April | 2014 | 3H Farm

16821 E Fm 1097 Rd, Willis, TX 77378
info@3hfarm.com
(936) 890-4900

Powered by Ajaxy

3H Farm

  • Home
  • Plant Library
  • Who We Are
  • Contact

Monthly Archives: April 2014

Posted in Annuals Bookmark the permalink.

Coleus

Plectranthus scutellarioides

April 8, 2014 at 5:04 am

by Terry Yang

The plant called Coleus by horticulturalists and gardeners is a species of flowering plant in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). The botanical name for Coleus is Plectranthus scutellarioides. It is native to south east Asia and Malaysia.

Botanical Name Change:

While does not happen frequently, official botanical name for plants can change from time to time, as scientists continuously revising the family lineage for plants, base on new discoveries. Genus name may be renamed (or even abandoned altogether) while species within a genus or family can undergo name changes, or get transferred to different genus or family branches.

Coleus, which until recently known as Solenostemon scutellarioides, is now in the Plectranthus genus. Some 300 species which used to be contained within the genus, has disappeared due to reclassification. While technically the earlier names Solenostemon scutellarioides no longer exist, they remained as a synonym for Plectranthus scutellarioides, and still being widely used in gardening literature.

As an interesting side note, “Coleus” is in fact the name of the defunct genus which the plant originally belonged to. Most of the plants labeled with the common name “Coleus” fall into the former Coleus blumei category, although some of the the trailing varieties were formerly labeled C. pumilus or C. rehneltianus. Coleus is a plant which has a taxonomy that seems to be forever in flux, and further changes might be down the road.

 

Appearance

Growing to 24 to 30 inches tall and wide, Coleus is a bushy, woody-based evergreen perennial, widely grown for its highly decorative variegated leaves. It has been heavily hybridized over the years into a very large number of strains. Its almost infinite number of leaf color combinations includes most colors of the spectrum except true blue.

Coleus are very generous with producing “sports,” which are mutations that can be propagated and sold as a new variety. The same sport may occur spontaneously at different nurseries and each might claim it as a new introduction and give it their own name. For the uninitiated, the shear number of different cultivars in coleus can be more than a little overwhelming.

Dipt In Wine Dipt In Wine Kong Rose Kong Rose Kong Rose Kong Rose DSC01710 DSC01710
« ‹ 1 of 5 › »

In the Garden

They have some of the most stunningly colored foliage, in combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, etc. Coleus also have a wide variety of leaf sizes and overall shapes, great for adding color in the garden (or home), especially in those dark, drab-looking corners. Its Dynamic foliage can hold its own or can be combined with annuals and perennials in the border or in containers. Coleus are equally suited as container plants for a fast growing and spectacular addition in the garden.

Characteristics:

  • Stunningly variegated leaves in bright colors.
  • Useful in containers, hanging baskets, or as bedding and borders.
  • Attract birds. Deer resistant.

 

Caring & Growing

 

Temperature

Coleus are considered tender annuals, and therefore highly susceptible to cold temperatures. Towards the end of fall they must either be dug up, potted, and brought indoors for overwintering or grown through cuttings to establish additional plants.

Coleus plants should not be set into the landscape until the minimum outdoor temperature is 50 degrees F.

Light

While most varieties of Coleus can tolerate full sun, their foliage color tends to intensify in light shade when they are grown outdoors.

Soil

Coleus need fertile, well-draining soil. When grown as bedding plant, mulch the entire bed if possible to conserve moisture. The mulch will also help to heat up, and retain the heat in the soil, thereby helping the plants to get established.

Water

They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. Make sure to water plants thoroughly at planting time. Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the foliage will wilt, but normally will recover quickly when additional water is provided.

Fertilization

Although it’s not required, the plants can be given a boost of half-strength liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Water freely and feed plant using a liquid all purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer every 2 weeks during this period of active growth.

Misc. Maintenance

Their spiked flowers usually appear in summer; however, these can be removed if desired.

Pinching may also be necessary to prevent leggy growth. Any time that the tip growth is removed, the plant’s energy will be diverted to the lateral side growth, creating a much bushier plant.

Coleus are very durable, so you can cut your plant back severely (almost back to the soil level) if needed.

Characteristics & Attributes for Coleus

Sun Exposure : Full Sun
Min/Max Height : 1-2 feet
When Available : All Season
Botanical Name : Plectranthus scutellarioides
Available flowering colors : Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, Pink
Plant Maintenance : Low
Plant Type : Annuals, Perennial
Posted in Annuals Bookmark the permalink. Tagged Solenostemon
Posted in Annuals Bookmark the permalink.

Marigold

Tagetes spp

April 6, 2014 at 5:06 am

by Terry Yang

A native of Mexico, marigolds have been grown in gardens throughout the world for hundreds of years. Marigolds are species of Tagetes L., which is a genus of annual and perennial, mostly herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae).

Marigolds are easy to grow, bloom reliably all summer, and have few insect and disease problems. There are numerous marigold varieties available to home gardeners. Many of the commonly grown marigolds are varieties of African and French marigolds. Less known are the triploid hybrids and the signet marigolds.

African marigolds (Tagetes erecta): They have large, double, yellow-to-orange flowers from midsummer to frost. Flowers may measure up to 5 inches across. Plant height varies from 10 to 36 inches. African marigolds are excellent bedding plants. Tall varieties can be used as background plantings.  Although native to Mexico and Central America, this species is most often commonly called African marigold (Aztec marigold, American marigold and big marigold are also sometimes used).

