Dicentra spectabilis

Dicentra spectabilis
Bleeding Heart

A favorite perennial in Grandmothers garden and still a favorite today is the Bleeding Heart. This very hardy perennial is an early blooming, feathery foliage plant that will thrive in sun or part shade. It really prefers afternoon shade though, as our very hot humid summers in the Midwest will cause it to go dormant early. It works well with ferns, which will hide the foliage going dormant when the weather really gets hot. It is hardy in zones 1-9, and will reach 2-4' in height with a spread of 18-24". Pink heart shaped flowers in abundance form along arching stems in late spring to early summer.
Best soil composition is moist, fertile, well drained, and humus rich. Fertilize in spring with organic fertilizer like compost or aged manure. If you need to move or divide this plant, it's best to do it in early spring when it just begins to emerge from the ground.
This perennial is also available in white blooming hearts ( alba), as well as the newest red variety called Burning Hearts, both varieties of which we carry. The King of Hearts variety has pink hearts, but the foliage is much lacier looking than the spectabilis types.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Rose Progress

Roses Four Weeks Later

Roses Mid February

As you can clearly see from the above two photos, the warm sunny weather the past few weeks has moved the roses from barely breaking dormancy to full fledged foliage growth. As we walk past the greenhouses each day, we don't see the dramatic change as much as when we look back on that first photo published four weeks ago. Before long we will be moving them out of the greenhouses into the field to give them more room to grow and allow them to harden off (get used to the outdoor temperatures) before setting them out for sale.
This past week has seen a continued effort to get everything planted up so all the annuals and vegetables and herbs have time to reach sale maturity. Cosmos, beets, and zinnia seeds were sown, while begonias both wax and dragonwing were transplanted into their final pots. Also transplanted this past week were impatiens, dahlias, verbena, and pentas. Belden baskets of impatiens were planted up in a myriad of colors. Belden baskets are hanging baskets with holes all around the sides of the basket where plants are planted in each of those holes as well as in the top of the basket. This creates a very full look both on top and all around the basket.
Cuttings were taken of some of the more unusual colored coleus plants to root them and double or even triple the number of these that will be available for sale in May. Our greenhouses are filling up fast with all these annuals and vegetables. Of course our planting would not be complete without transplanting more of literally thousands of petunias! We never seem to be finished planting these popular annuals.
Finally, all the pansies have been brought out of their winter greenhouses into the retail area. They bring so much color and spring feel to your garden, and even though we had a surprise light snow Thursday night, it didn't affect those little beauties one bit. We are also enjoying all the daffodils around our greenhouses that are now in full bloom after the crocuses just completed their bloom cycle.

By: The Production Staff
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Coleus Planting

Coleus Planting

This past week we continued our frantic pace of planting and seeding for spring. Tomatoes, herbs, and lettuces were seeded, as well as marigolds. Hanging impatiens pouches were planted in ten different solid colors, and a color mix . Impatiens baskets were also planted and hung in various houses to continue their growing cycle. Begonias, coleus, dahlias and snapdragons topped the list of other seedlings transplanted by our hard working crew. Special mention this week to our crew who place all these many trays and hanging baskets in their special growing houses. It's a back breaking, knee bending, up and down ladders kind of job, and we couldn't keep up the planting pace without their hard work!
Another warm, sunny, dry week once again kept the watering crew in their boots for most of every day. The plants are growing by leaps and bounds with all this gorgeous weather! A final disbudding of the Easter Mums was completed this past week. This process involves taking all the side flower buds off each stem of the mum plant, leaving the center bud. By doing this, the center bud develops into quite a large showy flower, creating a beautiful full plant for decorating your table.
The first of the early spring blooming perennials were brought out for sale. Many of these were planted last summer and fall as bare root, or seedlings or bulbs, and kept in greenhouses throughout the winter at just about 32F. Iberis, Bleeding Heart, Arabis, Polemonium and Forget Me Nots are all out and blooming now. Pansies and Violas are literally flying out the door, so we're also kept busy stocking the tables to keep up with the demand.

