Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cacti have been favorite holiday houseplants for many years. They are easy to grow, and if given proper conditions will bloom regularly every Christmas. They come in a myriad of bright holiday colors including red, pink, and peach, as well as white. Despite the cactus name, these plants do not like to get desert dry between waterings like true cactus plants do. These are native to forests in Brazil and are frequently found growing in the crooks of branches in tropical forests along with orchids. Thus they prefer to be watered thoroughly when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, then allowed to dry to the touch again before watering.
To encourage blooming, place them in a cool place, preferably around 50F for a few weeks, and cut back on water during this period. Once they set bud, keep them away from cool or warm drafts and resume proper watering, otherwise your buds will fall off without maturing into full flowers. Don't fertilize them during their flowering period, and allow them to rest for a month or two after flowering before resuming fertilizing. Any houseplant formula fertilizer will suffice according to directions on your fertilizer package. In the house they prefer bright indirect light, and can be placed outdoors in the spring and summer in a shady area.
Christmas Cacti prefer to be tight in a pot, but if repotting is necessary wait until early spring and use a well draining soil mixture. Choose a pot size only one size larger so as not to stress the plant. They also take well to pruning and shaping, but again wait until early spring to tackle this task. Leaf segments from pruning root easily in a rooting medium, allowing you to share this wonderful plant with others.
If you care for your Christmas Cactus properly, you will be enjoying it for many years. A number of people have related how they have inherited these plants from their Grandparents and know they are 30-40 years old! A true testament to their longevity and easy care!

By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Norfolk Island Pine

Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine is not a true pine, but a conifer that originated on Norfolk Island off the coast of Australia. Each year it produces one new whorl or layer of symmetrical branches which are wider than the previous ones, giving it the appearance of an upside down spruce or fir. It's formal appearance makes it a great replacement for the indoor family Christmas tree, decorations and all!
This tropical plant needs medium light, but will tolerate low light for a short period of time. Keep it evenly moist, and humidity will help it retain it's lower branches. It is a slow grower, so use half strength all purpose fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season. Try to avoid pruning, as it reacts negatively to this process.
If you choose to try this as an accent Christmas tree, use only very light, tiny ornaments or decorations as the branches are not thick enough to support heavy decorations.


By: Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Poisonous Poinsettias?

Poisonous Poinsettias??

Every year during the holiday season, we find it necessary to discuss an "Old Wives Tale" that continues to persist about poinsettias. It is alleged that parts or all of the poinsettia plant are poisonous to pets and/or people. This is definitely Not True! Poinsettias are not poisonous to people or pets. The Ohio State University in 1971 ran extensive studies on the toxicity of all parts of the poinsettia plant. This study was done in response to a movement to place safety caution tags on all plants deemed poisonous. Results of these tests were conclusive that no part of the poinsettia plant was poisonous to people or pets. At the time, the studies were reported on all news media, but every year since then, the myth has persisted. This is primarily due to lack of knowledge on the part of newscasters and, surprisingly, veterinarians.
So fear not! Enjoy the beauty of this seasonal house plant during the holidays, then cut them back in March and they will make great foliage plants outdoors in the summer.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis

If you believe that "the bigger the better", then the Amaryllis is the flower for you. Amaryllis blooms can be 8-10" across, and frequently produce 3-4 flowers at a time atop each thick 1-2' tall stems. Colors include shades of whites, pinks, and reds, with new colors being hybridized every year.
Amaryllis appreciate tight quarters, so use a standard pot that is 2" larger in diameter than the bulb. When potted, the bulb should be about half to one third out of the soil. After potting, water the bulb thoroughly, then wait until the bulb begins to show new growth. When it does show new growth, begin watering it whenever the soil surface is dry to the touch.
Amaryllis prefer a bright window with at least half a day of sun. Fertilize once a month. After flowering, continue to water and fertilize.
In early fall, slow down on water until you are not watering at all. This plant needs 4-6 weeks of rest (No Water). After this rest period, cut off all yellow leaves and then lightly water. Watch for new growth to begin before returning to a regular water and fertilizer schedule, then watch your beautiful plant flower once again.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

For late fall and early winter color in containers or in your garden, flowering cabbage and kale plants are excellent choices. These hardy outdoor plants will withstand frosts and even snow, becoming more colorful the cooler it gets. They come in flowering colors of white, pink or rose. The kale plants have a much lacier and crinkled foliage compared to the cabbage which has a much smoother leaf structure. Also, both cabbage and kale can have a very green or a more burgundy colored leaf color as well. Plant these beauties in full sun for the best color, and water when dry. No fertilizer is necessary, as these plants will finish their life cycle usually by late December or early January depending on temperatures.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Lemon Cypress

Lemon Cypress
Cupressus Macrocarpa

This bright green tropical cypress plant will be a welcome addition to your houseplant collection. It is easy to grow, has a light lemony scent when the needles are pinched lightly, and the bright color will liven up any area of your home. The needles are soft and feathery in texture, giving it a unique feel and look. Bright light is best for the full color of your cypress indoors, and they prefer moist but not soggy water conditions. Do not let them dry out as they will brown on their tips.
Fertilize as you would any of your indoor plants, less in winter months. In spring after night time temperatures remain above 55F, you can place them outdoors in full sun or light shade. Keep in mind the watering needs, however.
These plants take well to pruning, and can be formed into topiaries of different shapes quite easily.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses

Toad Lily-Tricyrtis

Tricyrtis
Toad Lily

A small but beautifully formed fall blooming perennial flower is the common toad lily. This very hardy plant prefers part to full shade for optimum growth. The leaves are lance shaped, some dark solid green, other varieties have a cream to yellow edging. Orchid shaped flowers sit atop arching stems above the foliage. Their flower colors include white, lavender, and pink, usually spotted and/or streaked with purple spots.
Planted in masses, they present a unique fall look, and make very sweet delicate cut flowers.
Fertilize in spring with a slow release fertilizer, then enjoy their special fall showing!


By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Homalomena 'Emerald Gem'

Heart Leaf Homalomena
'Emerald Gem'

This plant is a relative of the Philodendron family, and is native to the deep shade forests of South America. The heart shaped foliage of the Emerald Gem variety is a deep green with a waxy look. It will grow in lower light situations than most foliage plants, but grows best with moderate indirect light.
If you keep the soil evenly moist, fertilizing lightly during winter months, more regularly during the growing season, this houseplant will grace your home for many years. The Homalomena is a slow grower, however, so choose a plant at about the size you need for the space you want to place it in.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Sedum

Sedum

Sedum grow in a wide range of heights and spread. From very low creeping groundcover varieties, to tall upright varieties, these hardy perennials are perfect for most gardens. Their thick fleshy leaves indicate a wonderful water retention ability even in the most severe drought.
Low spreading types make a tight weed resistant groundcover or weep gracefully over rock walls in sunny dry areas. Many of this type are evergreen and bloom in early summer.
Upright varieties come in short to very tall heights and have a more clump forming habit, some clumps large enough to be more like a shrub. The flower heads begin forming during the summer, then explode in colors of pinks and burgundy just in time for autumn leaf changing season.
All sedum varieties are low maintenance, requiring little water or fertilizer to thrive in your garden.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia Reginae

Bird of Paradise is a stemless member of the banana family. The large leathery leaves are very dramatic, but the real show is the long lasting flower that is surrounded by a bract folded into a boat shape. The bright orange and sky blue petals emerge from it and look like an exotic bird head. It takes quite a few years for the plant to mature enough to bloom.
Bird of Paradise likes a sunny location and should be kept evenly moist. Fertilize every two weeks per fertilizer package instructions.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J Rahn Greenhouses

Houseplants in for the Winter

Houseplants in for Winter

It's best to bring houseplants inside when night temperatures start to drop to around 50 degrees. Some plants tolerate cooler temperatures in the 40's, and can remain outside for a while longer. These include Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids, as well as Christmas Cactus.
Houseplants do need to acclimate to the lack of humidity and lower light levels inside the house, so place them near a window and offer more humidity with a pebble tray under the plant and keep the tray moist. Inspect your plants for insects and insect eggs before bringing them in. Spray with an insecticidal soap or use a systemic houseplant insect control even if you're not sure they have them.
Remember, most plants need less water and fertilizer during their winter rest time indoors since there are fewer daylight hours and less than ideal growing conditions.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Fall Plants

Cool Temperature Plants

The end of summer signals the beginning of the fall planting season. Our gardens can continue to look beautiful well into autumn by planting some of the cool weather loving plants. The colorful leaves of the perennial Heuchera and ornamental grasses can be mixed with Calibrachoa (Million Bells), and Argyranthemum. Seasonal favorites such as mums,asters, and pansies can replace some of the summer annuals for a fresh new look. Ornamental kale and cabbage last well into late fall and early winter.
Gardens may be saying good bye to summer, but they can also be welcoming the cool crisp days of fall.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Orchids

