|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The largest family of flowering plants in the world is the compositae. Coming from all over the world, some well-known members of the family include brachycombs, chrysanthemums, felicias, gazanias and gerberas. While most of them like chrysanthemums, gerberas, michaelmas, shasta and ox-eye daisies are perennials, there are many others which can be grown as winter annuals in the plains of Northern India. For most of these, seeds are to be sown in August to September. Chinese or Japanese asters are among the most widely cultivated winter annuals. They come in double as well as single varieties ranging from ray-petalled, ostrich-plumed, anemone-flowered, powder puffs to giants in different heights. Asters do not like dampness so an open sunny position with sandy soil suits them. Planted 10 to 12 inches apart, they do well with pinching which makes them nice and bushy. They like a little lime in the soil and make excellent cut flowers. Bellis are hardy perennials that produce masses of single, semi-double and double flowers and are at ease from alpine to warm climates. A carpet of these daisies under the majestic chinars came up year after year dotting the grass with their quilled flowers. In the plains, these are grown as winter annuals by sowing seeds in August-September. Ordinary soil in semi-shade is the best for them. It is chiefly grown as an edging or naturalised under trees. Mainly white variety is grown but pink or red varieties also make very pretty plants and flowers can be used for garlands. Brachychome or Swan river daisy was originally grown in Australia growing up to one foot tall. A graceful hardy annual, it comes in blue, white rayed or yellow colours. Plants are bushy and much branched with profusion of flowers. Sow seeds in September and plant 6x 12 inches apart in porous soil in full sun. These make good pot and basket plants too. Dimorphothecas or cape daisy originally from South Africa which is naturally perennial but grown as winter annuals in Indian plains. These are pretty showy plants easily raised from seeds which do stand transplanting but are better sown in situ. The marguerite-like flowers come in white and pinks or mauves. They have the dual virtue of making good cut flowers as well as being an attractive garden specimen. Some of the varieties make interesting tub plants. They like fairly light soil in a sunny location and should be planted about 1 x 1 feet apart. Helichrysums or everlasting flowers are popularly grown for the flowers which if gathered early and hung upside down in a cool dry place will retain their beautiful colour and shape for many months for dry arrangements. Available in semi-double and double form in pink, yellow, red, salmon and white — they are originally belong to Australia. They like well – drained gritty soil with a good amount of leaf – mould and can be spaced 1`BD x 1`BD feet apart. Pyrethrums have been often called poor man’s or annual chrysanthemums. Perfectly hardy and flowering for a long period from November to early May, they give a steady supply of cut flowers and flowers for garlands. Flowers appear in enormous numbers on finely cut lovely green foliage. Plant a few in the kitchen garden for a steady supply of flowers.
|
|||
|
|
|||
