Last year, NONE of the Cleomes returned for the first time ever. I actually had to go out and BUY seeds. Normally I could collect thousands of seeds from the ones that grew in the previous years!!!
Seed starting MAF April !st 2014 Part 2
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't Cleome annual in this area? Are there perennial ones too? I think I need a little edjamacayshun here please. Thanks! :)
Heya speedie - cleomes are annual, but they are the kind of annuals that self seed readily, so usually grow on for years that way.
LOL SSG and Speedie! Count me in the 'too tired to do it any other way' group! ;-)
Speedie, the cleomes are annuals but they sprout seed pods like crazy and easily self-seed for the following year. I had two volunteer cleomes in my yard last year--they grew to be absolutely enormous--almost as tall as me. I was very diligent about cutting the seed pods off before they sprouted, but I know a few exploded open while I was cutting, so I may get more this year.
I thought the cleomes were pretty, but towards the end of the season when they were practically as tall and big around as me, it began to be difficult to reach in to the center of the plant and get all the seed pods off because they are *spiky and thorny*!! :-o Did I mention the plants are *spiky and thorny*?? Removing them at the end of the season was a delicate operation involving my loppers with extra long handles (think *spiky and thorny*!) and thick gloves.
I would grow them again except for that spiky thorny thing...
some how I think Catmint is not a huge fan of Cleome. !!
My lettuce seedlings went out side first and in ground yesterday, yup tired of worrying. And tired of carrying a tray of Coleus out to the free light source and back in because they say Coleus really hates a chill. I planted chard in a two gallon pot and hoped that way that most of them would survive abuse, and it actually worked. meaning, I planted and watered then left it in a bright spot in the basement until we were frost free. The large pot meant a reservoir of moisture. Kind of weird but enough of them lived that I planted a large window box with them. They hate my soil.
Moon flower seedlings are starting to vine so they'll need to go out soon. they better start hardening.
LOL! Aww, Sally, I like everything about cleomes except the part about being stabbed in the chest and arms while trying to remove seed pods from the thick center of the plant!! ;-)
Sally, sounds like you are being a great plant mom to your babies.
So, what you're saying Catmint, is that the Cleome seed pods are spiky and thorny, is that correct? ;) HAAHAHAHAAHAAHAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! Heeheehee, sorry, I just couldn't help myself. < =D Well, I think it just might be worth it to brave the spiky thornies anyhow, they do sound right up my alley - self-seeding and all. I love how my Columbines are self-seeding all over the place. Any pots nearby, if their intended plant doesn't come back, no matter; there will be a Columbine in the pot to take its place! < =) (whether I like it or not!) < =D
Speedie the *whole plant* is spiky and thorny. When I first saw it growing I was like 'oh isn't it cute'-- not knowing it would grow into the Jezebel of plants! :-o oh well it was pretty and it *was* an experience. ;-)
I've never grown Cleome. I think they're very pretty, but now I probably never will !
Miscanthus is my pet peeve plant (last one on its way out, yay!). I had 3 in a bed that wasn't big enough for even 1. They didn't get enough sun and flopped on my other plants, so I'd corral them with plant rings, stakes, garden wire, etc. My arms would get cut up and very itchy in the process. My daughter wanted to keep them, but I told her I just wasn't willing to tackle them any more.
My last one is in a container if anyone wants it after my rave review : )
Did I mention that you'll need an electric saw to divide it into small pieces so you can get it out of the ground when you're tired of it ?
David has started Cleome seeds again this year, and I'm hoping we find volunteers as well. Never had any issues with it and one of the few annuals we have. Will have to be especially alert this year for a surprise attack. I had always trusted it.
LOL Ecnalg. I guess if I'd left it alone and not tried to cut off its seed pods... ;-)
Muddy that is too funny about the electric saw! I will stay away from miscanthus!! :-)
RRR can't believe that about your cleomes!! maybe area birds found their seeds delicious
our seedlings have been out every day. I still take them in at night though. We lost a few things thanks to our curious cats... luckily the cats have no interest in basil. Critter's basil is among our priority seedlings. We usually have one raised bed just for basil.