Orchids

Orchids are an extremely varied group of plants. Most orchids fall into two categories; those requiring intense light such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, and those preferring medium to bright light such as the Paphiopedilum. Those requiring bright intense light would be best placed on a south facing window ledge with some shading from direct midday sun in summer. Those of medium to bright light would be best suited to an east or west facing window ledge. They would also do well under fluorescent lights.
Varieties with thick leaves should be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Those with thin roots and smaller leaves generally need water as soon as the potting mix starts to dry. Most orchids need a short period of dry conditions in autumn to stimulate new flowers.
Although some orchids tolerate average humidity, it's best to offer them high humidity indoors. You can provide humidity by placing a saucer with pebbles and water covering the pebbles under your orchid pot.
Allow roots to extend beyond the pot as long as the plant continues to grow. When growth is inhibited, repot into a container one size larger in diameter than the original container, using an appropriate orchid potting mix.
Fertilize year round, full strength during the growing season of spring and summer, half strength during fall and winter according to directions on your fertilizer.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cacti & Succulants

Cacti & Succulents

Succulents are defined as any plant which has the natural ability to store water in it's roots or body. They usually have fattened leaves or thick stems that hold water in reserve for dry climactic conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent. Both cacti and other succulents are relatively easy care plants to grow, as they are very tolerant of neglect.
They have a dormant season when they rest, usually during winter months when daylight is short; and a growing season, when daylight hours and warmer temperatures trigger a growth response. Water according to the cycle they are in. If dormant, water sparingly, every few weeks and only enough to dampen the roots slightly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, but only if they are receiving lots of daylight.
Also, fertilize only during the growing season, per instructions on the cacti fertilizer package. They prefer a formulation of 5-10-5 or a similar cactus fertilizer.
They will grow best in as much sunlight as you can give them, for instance a south facing windowsill, or you can place them outdoors in the summer. Most are not frost hardy; however, the prickly pear cactus is and will winter over in our hardiness zone(5-6).
There are a multitude of varieties available in the succulent plant species, from those varieties with thorns, to those without any prickly points to them. Check out a book on the many types at your local library, or online, or stop in to see Calico's selections at the greenhouse.

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Bouganvillea

Bouganvillea

If you are looking for a great plant for sun and heat, look no further. Bouganvillea plants thrive in the tropics in areas of low rainfall and intense sun and heat. Plant or place Bouganvillea in full sun, keeping the plants on the dry side especially if you want lots of blooms.
Bouganvillea bloom best when pot bound, and make great container plants for a south or west facing deck or patio. Fertilize with a water soluble plant food at half strength every ten days during the growing season.
When bringing indoors for the fall and winter, give the plant a hard prune and place in a brightly lit room, watering sparingly until early spring.


By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Hibiscus

Perennial Hibiscus

Perennial Hibiscus are wonderfully easy plants to grow. They are not picky about soil, but prefer a soil amended with peat and compost. They grow best in at least 6 hours of sun, but would really like more. They bloom from July through August, according to variety, in a wide range of colors from reds to white and pinks and plum. Their blossoms are real eye catchers as they can be from 6-12" in diameter.
These perennials die back over winter, then emerge as one of the last to appear in late spring. They spend the early summer getting up to 4-6' high before buds begin to appear and the eye popping flowers open. Each flower lasts only one day, but once the plant is established will have many buds opening for up to a month or more. Water these plants frequently until they are well established (usually a year), thereafter only when it becomes very dry. Fertilize with an all purpose plant food when they begin to emerge every spring, then sit back and watch it take off to produce many years of enjoyment.
Calico checks on these beauties, pictured above, every day growing in our greenhouse garden. Stop by to see our selection soon!

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Perennial Plants

Perennial Plants

Perennial plants, those that come back year after year, can be used to create colorful gardens throughout the early spring through fall season. Some varieties thrive in full sun, while others prefer part to full shade.
Some full sun varieties such as Cranesbill (Hardy Geranium) and Platycodon (Balloon Flower), give long lasting color all season. New varieties of coneflower (Echinacea) called 'Mac N Cheese' and 'Tomato Soup' have "deliciously" vibrant colors! A dwarf variety of butterfly bush (Buddleia), 'Lo and Behold', displays beautiful blue flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Some of the more popular part shade perennials such as Heuchera (Coral Bells) and a plethora of Hosta varieties will provide season long color with their foliage.
An added bonus to a majority of perennials is their ability to be divided and planted in other areas of your garden or shared with neighbors and friends. They can be planted spring, summer, or fall, but are best divided during the spring season.
Calico suggests you stop by to see our selection before they disappear!