By: The Production Crew
A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses

Geranium Planting

Planting Geraniums

This week started the march to Easter among the many tasks at hand. Potted bulb plants that were planted in early December (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths) were brought out of cold storage to begin forcing them for Easter week bloom. Azaleas as well were put in a warmer greenhouse to force for Easter.
Hanging baskets of cherry tomatoes were planted, and herb seeds planted a week ago are now beginning to sprout.
Debudding Geraniums that are just starting their growth spurt was done so the plants have a chance to put more effort into foliage and root growth for a stronger, healthier plant. There will be ample time for blooms to set later. Pictured above are a few of the thousands of Geraniums being planted in 4 1/2" pots. Scented Geraniums were also being planted for an extra bonus in your garden or window boxes, providing lovely scents to accompany the beautiful blooms. Citronella scented Geraniums even provide mosquito deterrence around your deck or patio!
Since most of the week was relatively warm and sunny, watering and fertilizing became top priority for a major part of each day.

By: The Production Staff
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Shamrocks

Shamrocks
Oxalis

Oxalis are best known as Shamrocks, the easily recognized symbol of Irish pride. Surprisingly enough, they are actually natives of the mountain areas of South America and Mexico. Some of the more hardy varieties have became popular in Northern Europe and North America.
This plant is grown from tiny bulbs or tubers. They prefer a bright sunny windowsill and like to dry out slightly between waterings. When they get too hot in the summer they can go dormant. They may also go dormant if neglected and allowed to dry out. Once the dead growth is cut away and watering is resumed, they will sprout new leaves in a few days.
Oxalis are generally problem free and most insects will not bother them. Given bright sun, moderate water, fertilizer every other week or so, and well drained soil, they should be an easy, enjoyable plant whether it's St. Patrick's Day or not.

By: Gayla Parker
Gardening Consultant at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Rex Begonia Vine

Rex Begonia Vine
Cissus discolor

The Rex Begonia Vine has beautiful oval shaped leaves that are a dark green with frosty silver patterns on the upper side, and a deep burgundy red on the underside.
As a houseplant, it prefers a brightly lit room. After danger of frost, it loves to be outdoors in part to full shade with warm temperatures and high humidity.
The Rex Begonia Vine is a tendril (climbing) grower and can be used on a trellis or in a hanging basket. During the warmer growing season fertilize with houseplant fertilizer according to directions.
Calico advises: this plant would make a beautiful, fascinating addition to your summer shade garden!

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

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum raddianum

Maidenhair ferns are one of the most airy, delicate looking houseplants popular today. Their clouds of wedge shaped, vivid green leaflets are born on slender, graceful black stems. They make wonderful terrarium plants as they thrive in high humidity. If not used in a terrarium, a moist pebble tray under the pot will suffice. Placed in indirect light on a north facing windowsill, or in a room with bright indirect light, they will bring years of enjoyment. Water daily with filtered water, or water that has set overnight to dissipate the chemicals. Fertilize biweekly with half strength houseplant fertilizer, less frequently in winter months. When repotting, use standard soil mix with high peat content.
If the soil is kept moist and the humidity high, this beautiful plant will flourish and bring an air of elegance to your houseplant collection.

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

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens

This past week was once again a planting frenzy, as we transplanted a whole greenhouse full of New Guinea Impatiens.
Herbs of about 30 varieties were seeded or transplanted for spring.
Hanging baskets of Geraniums, Petunias, and Boston fern were planted, priced, then hung in greenhouses to complete growing for spring sales.
New cuttings of Plumbago, Ivy, and other vining filler plants were taken and placed in a rooting medium to develop a root system before being transplanted about 4 weeks later into 4" pots.
The first tomato seedlings were transplanted into 4 1/2' pots for early container planting or planting in a protected area before May 15th, for those who just can't wait to get started!
Soils are made up many times a day in different mixes to achieve optimum plant health. It may come as a surprise to many to realize different plants have different soil needs.
Two more greenhouses were cleaned and sterilized for the asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries and all the herbs and other vegetables being planted this week.
The roses planted two weeks ago are budding out nicely, and with sun and a little warmer weather, they will be bursting out!

By: The Production Staff at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses