Polyanthus primrose is a tender semi-evergreen hybrid perennial that produces single blossoms or umbels of up to 20 flowers in spring. Polyanthus primroses are often called English primroses. Polyantha or English primroses are widely hybridized and cultivated. There are many cultivars and strains widely available at garden centers and nurseries. Polyantha primroses are often listed […] More
Pelargonium is a genus of tender perennials that includes the popular garden plant widely known as geranium. The best-known Pelargoniums go by the common names zonal geraniums, ivy-leaved geraniums, and regal or Martha Washington geraniums. Pelargoniums also include scented-leaved geraniums. Pelargoniums are often grown as annuals. They are native to South Africa and cannot tolerate […] More
Consolida–commonly called larkspur looks very much like delphinium; they are members of the same genus. Larkspur has spurred, delphinium-like flower stalks in pink, blue, or white rising above feathery, softly downy, mid-to-dark green leaves. Larkspur is a favorite choice for cottage gardens and annual borders. Larkspur is the name commonly applied to the annual species […] More
Lobularia–commonly called sweet alyssum–has fragrant white blooms from late spring to early fall. Sweet alyssum is a ground-hugging perennial, grown as an annual. It has narrow mid-green leaves and is considered invasive in some areas. Lobularia maritima is a perennial but is generally grown as an annual. The plants grow 4 to 10 inches tall. […] More
Snapdragons, Antirrhinum, are known for their colorful, upright spikes of fragrant flowers in a wide range of bright and pastel colors. Snapdragon cultivars include some that grow just a half foot tall and others that grow to 6 feet (182cm) tall. Tall and intermediate-sized Antirrhnum provide vertical color and accents in the garden. Dwarf forms […] More
Calendulas are the cool-season cousins of summer marigolds. These easy-to-grow annuals are nicknamed “pot marigolds” because they resemble marigolds and the leaves were once cooked in pots as a vegetable. Calendulas can be readily grown from seed. The large seeds are easy to handle and plant and they germinate quickly. Use calendulas in beds and […] More
Turnips are grown as a root vegetable or for their green leaves, Turnips are a cool-season crop; they grow and taste best when they come to harvest in cool weather. The turnip is a hardy, cool-weather biennial grown as an annual. The turnip has a rosette of bright green, wavy-edged leaves that grow to 12 […] More
Onions can be grown for their green immature stems or they can be grown for their mature bulbs. These strong-smelling plants have been extremely popular for centuries. Two main types of onions are grown in the home garden: the young, green or white, bunching sorts eaten fresh and before the mature bulb has formed, and […] More
Scallions, green onions, and spring onions are immature onions that have not formed a white bulb. What’s the difference between scallions, green onions, and spring onions? There is little to no difference. Scallions Scallions are the youngest or least mature of onions with very thin white bases no wider than their long, straight green stalks. […] More
Welsh onions are easy to grow. They are cool-season crops. They are best planted in spring or autumn. Welsh onions are mild-flavored members of the onion family. They can be added raw to salads and soups. They can be stir-fried and sauteed and served with beef or chicken. They can be used as garnish. Welsh […] More
Onion sets are small, dry onion bulbs grown the previous season but not allowed to mature. Grow your own onion sets from seed. It is not difficult, does not require much time, and can put you ahead in both time and money. Planted in the second season onion sets produce an early crop of bulb […] More
Swan River daisy, Brachycome, adds a decorative flair to pots and baskets. Swan River daisy has feathery green leaves and blue, pink, purple, or white daisy-like flowers from summer to early fall. There are 60 to 70 species in this genus but only Brachycome iberidifolia is grown in gardens. B. iberidifolia can be planted in […] More
Stephen Albert