Mitch's Plant Care
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
To-do list for the month of May
|
[+]
Buy
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Buy your tomato seedlings for planting. | |||||
| Rosa hybrid | Rose |
| potted roses | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| Plants are usually available in the spring and early summer. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Now is the time to buy plants that will be blooming in May ... just in time for Mother's Day. If you have questions please do not hesitate to call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 or ask about availability or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Aeonium arboreum | Tree Aeonium |
| These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| These plants can be purchased anytime of the year in southern California. Call our store for specific availability 858 259-4568. | |||||
| Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad' | Olympiad Rose |
| Bare root season (Dec - Feb) is the best time to buy, but you can purchase roses anytime of the year as long as the rose in the container is healthy and has strong canes and they have a good shape to them with no disease. Roses in 5 gallon containers are the best, 2-3 gallon containers mean that the roots have been cut off to fit and even worse are the plastic wrapped roses that have their roses severely chopped. By the end of the year those roses that have set in a nursery for several months under the care of nursery personnel need to be looked at seriously for the good qualities I mentioned. It might be a good idea to ask the nurseries what they fertilize with and how long ago they did this. Most use chemical fertilizers and just throw some in the pot. So the longer a rose sets in a nursery, it could be possible that the care may not be as good as we would like, but you can tell by the quality of the rose. | |||||
| Platycerium bifurcatum | Elkhorn Fern |
| Platyceriums are available year round at both of our nurseries, please call for availability (San Diego (619)224-8271 or Poway (858)513-4900). | |||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Buy container-grown plants anytime. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Buy plants in nurseries or by mail any time they are available. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Now is the time to buy plants that will be blooming in May ... just in time for Mother's Day. Call our Nursery at 619.987-6251 to ask about availability or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Buy container-grown plants anytime. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Buy plants in nurseries or by mail anytime they are available. | |||||
| Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty' | Misty Blueberry |
| Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want. | |||||
| Ficus carica 'Black Mission' | Black Mission Fig |
| Buy plants from reputable sources to make sure you get the varieties best suited to your climate. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids. | |||||
| Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' | Black Knight Butterfly Bush |
| Buy known named varieties from nurseries or by mail. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Buy plants in containers. Choose healthy plants with lots of new growth. | ||||||
| Persea americana 'Haas' | Haas Avocado |
| Buy healthy, grafted plants in 5 or 15 gallon containers. | |||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Buy plants in bloom, if possible, to get the flower colors you want, and buy from a nursery you can trust to sell the best varieties for your area. | ||||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Buy seeds or starts this time of year. | |||||
| Strelitzia reginae | Bird-of-Paradise |
| Buy container-grown plants -- 5-gallon plants will look good in the landscape right away, but smaller plants may be slow to establish. | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Buy plants in bloom, if possible, to get the flower colors you want, and buy from a nursery you can trust to sell the best varieties for your area. | |||||
| Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee' | Jubilee Blueberry |
| Buy established plants in containers from a reputable source to get the varieties you want. | |||||
| Plumeria spp | Plumeria |
| Buy established plants in containers in bloom to get the flowers you want. | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Buy only certified "seed" potatoes, either from local nurseries or by mail from specialty growers. | |||||
|
[+]
Fertilize
| ||||||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Amend the soil adding compost and/or fertilizer to the soil prior to planting. For continuing good crops feed again one to two months after planting. | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| Fertilize consistently during growing season with water soluble fertilizer. Slow release fertilizers do not give the plants enough nutrients quickly enough. | |||||
| Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Fertilize when placed out for Spring. | ||||||
| Aeonium arboreum | Tree Aeonium |
| We don’t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Don’t feed during the winter when they are dormant. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| We don’t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Don’t feed during the winter when they are dormant. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| We don’t fertilize plants grown in the ground, but for plants growing in containers you can fertilize sparingly and diluted. You can use any typical fertilizer at half strength a couple of times per year when the weather is warm, once in April or May and then again in August or September. Don’t feed during the winter when they are dormant. | |||||
| Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad' | Olympiad Rose |
| Feed Fish Emulsion (Dilute 1 Tbs per gallon of H20 - feed one gallon to large Roses and 1/2 gallon to small Roses. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Fertilize regularly during the growing season for maximum growth and bloom. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Begin to fertilize your Epies so they will produce flowers! If you are propagating only for growth (these might be your young plants or ones that you want to just see growth) a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is what I would use. If you have mature plants, and you want flowers this is the time to fertilize for bloom. Feeding with 0-10-10 or 2-10-10 to induce blooms can begin as early as February in the most temperate zones. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty' | Misty Blueberry |
| Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don't overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Fertilize your mature Epis every two weeks with half strength 0-10-10 or 2-10-10 so they will produce flowers! Fertilizing can begin as early as February in the most temperate zones. If you are propagating only for growth (these might be your young plants or ones that you want to just see growth) a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is what I would use. You can begin to fertilize as early as February in the most temperate zones. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Lightly fertilize or add compost to soil every other month. | |||||
| Amaryllis spp. |
| Feed once with an organic bulb fertilizer. | ||||||
| Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee' | Jubilee Blueberry |
| Feed lightly once a month with an acid-type fertilizer. Don't overfeed, and never use nitrate-type fertilizers, which will burn plants. | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Fertilize potatoes by mixing a 5-10-10 plant food in with the soil when you plant. Side-dress with a light application of 5-10-10 fertilizer monthly after planting, watering in well. | |||||
|
[+]
Harvest
| ||||||||
| Prunus armeniaca | Apricot |
| Depending on the cultivar, Apricots ripen May-June | |||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Early planted and early bearing varieties may be ripening. | |||||
| Citrus limon 'Improved Meyer' | Improved Meyer Lemon |
| Year round harvest and bloom. Heaviest bloom in spring. | |||||
| Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Harvest as needed, using the outside leaves, throughout the year. | ||||||
| Dendromecon harfordii | Island Bush Poppy |
| Harvest seed for planting next Fall. | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Royal Lee' | Royal Lee Sweet Cherry |
| Harvest cherries when they are fully ripe and sweet. | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal' | Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry |
| Harvest cherries when they are fully ripe and sweet. | |||||
| Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe' | Green Globe Artichoke |
| Harvest flower buds while they are still tight, before the bracts begin to separate. The top bud on each flower stalk will be the biggest, but after you harvest it smaller side buds will develop. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| If you plant both navel and valencia types, you can harvest sweet oranges from mature trees most of the year. Remember that the fruit won't ripen off the tree, so don't pick fruit until fully ripe. | ||||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Cut flowers for beautiful bouquets -- alstroemeria flowers can stay fresh up to three weeks after cutting! | ||||||
| Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist' | Gold Kist Apricot |
| Harvest apricots when they are fully ripe and come off the tree easily. | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Harvest as needed. | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Cut flowers for beautiful bouquets -- alstroemeria flowers can stay fresh up to three weeks after cutting! | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Harvest "new" potatoes 2 to 3 weeks after plants start blooming. Harvest mature potatoes after plants have turned brown. | |||||
|
[+]
Mulch
| ||||||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and prolong bloom. | ||||||
| Salvia clevelandii | Cleveland Sage |
| Maintain a generous mulch around plants to conserve water use and keep roots cool. | |||||
| Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist' | Gold Kist Apricot |
| Maintain a generous mulch around trees to keep soil moist and conserve water use. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Boysen' | Boysenberry |
| Maintain a generous mulch around the plants to keep roots cool and moist and to conserve water use. | |||||
| Rubus idaeus 'Canby' | Canby Raspberry |
| Maintain a generous mulch to keep soil and plants cool and to conserve water. | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and prolong bloom. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Marion' | Marionberry |
| Maintain a generous mulch around the plants to keep roots cool and moist and to conserve water use. | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Maintain a generous layer of mulch around plants to keep roots cool and moist and protect developing potatoes. | |||||
|
[+]
Pest/Disease Inspection