The French marigolds (Tagetes patula): These are smaller, bushier plants with flowers up to 2 inches across. Flower colors are yellow, orange, and mahogany-red. Many varieties have bicolored flowers. Flower heads may be single or double. Plant height ranges from 6 to 18 inches. French marigolds are familiar, easy to grow, bright-flowered annuals that are actually native to Mexico and Central America. and may have originated as a hybrid between the American marigold (Tagetes erecta) and signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia). French marigolds have a longer blooming season than the African marigolds and generally bloom from spring until frost.

The triploid hybrids (Tagetes x hybrida): These marigolds are crosses between the tall, vigorous African marigolds and the compact, free-flowering French marigolds. Most triploid cultivars grow from 12 to 18 inches high. Triploid hybrid marigolds are unable to set seed. As a result, plants bloom repeatedly through the summer, even in hot weather.  Though they have the combined qualities of their parents, their rate of germination is low which is why they are also know as mule marigolds.

Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia): They are quite different from most marigolds. Signet marigold plants are bushy with fine, lacy foliage. The small, single flowers literally cover the plants in summer. Flower colors range from yellow to orange. The foliage has a pleasant lemon fragrance. Signet marigolds are excellent plants for edging beds and in window boxes.


French Marigold ‘Bonanza’

Bonanza Flame Bonanza Flame Bonanza Yellow Bonanza Yellow Bonanza Flame Bonanza Flame Bonanza Flame Bonanza Flame

The compact and double-flowered, French marigolds in the Bonanza Series (Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza’) bear brightly colored, many-petaled blooms atop bushy, erect, 8- to 12-inch plants.


French Marigold ‘Durango’

Durango Yellow Durango Yellow Durango Flame Durango Flame Durango Flame Durango Flame Durango Orange Durango Orange
« ‹ 1 of 3 › »

The ‘Durango’ series (Tagetes patula ‘Durango’) delivers a well-matched, 5 to 7-day flowering window across all colors. Flowers are uniformly shaped, extra-large. Bushy, vigorous plants.

  •  2 to 2.5-in./5 to 5.5-cm flowers.
  • <full blooming color>
  • <blooming season>

 


African Marigold ‘Antigua’

Antigua Yellow Antigua Yellow Antigua Mix Antigua Mix Antigua Yellow Antigua Yellow Antigua Mix Antigua Mix
« ‹ 1 of 2 › »

The ‘Antigua’ series (Tagetes erecta ‘Antigua’) offers both superior pack and garden performance. This dwarf variety is ideal for gardeners who love the mounded garden habit with blooms covering the entire plant. Very free-blooming, these plants keep their neat 12- to 16-inch height all season, making them a great choice in front of tall perennials, annuals, and shrubs.

  • 3″ fully double flower heads.
  • Height: 10-12″, 10-12″ spread.

 


In the Garden

For best growth, marigolds require full sun and well drained, average soil. Regular deadheading will help plants look and flower their best. French marigolds are great for mixed plantings and containers. As an added benefit, research suggests that marigold roots emit a substance that deters root nematodes, so they make fine companion plants for nematode-susceptible vegetables.

Characteristics:

  • Generally blooms from summer to frost.
  • Vivid and exotic bloom color.
  • Flower attracts butterflies.
  • Fragrant and consider a repellent to some garden pests.

 

Caring & Growing

 

Temperature

African marigold is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 2 –  11.  French marigold is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 8-11

Light

Prefer full sun, though appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer.

Marigolds can grow in full sun to partial-shade, but it is preferable to plant them in sunny locations as shading may have an adverse effect on flowering.

Soil

Marigolds grow best in average, evenly moist, well-drained and fertile soil.

When the plant are tall enough, spread a 2 or 3 inch layer of some organic material such as dried grass, wood chips or chopped leaves on the soil around them. This mulch reduces weeds, retains moisture in the soil, cools the soil, and fertilizes the soil as it decomposes.

Watering

Marigolds do not need regular watering but require so during the dry spells. Be careful not to sprinkle water on the flowers of tall varieties, otherwise they become water-logged and soft. It is better to water Marigolds during the early morning hours so that there is sufficient time for the water on the foliage to dry up.

Fertilization

Marigolds do not require fertilizers if the soil is rich in organic material. For poor soils, you can add a slow-acting, granular fertilizer(about 1 teaspoon per plant), but be careful not to add an excess of fertilizers which may result in an increased growth of foliage instead of flowers.

Misc. Maintenance Tips

 

  • Pinch off faded flowers to encourage additional bloom.
  • Tall African marigolds may require staking to prevent the plants from falling over or lodging during storms.
  • Plant taller varieties deep: strip off a few of the lower stem leaves and set plants below the remaining leaf scars so as to minimize the need for stem support.
  • Can be grown along side vegetables as its fragrant can act as repellent to pests.

Characteristics & Attributes for Marigold

Sun Exposure : Sun
Min/Max Height : 1-2 feet
When Available : Spring
Botanical Name : Tagetes spp
Available flowering colors : Red, Orange, Yellow
Plant Maintenance : Low
Plant Type : Annuals, Perennial
Posted in Annuals Bookmark the permalink. Tagged Tagetes

Connect with us

Link to our Facebook Page
Link to our Flickr Page
Link to our Rss Page
Link to our Twitter Page
Link to our Wordpress Page
Link to our Youtube Page

3H Farm Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Archives

  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • May 2013
  • March 2013