General Information

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  • January
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  • October
  • November
  • December

  January 1. Water In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. 2. Protect Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house.

  February 1. Water In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. 2. Protect Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house.

  March 1. Water In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants once a week and container plants twice weekly. 2. Prune Prune out 1/3 of old growth from prior year. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies. The parasites take some time to appear in spring. It is best to be patient before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies.

  April 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Plant Plant when the nighttime temperatures remain at 60 degrees or above. Locate the plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. 3. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 4. Water Water in-ground plants once a week and container plants twice weekly. 5. Prune Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. 6. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 7. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies. The parasites take some time to appear in spring. It is best to be patient before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. 8. Transplant Transplant when the nighttime temperatures remain at 60 degrees or above. Locate the plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  May 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. 3. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 4. Water Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants 2 to 3 times per week. 5. Prune Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. 6. Mulch Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. 9. Transplant Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  June 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. 3. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 4. Water Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants 2 to 3 times per week. 5. Prune Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. 6. Mulch Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. 9. Transplant Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  July 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. 3. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 4. Water Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. 5. Prune Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. 6. Mulch Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. 9. Transplant Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  August 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Plant Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. 3. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 4. Water Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. 5. Prune Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. 6. Mulch Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. 9. Transplant Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  September 1. Buy Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. 2. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 3. Water Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. 4. Mulch Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. 5. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 6. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies.

  October 1. Fertilize Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. 2. Water Water in-ground plants once a week and container plants every 3 to 4 days. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies.

  November 1. Water Water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week.

  December 1. Water In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. 2. Protect Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house.

• Buy When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share! April Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. May Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. June Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. July Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. August Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color. September Buy when in bloom so you can choose your preferred flower color.

  Plant When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions? April Plant when the nighttime temperatures remain at 60 degrees or above. Locate the plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. May Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. June Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. July Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. August Plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.

  Fertilize When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year? April Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. May Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. June Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. July Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. August Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. September Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants. October Feed once with an organic fertilizer designed for flowering plants.

  Water Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year? January In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. February In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. March In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants once a week and container plants twice weekly. April Water in-ground plants once a week and container plants twice weekly. May Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants 2 to 3 times per week. June Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants 2 to 3 times per week. July Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. August Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. September Water in-ground plants twice a week and container plants every 1 to 2 days. October Water in-ground plants once a week and container plants every 3 to 4 days. November Water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week. December In the absence of rainfall, water in-ground plants every two weeks and container plants once a week.

  Prune When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements? March Prune out 1/3 of old growth from prior year. April Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. May Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. June Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. July Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production. August Pinch out stem tips to increase flower production.

  Mulch Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much? May Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. June Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. July Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. August Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line. September Maintain a 1- to 2-inch layer of shredded bark at the base of the plant out to the drip-line.

  Protect When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved? January Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house. February Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house. December Protect in-ground plants with frost cloth if temperatures dip below 30 degree Fahrenheit. Pull container plants next to the house.

  Pest/Disease Inspection What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear? January Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. February Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. March Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. April Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. May Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. June Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. July Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. August Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. September Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. October Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. November Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly. December Check the underside of foliage for aphids and giant whitefly.

  Treat for Pest/Disease How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements? March Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies. The parasites take some time to appear in spring. It is best to be patient before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. April Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies. The parasites take some time to appear in spring. It is best to be patient before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. May Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. June Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. July Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. August Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. September Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies. October Treat aphids with a strong spray of water. If they return, spray with insecticidal soap. A parasatoid wasp was released several years ago to combat giant whitefly. The wasp consumes the insides of the whitefly, leaving a yellow-colored husk. Check your plants for evidence of parasitized whiteflies before applying any insecticides, as they will also kill the beneficial wasps. Mulching with worm castings also helps plants ward off whiteflies.

  Transplant When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements? April Transplant when the nighttime temperatures remain at 60 degrees or above. Locate the plant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. May Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. June Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. July Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container. August Transplant in a full-sun location in a rich soil with excellent drainage. If the ground does not drain well, plant in a raised bed or container.