By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Jade Plant - Crassula ovata

Jade Plant
Crassula ovata

The Jade plant may be one of the most familiar houseplants, with it's thick branches and succulant dark green leaves. It is very adaptable to low or high light, but does best when it receives bright indirect light. As with most succulants, the jade prefers to dry out between waterings, and overwatering will lead to stem rot.
Fertilize during the growing season with an all purpose houseplant fertilizer according to directions on the package, but refrain from fertilizing during the fall and winter months.
Mature plants will bloom with hundreds of star shaped white to pale pink blossoms. Cool, dry conditions for several weeks followed by regular watering will help trigger blooming.


By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Flowering Maple-Chinese Lantern
Abutilon hybridum

The flowers of this plant resemble a cross between a Hibiscus and a Hollyhock. Abutilon come in many colors including white, red, yellow, and shades of peach. The leaves are a pale green, but also come in a variegated form.
They perform best in partial sun, as high heat may force them out of bloom. Fertilize them monthly with 20-20-20 all purpose plant food. Keep soil evenly moist.
These upright growers make great container plants with their abundant blooms and unusual texture!


By: Michelle Lynn
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Daylilies Hemerocallis

Daylilies - Hemerocallis

Daylilies have been cultivated for over 2500 years and are a very low maintenance perennial. They are available in a rainbow of colors , with the exception of blue. Some bloom only once a season, others are repeat bloomers, and a few will bloom all summer long. Some are fragrant, while others will hold a bloom for more than a single day.They are hardy in zones 3-9, and vary in height from 12" -36". In the landscape they prefer rich, well drained soil in full to part sun. Water requirements are not overly agressive as they do quite well on average watering(in ground- about twice a week if no rainfall has occurred). They also attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making your garden come alive with even more color!


By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Anthurium

There are over 900 species of Anthurium, both flowering and foliage plants. Of these, the best known are the flowering plants.
One might think that the flower is the large leaf like bract, called the spathe, but it is really the tiny spikes on the spadix of the bract that is the true flower. The bracts are the primary attraction and will last a month or more. Anthurium are repeat bloomers, providing color for a long time. The colorful bracts are often used in cut flower arrangements.
Anthurium prefer medium to bright light. Water thoroughly, then let dry slightly before watering again. Avoid cold drafts and feed during growing periods.

By Doris Koop
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Scented Geraniums-Pelargonium

These plants are called scented geraniums because they have fragrant foliage. Many scented geraniums are extremely decorative due to their unique leaves.
Essential oils from scented geraniums are used in perfumes and colognes. Scented geraniums also have culinary uses. The leaves can flavor cakes or can be used as a garnish.
Scented geraniums are easy to grow, both indoors and out. Bright light and well drained soil are required. Do not over fertilize your scented geraniums.
Among our varieties are citronella and an intense lemon- scented variety. Touch them and you will see why they are called scented geraniums!

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses

Susan's Classroom-June Care

Susan's Classroom-June Care

June is upon us and it's time for "Cincinnati summer". We've really had a beautiful spring, some say a little on the wet side, but that's ok. Hibiscus, Mandevilla vines, and Caladium are a few plants that thrive in hot humid weather. Mandevilla won't even bloom unless it's very warm, and Caladium will go dormant if night temperatures drop below 55F. Now that it is getting very warm, it's time to turn up the watering. Adjust to the flow of the weather, and don't let a few showers fool you into thinking the rain was enough to get to the roots of the plants. Feel the soil down about an inch near the plant and respond accordingly. If the soil is wet, don't water. If it feels dry, water it thoroughly so the water gets to the roots where the plant can use it. Remember that hot, sunny, or windy days will dry out plants very quickly, especially if they are newly planted. This is true for shrubs and trees too, and they should be watered even more deeply. Your plants are depending on you to keep them at their blooming best all summer, so don't hide out in the air conditioning and expect them to fend for themselves. They'll reward you with many months of beautiful color if you just take care of them. Enjoy!

