spring and summer growing season. Sweet William requires approximately 1 inch of water weekly. The soil should remain moist but not become muddy.

Mulch over the bed with a 2-inch layer of bark or wood mulch. The mulch suppresses weeds and conserves the moisture in the soil.

Pinch off the blossoms once they begin to fade. Remove the entire flower structure, including the swollen portion at the base where seeds are produced. Removing the old flower prevents seed formation and encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

Add a fresh 1-inch layer of compost in spring when new growth begins. Replenish the mulch to maintain the 2-inch layer.

Annual Sweet Pea Germination and Care

SPECIFICATION OF SWEET PEA

Common Name -Sweet Pea
Seed Life Cycle -Annuals
Light Requirements -Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade
Flower Color -Mixed
Mature Height -Vine: 6-10 feet
Bloom Time -Summer
Days to Germination -10-21 days
Soil Moisture-Average, Well Draining
Soil Type -Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil
Zones -2 - 10

Sweetpea is an annual climbing vine, and highly scented ornamental closely related to the garden flower. Sweet peas are not an edible crop because it is scented flower. Sweet peas flower in the summer in cool climates and in the spring and fall in mild Mediterranean climates.
There are over 1,000 varieties of Sweet Pea. Smaller varieties: 12" - 18"; larger varieties: 4 to 6 feet.

Germination:-

The seeds should be planted 1" deep in the moist soil and spaced 6 inches apart. Sweet peas germinate best in a soil temperature between 55 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Or you can soak all the seeds in warm water over the night before planting.
Garden Tip: You can gently nicking the seed coat with the knife. It will take 10-14 days for germination commonly.But it can be fast within  2-3 days when the seeds are soaked overnight or nicked before planting.You can also start seeds indoors, to transplant later. For an indoor start, plant seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area. 

Growing Sweet Peas:
Sweet Pea plants are very easy to grow. They grow best in full sun and cool weather. They will do well in a variety of soils but prefer rich soil. Being an early, cool weather plant, they do not mind the cool or cold weather or wet soils.

Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season. They require little maintenance.

For vining types, provide something for them to climb and they will rapidly ascend skyward.

Sweet Pea is also considered wildflowers. Once established, they will thrive and spread easily. If in a flower garden, they can get out of hand easily and overcrowd other flowers.

Tip: To keep the flowers blooming, pick spent blooms before the seed begins to form.

Portulaca -sun Purslane flower seed germination

Portulaca is a moss rose

SPECIFICATION OF PORTULACA

Name: Portulaca Large-flowered Mix
Botanical name: Portulaca grandiflora
Weight: 0.30 gr
Life cycle: annuals
Sowing Method: Direct Sow or Indoors Height: 6 to 12 inches
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.
Flowers: Flowering Period: June, July, August, September, October.
Seeds are sown in March-April indoors, or in May directly.
Flower Details: Yellow, gold, orange, red, white, pink. Cup-shaped. Single or double flowers.
Foliage: Fleshy. Obovate. Oblong.
Days of Germination: 10-15
Sunlight:  full sun
Soil conditions:  tolerates doughty soil,  requires well-drained soil.
Special locations: outdoor containers,  rock gardens or direct soil bed.
Ideal For: patio, ground cover, alpine & rockery, coastal garden


SOW INDOORS:

Sow Indoors: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two to three weeks. Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 75°F (24°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the last month of spring.

SOW OUTDOORS: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two to three weeks. Use peat pots. Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 75°F (24°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors in the last month of spring.

Requirements: Full sunlight. Soil pH 5.5 to 7. Poor soil. Sandy soil. Light poor soils. May become weedy in warm areas, remove plants before they set seed.

GERMINATION GUIDE:

The seeds of Purslane and other Portulaca members should be sown on the soil surface following the last frost of spring. Ideally, Purslane should be grown in a sunny part of the garden and Portulaca genus members thrive in hot areas. The soil that Purslane grows it should be sandy and poor with a pH of 5.5 to 7. 

If starting Purslane indoors then start about one and a half months in advance. You first need to imbibe Purslane seeds by placing within the soil in a plastic bag and placing in the fridge for about 15 days. Once finished, place the soil /seeds in light and germinate at 21 to 30 degrees Centigrade. It typically takes about one to three weeks for Purslane seeds to germinate. Once ready transfer into the garden at from 14 to 60 cm apart (depending on the size of the Portulaca species). This should be done towards the end of spring.

Use a flat tray container about 10 inches by 15 inches (biggest or smaller your choice) 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Make sure you have plenty of holes in it for good water drainage - put the seedling mix you prepared up to almost top leaving about 0.5 inches space - now evenly spread the seeds over it after that cover the seeds with seedling mix only about 0.5 cm (half a centimeter) -water it by watering can - place the container in semi-shaded place.


REQUIREMENT

Full sunlight. Soil pH 5.5 to 7. Poor soil. Sandy soil. Light poor soils. May become weedy in warm areas, remove plants before they set seed.

DISEASE & INSECT

(1).Aphids, gnats, and other insects can pose a problem. Treat with insecticide or repellents, as needed. Snails and slugs can also be a problem. See more on Snail and Slug Control.

(2)Fungus diseases can occur. Use a general purpose fungicide in humid weather, and when problems appear.

(3)Stem and root rot can occur. This is a problem in wet soil. Avoid problems by planting in sandy, or other well-draining soil. A slightly elevated planting bed also helps to avoid this problem.



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 the sprayer to spray the water like mist.


Most important: Avoid  Rainy day or  a cloudy weather .

You will definitely get nothing, wait for the bright Sunny day and clear weather.

1. Please check forecast before sowing the seeds on the following website :
2. http://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather?wealocations=wc:inxx0038
3.  Select your Area
4. Check local weather. It will let you know whether forecast for about 7 days of your city