| ||||||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Check plants regularly for diseases and pests, especially tomato horn worm - Green caterpillar-like insects with horns and they bite! and also do short work with the leaves of the tomato plant. | |||||
| Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum | Florence Fennel |
| Watch for aphids. They can severely damage fennel. | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| Pests love Brugmansia. Keep an eye out for spider mite, aphids, mealy bugs, fungus gnats, white flies and caterpillars. | |||||
| Aeonium arboreum | Tree Aeonium |
| Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| Scale is public enemy #1, if infested you may need to treat with systemics. Other possible pests are mealy bugs, aphids (Ants imply that there are) or spider mites, Aloes also get Aloe mites. You can treat for these insects with whatever you normally use to control insects. Plants grown inside seem to be more susceptible to infestation, plants outside usually do better. Treat as needed. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Check for snails and slugs. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Ficus carica 'Black Mission' | Black Mission Fig |
| Check for snails. Also watch for gophers, which love fig roots. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Check for snails and slugs. | |||||
| Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe' | Green Globe Artichoke |
| Watch for aphids on foliage and flower buds. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Inspect leaves and branches for pests such as aphids, mealybug, and scale. Check for snails. | ||||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Amaryllis spp. |
| Check for snails and slugs. | ||||||
|
[+]
Plant
| ||||||||
| Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary |
| ||||||
| Punica granatum | Pomegranate |
| Plant pomegranate shrub. | |||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Time to plant your tomato seedlings. | |||||
| Plumeria spp | Plumeria |
| Plant in a warm, protected spot in full sun or just a little shade. Loose, fast-draining soil is essential -- try amending heavily with cactus mix, or grow in half barrels in pure cactus mix. | |||||
| Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| If lemongrass is potted up, plant any time you'd like. If treated as an annual, plant after danger of frost is passed. | ||||||
| Aeonium arboreum | Tree Aeonium |
| The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| The best time to plant is in Spring or Fall, but mostly anytime is fine during Southern California. | |||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Plant any time. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Plant any time. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Plant any time. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Plant from containers any time. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| This is a good time to plant harden off cuttings. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give our Nursery a call at 619.987.6251 or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Plant any time. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Plant any time. | |||||
| Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty' | Misty Blueberry |
| Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland. | |||||
| Ficus carica 'Black Mission' | Black Mission Fig |
| Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn't burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season. | |||||
| Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' | Black Knight Butterfly Bush |
| Plant in a rich, well-drained soil in full sun, with ample room for plants to grow to full size. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Plant in well-drained soil in full sun, using a generous amount of soil amendment. Never plant where drainage is poor. | ||||||
| Persea americana 'Haas' | Haas Avocado |
| Plant in full sun in a location with excellent drainage (avoid heavy clay soils). Frost-free sites are best. Plants also may be grown in large containers. | |||||
| Aloe vera | Aloe vera |
| It is best to plant outdoors in the summer months. Plant in full sun. Keep in well drained soil. Potted plants need filtered sun or some shade. | |||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. | ||||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Spring months are an optimal time for planting Epis Your Epi needs partial shade inland but full sun along the coast. Therefore, purchased plants prefer East-Facing Partial Sade. This occurs on an east-facing porch, under an east-facing overhang, or to the east of a house, wall, or tree. Cool morning sun shines into these areas, but they are protected from the burning hot sun of midday and afternoon hours. Plant your bare-rooted Epi in a coarse mix and pot that well drain fast. Wait two weeks to water. Epis particularly like hanging baskets. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give our Nursery a call at 619.987.6251 or email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com. | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Plant seeds or starts this time of year. | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Wonderful' | Wonderful Pomegranate |
| Plant pomegranate shrub. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Fleshman' | Pomegranate |
| Plant pomegranate shrub. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Eversweet' | Eversweet Pomegranate |
| Plant pomegranate shrub. | |||||
| Punica granatum | Pomegranate |
| Plant pomegranate shrub. | |||||
| Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee' | Jubilee Blueberry |
| Try planting in 5-gallon or larger containers (half-barrels are ideal), using a soil mix of 1/3 bark (1/4"), 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 forest humus-based potting soil, plus 2 tablespoons of soil sulfur per cubic foot of mix. If growing in the ground, amend heavily with this mix. Plant in full sun on the coast, sun or a little shade inland. | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Plant "seed" potatoes whole (if they are small), or cut into 2" pieces, making sure each piece has at least two "eyes". Let cut pieces callus over for a day or two before planting. Plant each piece 2" deep and 1' apart in full sun in rich, loose, well-drained soil that has been amended with composted manure or other organic amendment and 5-10-10 fertilizer. As plants grow, mound new loose soil around the main stems, which will protect developing potatoes from sun. | |||||
|
[+]
Propagate
| ||||||||
| Punica granatum | Pomegranate |
| Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix. | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| Root cuttings in a container with a couple of inches of water or in moist potting soil. | |||||
| Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Divide the rootball when you transplant for the year. Does not propogate true from seed (at least, not reliably) | ||||||
| Platycerium bifurcatum | Elkhorn Fern |
| Dividing them is the easiest and fastest way to propagate new plants. In our opinion you can divide them any time of the year, but the best time is in the growing season (April through the end of summer) and if they are divided then they seem to take right off. If you do it when it is cold, you don't see much activity for a few months until the weather warms some. I think almost all divisions will survive no matter when they are done, if they get decent sized pieces. If they are too small, they may not survive the colder months. | |||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Propagate by taking softwood cuttings. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Many perennial rudbeckias may be propagated by softwood cuttings taken from new spring growth. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Propagate by taking softwood cuttings. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Propagate by seed when weather is warm. Transplant young seedlings to larger pots and grow on before planting in the garden. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Propagate by division of older plants (see "Transplant"). | |||||
| Salvia clevelandii | Cleveland Sage |
| Propagate from softwood cuttings of new growth. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Boysen' | Boysenberry |
| Propagate by digging new shoots and roots from the outside of clumps as they appear. | |||||
| Strelitzia reginae | Bird-of-Paradise |
| Large clumps may be divided, but plants bloom better when crowded and left undisturbed. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Wonderful' | Wonderful Pomegranate |
| Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Fleshman' | Pomegranate |
| Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix. | |||||
| Punica granatum 'Eversweet' | Eversweet Pomegranate |
| Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix. | |||||
| Punica granatum | Pomegranate |
| Propagate by stem cuttings into sterile potting mix. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Marion' | Marionberry |
| Propagate by digging new shoots and roots from the outside of clumps as they appear. | |||||
|
[+]
Protect
| ||||||||
| Mimulus spp | Monkey Flower |
| Protect new plants from heavy rains, hail, winds and slugs. | |||||
| Platycerium bifurcatum | Elkhorn Fern |
| Protect from too much direct sun. These ferns will usually grow well if placed in an area with part shade most of the day. A little 'full sun' is usually OK for just an hour or two, but if they get too much sun their leaves may be a little yellow, a lot of sun will burn the leaves. As you get further inland, and thus into hotter and dryer weather, they will require more shade. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Frost damage is still an issue in some parts of San Diego. Remember, Epies prefer temperatures between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. Yes, they can survive for a brief period if the temperature goes as low as 30 or as high as 100, but remember – most of the plants you have in your garden originated in Central and South America where they inhabited the cloud forests. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Royal Lee' | Royal Lee Sweet Cherry |
| Protect fruit from birds, if necessary, with netting. | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal' | Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry |
| Protect fruit from birds, if necessary, with netting. | |||||
| Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist' | Gold Kist Apricot |
| Protect ripening fruit from birds, if necessary. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Frost damage is still an issue in some parts of San Diego. Remember, Epis prefer temperatures between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. Yes, they can survive for a brief period if the temperature goes as low as 30 or as high as 100, but remember – most of the plants you have in your garden originated in Central and South America where they inhabited the cloud forests. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Protect young plant from snails. | |||||
|
[+]
Prune
| ||||||||
| Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary |
| ||||||
