Pentas is a lush perennial that can grow as a shrub in tropical regions. Stems are topped by tight 4-inch (10cm) wide clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in white, pink, lilac, or red. One species, Pentas lanceolata, is often grown as a houseplant. Pentas leaves are oval to lance-shaped and mid-green. Flowers are salver-form with […] More
Calceolaria bears vividly colored and unusual pouched flowers that are reminiscent of old-fashioned pocketbooks—thus the common name pocketbook plant. Calceolaria is native to Central and South America and is commonly grown indoors as a houseplant except in warm-winter Zones 10 and 11 and warmer. The genus includes about 500 species of annuals and perennials that […] More
The Amethyst flower, Browallia, is a shade-loving perennial usually grown as an annual. Browallia most often with sapphire-blue flowers. Combine browallia with other shade-loving border or woodland plants. In the winter bring browallia indoors as a houseplant. Browallia grows from 12 to 18 inches tall. It is used best in the blue section of the […] More
Peanuts are easy to grow if you live where there are long, hot summers of at least 4 months (5 is better). The peanut is a warm-weather perennial that is usually grown as an annual. It requires 120 to 130 frost-free days to reach harvest. The peanut is an odd and interesting plant. It grows […] More
You can learn how to grow sage in minutes. Sage is an herbaceous perennial herb that is easy to grow in most sunny gardens. In the kitchen, sage has an aggressive pungent aroma and flavor which is often described as camphor-like and musty. Sage is commonly used in dishes containing pork, cheese, and beans, and […] More
Pomegranate fruits have a leathery hard skin; inside are hundreds of small seeds called arils, each surrounded by a juicy red pulp. The pomegranate can be grown as a bushy shrub or as a small tree. The fruits come to harvest from mid-summer through autumn. Pomegranate seeds, pulp, and juice are both tart and sweet. […] More
Chamomile flowers are used to make tea. Chamomile tea has a fresh, clean flavor that is immediately soothing. There are two chamomiles: Roman chamomile (botanical name Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (botanical name Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla). Both are members of the Asteraceae daisy family.Roman chamomile has a fragrance and flavor similar to that […] More
Bananas are a staple food in most tropical countries. Banana plants have been domesticated plants for thousands of years. Bananas are a staple food in most tropical and many subtropical countries. Edible banana species have been crossed and recrossed for centuries resulting in two main types of banana–the sweet, dessert banana and the starchier, cooking […] More
Dill is an annual herb that is easy to grow. Dill’s delicate leaves are feathery. Mature plants flower in late summer. Flowers are followed by seeds. Dill leaves, flowers, and seeds can be used in the kitchen. Dill leaves are an herb. Dill seeds are a spice. Dill grows well in full sun or partial […] More
Passion fruit is a form of berry that grows on the passion fruit plant, also called the passionfruit vine. Passion fruit is easy to grow. Passion fruit belongs to a large family of vining plants, some are ornamental, and many produce edible fruits. The passion flower is among the most beautiful and striking flowers. The […] More
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop. Grow cabbage in spring so that it comes to harvest before the summer heat or start cabbage in mid to late summer so that it comes to harvest during the cool days of autumn, winter, or early spring. Cabbages will grow in most soils. They prefer short days and cool […] More
Cranberries are not hard to grow if you give them the conditions they need. They require cool temperatures, soil rich in organic matter (acidic peat soil is best), and plenty of water. Because cranberries have specific requirements, home gardeners usually have the best success growing cranberries in containers or specifically constructed cranberry beds. Most often […] More
Stephen Albert