Torenia–commonly called wishbone flower– is a bushy annual with serrated light green leaves and, from summer to early fall, flared blooms with bi-color blossoms pale lilac and blue-purple, yellow and white, or rose and white petals. Torenia looks like miniature gloxinias or monkeyflowers (Mimulus). Torrenia fournieri is often grown in summer bedding. Set Torenia at […] More
Melampodium–commonly called butter daisy–has white-rayed, cream, or yellow daisy-like ray flowers with dark orange centers. Melampodium is a bushy plant with narrow bright green to gray-green leaves. The plant can become floppy as it matures. Melampodium is an excellent choice as a summer bedding plant where deer are a problem; it is deer resistant. The […] More
Sutera–commonly called bacopa–forms a cascade of small white or pale pink blooms and green leaves. It flowers all summer if lightly watered and fed well. Bacopa is a spreading perennial grown as an annual. It trails over the sides of containers and window boxes. Bacopa is the common name for Sutera cordata which synonymous with […] More
Nemesia is a charming and versatile flowering plant known for its vibrant colors and delicate, fragrant blooms. Originating from South Africa, nemesia is typically grown as an annual, though it can be perennial in warmer climates. Here’s a detailed overview of nemesia and how to use it in the home garden: Characteristics of Nemesia Ideal […] More
Nierembergia–commonly called Cupflower–bears open cup- or bell-shaped, sometimes tubular white or light blue flowers in summer. It can be spreading or upright in form with alternate leaves. Nierembergia is usually grown as an annual; it is a perennial in mild-winter regions. Plants grow best where summers are cool. Where summers are hot, Nierembergia will need […] More
Petunias are one of the most popular summer bedding plants. There are hundreds of colorful cultivars. Petunias come in a wide range of plant sizes and forms. Some are suited for massing flower beds and borders; others trail and sprawl; others are compact and well-suited for hanging baskets and window boxes. Petunias are available in […] More
Broccoli is an edible flower. Broccoli is a cool-season crop. Grow broccoli so that it comes to harvest when temperatures average no more than 75°F (23°C) each day. Broccoli heads are clusters of tightly packed flower buds waiting to open. Broccoli is a hardy biennial, grown as an annual. It is a member of the cabbage […] More
Brussels sprouts are best grown in cool weather, usually in early spring or autumn. Sprouts require from 80 to 110 days with daylight temperatures below 80ºF (27ºC) and nighttime temperatures even lower. Brussels sprouts are frost hardy and will tolerate temperatures as low as 20ºF. A frost will sweeten the flavor of Brussels sprouts. Temperatures […] 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
Cauliflower is grown for its edible flower buds that form a solid head atop single stalks. The heads are edible raw or cooked. While cauliflower is perhaps the most delicious member of the cabbage family, it is also the most finicky to grow in the home garden. When the conditions are right, even the novice […] More
Collards–also called collard greens–is a tall growing form of kale whose coarse leaves borne in tufts are eaten like greens. Collards are a cool season crop but they can stand more hot weather than cabbage or ordinary kale, and so are consequently grown in the South. Georgia collards are the standard variety grown mostly in […] More
Lettuce grows best in cool weather and sunny locations. Spring, mid-summer, and early fall are the times of year to plant lettuce, but you can grow lettuce in the summer even in warm regions if you choose heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties. There are lettuce cultivars that are ready for picking in 45 days and others […] More
Stephen Albert