Electric Blanket Shrub/Groundcover Rose

Electric Blanket Rose

Electric Blanket Rose, a shrub/groundcover type of rose, has clusters of lightly scented coral colored double flowers. The foliage is glossy dark green and highly disease resistant, making this rose relatively maintenance free. It's growth habit is low to the ground, reaching only 2'-3' in height, making it a good choice for small spaces. Uses include slopes, rock gardens, or just as a front for taller hybrid teas or other tall rose bushes or perennials. As with all roses, they prefer full sun, regular fertilization, and 1" of water a week for best flower production. Calico suggests you come in and see these beauties before they are sold out!

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at AJ Rahn Greenhouses

Delosperma - Ice Plant

Delosperma or Hardy Ice Plant is a perennial succulent.This is a great groundcover for rock gardens or for slopes. It takes heat well, and needs very little water to keep looking good. This plant is hardy for zones 5-11. Their bloom time is from late spring through summer.
The ice plant needs full sun and well drained soil, and watered when completely dry. Too frequent watering may cause the roots to rot.
Whether grown in containers or in the landscape, this is a great plant to grow.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Crotons

The colorful croton is an attractive indoor houseplant. The more light these plants receive, the more colorful they are. During the warm summer months, using the croton as an accent plant in your landscape, whether in the ground or potted on your deck or patio, adds color and an exotic look.
To keep these beauties happy and healthy, give them a monthly shower and keep the soil evenly moist. Use an all purpose fertilizer during the spring and summer growing period.

By Doris Koop
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Cannas

Cannas are tropical flowering plants with large leaves and gladiolas-like flowers. They are grown as annuals in Cincinnati, however the bulbs can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors, then replanted the next spring. A must have for your summer garden, they are easy to grow and low maintenance. Check out our fine selection of varieties from tall stately Praetoria, which grows to 6', to the beautiful Chocolate Sunrise which grows to 3'. They do well planted in the ground or in large containers with other flowering or foliage plants.

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Columbine (Aquilegia)

The Columbine is a hardy old fashioned perennial wildflower native to most temperate areas of the world. The plants are one to three feet high and generally begin blooming in early to mid-May. They will often continue to bloom through June if the flowers are removed as they fade. The beautiful spurred flowers range from 1"-3", and come in hybrid colors ranging from black to white, with every color of the rainbow between. The foliage is light and delicate.

Columbines do best when they are grown in moist, rich, well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Columbines are a favorite flower for hummingbirds, but do tend to lose vitality after 3-4 years and are best replaced at that time.

Plants should be set out in the garden in spring or late summer. Plant them one to two feet apart with the crown (where the roots and tops meet) at soil level. Once established, feed them monthly with a soluble all purpose (5-10-5) fertilizer and keep them well watered during the growing season. In our zone (5-6) it is best to provide a good cover of mulched leaves in late fall to protect them from alternating freezing and thawing temperatures during the winter.

They are deer resistant, attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and are a great cut flower.

By: Sandy Weinkam

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

"Tomaccio" Tomato

A.J. Rahn's will be the exclusive greenhouse in Cincinnati to carry the 'Tomaccio' tomato. The 'Tomaccio' is a very sweet cherry tomato that yields 13-18 pounds of fruit. The uniqueness of this variety is that the tomatoes dry naturally like raisins. It will be available at the end of April.

By: Gayla Parker

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Regal Geraniums/ Martha Washington

Pelargonium domesticum

The Regal, or Martha Washington geraniums, are a spectacular cool-season flowering annual. This geranium has large trumpet-shaped flowers. Coral, pink and lavender are some of the colors available. This type of geranium requires more water than regular geraniums.

By: Michelle Lynn

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Susan's Classroom - Tomaccio Tomatoes

In May we hope to offer a new grape tomato called "Tomaccio." Oh I can hear it now! "Who needs another grape tomato?" This one is different. This variety has been introduced this year after several years of study. This variety is "dryable." The tomatoes are simply placed in the sun and they dry just like raisins. It has been hybridized to be the best tasting and easiest of drying. This "Tomaccio" will only be available at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses in the tri-state area. We are still, however, in the procurement stage so please check with us on this in May!

Calico's Pick of the Week

Alexander White Iberis

Iberis, commonly called candytuft, is a very hardy perennial that has been used in gardens for many years. It is an early blooming, vigorous perennial that is semi evergreen in our zone (5-6). The cultivar 'Alexander White' is a compact, very floriferous plant, which typically is 6-8" tall, spreading to 18" wide. Large profuse clusters of pure white flowers often obscure the glossy dark green foliage in mid to late spring. This perennial prefers well drained soil in full sun, and is drought tolerant. It makes an excellent edging plant, or can be used in rock gardens or cascading over a wall.