| Washingtonia robusta | Mexican Fan Palm |
| They require a moderate amount of maintenance. Remove fonds and shave trunk.Spines make this an unpleasant job. Best done professionally. | |||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Pinch back to encourage full, compact growth. | |||||
| Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad' | Olympiad Rose |
| Deadhead flowers throughout spring and summer to promote new blooms. Make proper cuts using sharp bypass pruners. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Remove old woody stems to promote fresh new growth from the base of the plant. Prune to control size at any time. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| You need to continue to remove all dead and withering plant material by either breaking off branches or using clean shears. You need to stay ahead of the weeds that naturally come in the Spring. You might want to invest in latex gloves to protect your hands from most of the epi spines as you remove weeds. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Remove old woody stems to promote fresh new growth from the base of the plant. Prune to control size at any time. | |||||
| Dendromecon harfordii | Island Bush Poppy |
| Plant doesn't need pruning, just remove it after it dies and harvest the seed. | |||||
| Clarkia unguiculata | ELEGANT CLARKIA |
| Plant doesn't need pruning, just remove it after it dies and harvest the seed. | |||||
| Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty' | Misty Blueberry |
| Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced. | |||||
| Prunus salicina 'Weeping Santa Rosa' | Weeping Santa Rosa Plum |
| If crop is heavy, thin fruit as it forms to 4-6" apart on the branches. Prune to control size and branch structure when you thin fruit. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Prune to shape only. | ||||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Remove old flowering stems before they make seed to prolong bloom. On mature plants, you can gently pull out old flowering stems (instead of cutting them), which will stimulate new growth buds underground. | ||||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| You need to continue to remove all dead and withering plant material by either breaking off branches or using sterilized shears. You need to stay ahead of the weeds that naturally come in the Spring. You might want to invest in latex gloves to protect your hands from most of the epi spines as you remove weeds. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Remove old flowering stems before they make seed to prolong bloom. On mature plants, you can gently pull out old flowering stems (instead of cutting them), which will stimulate new growth buds underground. | |||||
| Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee' | Jubilee Blueberry |
| Remove flowers on first-year plants to strengthen growth. On older plants, prune to prevent over-bearing by cutting back the ends of twigs to the point where fruit buds are widely spaced. | |||||
|
[+]
Sow Seeds
| ||||||||
| Asclepias curassavica | Blood Flower |
| ||||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Sow seeds in flats of potting soil when weather is warm. | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Direct sow seeds or start in pots anytime from March through June. | |||||
| Strelitzia reginae | Bird-of-Paradise |
| Plant in rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, in a location protected from frost and cold wind. Crowded roots are OK, since plants bloom better when the roots are crowded. | |||||
|
[+]
Special requirements
| ||||||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Epies need as much light as possible during the spring months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Flowers Your plants will begin to produce buds. Don’t be alarmed when the plant drops some of its buds. Your Epi can only sustain so many flowers. Most plants that have been well cared for will produce a sufficient number of flowers to bring a smile to your face. If a plant has not bloomed in several seasons it may not be exposed to enough hours or amounts of light. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Epies need as much light as possible during the spring months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Flowers Your plants will begin to produce buds. Don’t be alarmed when the plant drops some of its buds. Your Epi can only sustain so many flowers. Most plants that have been well cared for will produce a sufficient number of flowers to bring a smile to your face. If a plant has not bloomed in several seasons it may not be exposed to enough hours or amounts of light. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Amaryllis spp. |
| Container grown amaryllis prefer to be potbound. | ||||||
|
[+]
Transplant
| ||||||||
| Mimulus spp | Monkey Flower |
| After seedlings in 3 or 4 inch pots have reached a fairly good size they can be moved into the garden. Be sure to keep them watered the first few weeks after transplanting but they should not remain wet as it could cause mildew. | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| If growing in a container, transplant when roots fill pot and begin to grow out of the bottom. | |||||
| Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Every year or two, divide & transplant into larger pots. | ||||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Divide and transplant, if necessary. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Springtime is optimal for planting cuttings and repotting. You should pot “raw” cuttings with the areoles or notches facing upward in a dry to moderately moist soil no deeper than 1 ½ inches to 2 inches. Mist the cuttings for several weeks – do not saturate the soil. As your cuttings take root they will often produce roots from the areoles above the soil level and at the terminal end – this is a sure sign that your cutting is rooting beneath the soil. Once your cuttings have taken hold, they will begin to re-hydrate and may be watered lightly. Re-potting If your plant shows stress it’s likely due to the loss of moisture and nutrition. This less than desirable appearance will ordinarily improve as the plant regains itself. If you feel that your plant is suffering from a waterlogged root system, this could be caused by poor pot drainage or excessive rainfall, remove your plant from its pot and inspect your roots. When a root mass has completely rotted, the best solution is to remove the roots completely. You will need to allow your plant to callous, then repot your plant in a new mixture. Plant your epi deeper than a plant with an intact root system. This will allow adventitious roots to form above the original intersection between once existent roots and growth. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Divide and transplant, if necessary. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| If desired, divide and transplant mature clumps in late spring as new growth begins. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| After they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| This is not the time to re-pot Spring blooming varieties. If you must re-pot, you will forfeit blooms this season. Remember, Epis bloom best with crowded roots. If a plant is top heavy but does not have crowded roots, place the smaller pot inside a larger one and pack the space between with pea gravel to hold it upright. Springtime, however, is optimal for rooting cuttings and "potting-up". You should pot “raw” cuttings with the areoles or notches facing upward in a dry to barely moist perlite no deeper than 1 ½ inches to 2 inches. Mist the cuttings for several weeks – do not saturate the perlite. Mist the cuttings twice weekly without getting the perlite wet. As your cuttings take root they will often produce roots from the areoles above the soil level and at the terminal end – this is a sure sign that your cutting is rooting beneath the perlite. Once your cuttings have taken hold (a slight tug that has resistance) they will begin to re-hydrate and are ready to be moved into regular soil-mix. After re-potting do not water for a week then water Lightly till new growth appears. "Potting-Up" an Epi is necessary when the plant has outgrown its pot and you want it to grow larger. This is a good time to "pot-up" your non-blooming Epis. The new pot should be just slightly larger than the old pot. Transplant the Epi into new mix tapping the mix gently to remove the air pockets. After "potting-Up" do not water for one to two weeks depending on the size of the plant. (smaller=shorter...larger=longer). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Transplant young starts. | |||||
| Strelitzia reginae | Bird-of-Paradise |
| Established clumps may be divided and moved when weather warms in spring. | |||||
|
[+]
Treat for Pest/Disease
| ||||||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Remove or treat for snails and slugs if they are a problem. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Do NOT use pesticides on milkweeds, or you will kill the butterflies and their children that live on them. | |||||
| Ficus carica 'Black Mission' | Black Mission Fig |
| Control snails and gophers. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Discourage pests with a strong spray of water directed at the foliage. Control snails. | ||||||
| Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe' | Green Globe Artichoke |
| Wash aphids off foliage and flower buds with a strong spray of water. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| As the weather warms you need to inspect your plants for insect pests. Aphids are attracted to newly forming buds and ants are looking for honeydew. Malathion or insecticidal soaps usually are a catchall for most six-legged epi pests. Don’t forget to put out snail and slug bait. I recommend using meal vs pellets. Also, slightly misting the plants before you broadcast the snail and slug meal will enable it to temporarily adhere to areas most susceptible (eg new growth and buds). Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Amaryllis spp. |
| Remove and destroy any snails and slugs. Bait for the pests with an iron phosphate product. | ||||||
|
[+]
Water
| ||||||||
| Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary |
| Rosemary is pretty drought tolerant but both too much and too little water can damage the plant. The best method to water is during the growing season water deep and allow the plant to dry out between waterings. | |||||
| Washingtonia robusta | Mexican Fan Palm |
| Water deeply once per month. | |||||
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
| Plant in moist soil, keep soil evenly moist (but not overly wet) around plant at all times for maximum production and minimal pest and disease problems. | |||||
| Brugmansia x insignis var. Charles Grimaldi | Charles Grimaldi Angels Trumpet |
| Brugmansias require a lot of water, water whenever soil dries out. | |||||
| Aeonium arboreum | Tree Aeonium |
| Every 7 – 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If you’re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| Every 7 – 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If you’re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients. | |||||