By: Sandy Weinkam

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Lettuce, the first of our spring vegetable crop, is now available for planting. We have six types, including Buttercrunch and Gourmet Leaf, that will give you spring color and flavor. Plant in the garden or in containers.

By: Gayla Parker

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Bromeliads -

These tropical beauties have a colorful flower that lasts for months. They like sun indoors; outdoors they like sun or shade in the summer.

By: Doris Koop

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

"Garden Gnomes? Not on my Watch!"

The English daisy is an ideal early flowering plant to use in window boxes and containers for spring. Used with pansies and violas, its dwarf habit and double flowers in pinks, red and white will make a nice addition to your spring container. English daisies do enjoy a sunny to light shade location.

By: Michelle Lynn
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Susan's Classroom - Pansies

Pansies, without question, are one of the most exciting plants of spring. I don't believe any other plant causes the excitement that pansies do. When people first see them in the spring, smiles are everywhere. I remember one time I noticed a customer, upon getting out of her car, was literally screaming while jumping up and down in the parking lot when she saw them through the glass of the greenhouse.

Pansies love cool weather and snow does not hurt them. (Actually when they are covered in snow, do not brush off the snow.) As soon as the soil is thaw from winter they can be planted. Most years this usually is in March; Although I remember some Februaries when this was do-able.

There are some who believe pansies need to be planted in the fall for spring bloom. We believe the best spring pansies are still planted in the spring. In most cases the fall pansies take so much longer to get going than fresh spring plants. I won't say fall plantings don't work for spring, but generally spring planting is more successful. Note, there is no difference in the varieties, it's just when they are planted. Also, the term "winter" pansy is a marketing concept. All pansies are cold tolerant. Some varieties of pansies, however, have been hybridized to be more heat tolerant to last longer into the warm season.

As you take them out of the pot to plant, it's best to loosen the roots. Plant them level in the soil of your container or in the bed and water them in well. After they're planted, sometimes when springs are unusually cool, it's difficult to tell if the soil is truly wet or if it's just cold soil. Probably the soil is dry if you haven't watered too recently, so go ahead and water well. Pansies do get thirsty, so be sure to check them; however they need to be dry between watering's.

Pansies don't require a lot of fertilizer but occasionally fertilizing with Jack's All Purpose is great!

Dead-heading is not necessary but it does help them to look fresher. Sometimes if the season is unusually warm, dead-heading will prolong the bloom time. It does curb the build up of seed pods. If annuals believe they have produced enough seed they sometimes feel they don't have to bloom any longer; they've done their job! I personally dead-head my pansies twice a season.

The brand new pansy this spring is Frizzy Lemonberry. As the name suggests, it is a light yellow and plum blend with curly edges. It is very, very pretty!

Panolas are a relatively new hybrid. They are a cross between a pansy and a viola. They have a high bloom count like violas with gorgeous color spectrum like pansies. The blossoms are medium size and there are lots of them. Panolas are great because they are very showy and full of color. A.J. Rahn Greenhouses will have plenty of panolas this season.

Susan's Classroom - Cyclamen

It's cyclamen time. They are absolutely beautiful. Just come in and see the color. It's a sight to behold. We had them at Christmas with all the poinsettias but now we have all of them blooming and they do make a show.

Cyclamen are easy to care for. Their main requirement is a cool location. They love a semi-sunny room with temps in the 60's or even 50's. Anything above 70 degrees and they are not "happy campers".

When watering, feel the soil. If the soil is wet or if you're not sure if it is wet, don't water. If the soil feels dry, water well.

Sometimes you might find you've missed a watering and they are flat on the pot. They look dead! Go ahead and water well. It will take maybe as many as eight hours for them to perk up but they will perk up.

Many customers tell us they have their cyclamen for a couple of years. Then there are some who struggle to keep them for one week. It's usually a temperature issue -- too warm!

Don't expect cyclamen to bloom in spring or summer. They can, but this is not their "agenda". They are normally dormant in the summer. Their bloom time is late fall to winter. They look dead in the pot spring and summer. Place the pot on a tilt outdoors in the shade, water occasionally. In late August, set the pot upright, water regularly, fertilize lightly and you should have color again in later October.