| Aeonium aboreum var. atropurpureum | Purple Crest Aeonium |
| Every 7 – 10 days during the warm weather months when the plants are actively growing. Give a good drenching each watering, but be sure to let the plants dry out in between waterings. Good drainage is very important. If you’re growing this plant in a container there has been a lot of discussion about using 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar to 5 gallons of water to increase acidity, which helps roots better absorb nutrients. | |||||
| Rosa hybrid 'Olympiad' | Olympiad Rose |
| Continue regular watering. | |||||
| Platycerium bifurcatum | Elkhorn Fern |
| Keep them moist, but not wet all of the time. Give them a good watering with a hose or sprinkler; let them dry out some before the next irrigation. If you keep them constantly wet, the 'shield fronds' will turn dark brown or black and the plant will not do well. | |||||
| Asclepias spp | Milkweed |
| Water regularly during dry periods. | |||||
| Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' | Golden Butterflyweed |
| Water regularly during dry periods. | |||||
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage |
| Water regularly but deeply during dry periods. | |||||
| Rudbeckia spp. | Coneflower |
| Water regularly during dry periods. | |||||
| Epiphyllum spp. | Orchid Cactus |
| Check your plants weekly for soil moisture. When there is no rain, water and mist plants on a regular basis. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Salvia leucantha 'Anthony Parker' | Anthony Parker Mexican Bush Sage |
| Water regularly but deeply during dry periods. | |||||
| Asclepias incarnata | SWAMP MILKWEED |
| Water regularly during dry periods. | |||||
| Vaccinium ashei x corymbosum 'Misty' | Misty Blueberry |
| Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good. | |||||
| Prunus salicina 'Weeping Santa Rosa' | Weeping Santa Rosa Plum |
| Water trees regularly during the growing season, but do not over-water. | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Royal Lee' | Royal Lee Sweet Cherry |
| Water regularly during the growing season. | |||||
| Prunus avium 'Minnie Royal' | Minnie Royal Sweet Cherry |
| Water regularly during the growing season. | |||||
| Ficus carica 'Black Mission' | Black Mission Fig |
| Water regularly but deeply during the growing season. Periodic deep soakings will help leach salts from the soil, assuring a better crop. Avoid over-watering when fruit is ripening, since this can cause fruit to split. | |||||
| Cymbidium hybrids | Cymbidium Orchid |
| Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out. | |||||
| Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel Orange' |
| Water larger trees regularly but deeply during dry periods, soaking the soil out past the drip-line. Young plants should be kept evenly moist at all times. Be consistent with watering for best fruiting. | ||||||
| Cynara scolymus 'Green Globe' | Green Globe Artichoke |
| Water established plants thoroughly and deeply once a week during dry periods. | |||||
| Persea americana 'Haas' | Haas Avocado |
| Water regularly during dry periods, keeping the soil moist, but not overly wet. Once a month, water deeply to flush accumulated salts through the soil. | |||||
| Pyrus pyrifolia | Asian Pear |
| Water regularly during the growing season. | |||||
| Alstroemeria aurantiaca |
| Water regularly during dry periods. Do not let plants dry out too much, or they will go dormant. | ||||||
| Salvia clevelandii | Cleveland Sage |
| Water young plants regularly during dry periods. Older plants with established root systems need no more than monthly deep watering if they are mulched well. | |||||
| Prunus armeniaca 'Gold Kist' | Gold Kist Apricot |
| Water regularly during the growing season. | |||||
| Epiphyllum 'Acapulco Sunset' | Orchid Cactus |
| Epis use little water. Place a small flat rock on your mix and check it weekly. Turn it over and see if it is moist or not. If it is wet do not water. If it is not wet continue to test for watering by sticking a finger an inch or two into the mix. If it feels damp don't water. If it feels dry water until you see it drain out the bottom of the container. Mist between waterings when the weather is hot and dry. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or you can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com | |||||
| Ocimum basilicum | Basil |
| Deep water established plants once or twice a week. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Boysen' | Boysenberry |
| Water regularly and consistently. | |||||
| Strelitzia reginae | Bird-of-Paradise |
| Water regularly during dry periods. | |||||
| Rubus idaeus 'Canby' | Canby Raspberry |
| Water regularly and thoroughly during the growing season. Do not overhead water. | |||||
| Alstroemeria spp. | Inca Lily |
| Water regularly during dry periods. Do not let plants dry out too much, or they will go dormant. | |||||
| Amaryllis spp. |
| Outdoors, keep soil moist but not soggy. Indoors, cut back on watering until leaves are completely yellowed--then stop watering and let the plant dry out. | ||||||
| Vaccinium corymbosum x ashei 'Jubilee' | Jubilee Blueberry |
| Keep plants watered regularly, but make sure drainage is good. | |||||
| Rubus ursinus 'Marion' | Marionberry |
| Water regularly and consistently. | |||||
| Solanum tuberosum | Potato |
| Water regularly and consistently throughout the growing season as needed. | |||||
Live Website Help
Special Offers
Featured Listings
Anderson La Costa Nursery![]() www.andersonslacostanursery.com... Telephone: (760) 753-3153 Hits: 4282 ***Featured Listing Brochure*** |
Guests & Members
We have 1171 guests online