Muddy.
I grew Cleomies a few years ago and I do not remember any issues with thorns.
The stems of the Cleome, as they grow taller, spread out like arms.
Hence the other name for Cleome is "spider flower"...
The blooms are beautiful--random mixes of white, pink and lavender...or a mix.
The seed pods are skinny little pods about 1" long. They form up and down the
stems, from each flower, curving downward a bit. These pods can hold 30 seeds each.
They will ripen from the bottom up. Oldest first. If you don't pick them--
they just pop open disbursing their seeds below....hence so many babies...
Watch the color of the pods.....when the pods look slightly grayish-green--they are ripe.
When you reach in to pick it--have your hand around them--as they will pop open in your hand.
Like a pod of peas. You can see the pods in pic. #4.
Plant Cleomies where they will have lots of room. Grouping them will give a mass effect.
Grown singly--you will notice the spreading 'arms" more...in a group--it would look nicer.
They can be spectacular....G.
This message was edited Apr 27, 2014 6:37 AM
Diana, I have a couple of Lisianthus for you. Will you be attending the swap in Lucketts, VA on May 31st?
This message was edited Apr 27, 2014 9:14 AM
Wow maybe I had some kind of giant mutant cleomes. The seed pods were up to 6" long. The whole plant was massive.
Wow maybe I had some kind of giant mutant cleomes. The seed pods were up to 6" long. The whole plant was massive.
Oh wait based on googling it appears there are newer varieties of cleome that are thornless. I definitely had the old fashioned spiny kind!
I just love cleomes and I have never grown them. I should get some.
Since I will not be traveling this week I may finally get the rest of my seeds started. My peas are coming up sporadically, after 3 weeks, I may have to resow some. My outside chard, lettuce, and broccoli all seem fine.
our cleomes have thorns!! found it out the hard way one year when I yanked out a few dead stalks and got stabbed.
RRR I so wish we were going. VA is a bit too far for us. thank you so much for thinking of us though, I will surely miss your Lisianthus. I especially loved growing them last year. so special that you grow them from seed! have a great time ^_^
Coleus question- would getting a little chilled (48 degrees) cause them to wilt? Left my potted ones under the deck instead of ON, and some drastically wilted despite moist soil. Maybe I've been soaking them as they were on the deck= root issues. May need to emergency root the tops STAT!!
Sally, tug on a couple of them, if they pull easily and the roots are going, top cutting should work. Then let the tray dry out pretty well and the bottoms, or some of them, may survive.
Sally, my guess would be coleus don't like to be chilled. And, by the way, remember your mock orange? it seems to be very happy in a large pot that I put it in temporarily until it got more established. I was afraid I'd lose it if it was directly planted while so small.
>>>Does anyone have a contact for small plastic pots?
I'm transplanting and just realized I need to order more. I will probably resort to take out cups if I have to. I transplanted lots of seedlings for cherry chocolate tomatoes and large red heirloom tomatoes today.
I'm sorry Wind, I have no idea whom to contact for small plastic 'starter' pots. :(
Speaking of starting seeds... while out watering today I spotted a few seedlings where I sowed The Big Bed 2 weeks ago. Wheee!! Sowed so many seeds I have NO idea what they are, but I can tell they're not weeds! ;)
Yay-- are some of those asclepias??
Sadly, no Asclepias seedling yet; those were sown in the driveway-side bed just Wednesday, I think it's too soon for them to have germinated. That driveway-side bed is my "Butterfly Bed". :)
LOL great butterfly bed! :-)
Diane, What size pots do you need? I probably have 1-200 2" I'd be glad to send you.
Really Ric? that's so nice. I'll buy them from you. dmail me. Do you happen to have 2" square (see bottom pic)? I can't remember who I bought them from before. I really like them. They fit into a base that hold them firmly in the tray above any water that drains out. Obviously, they last me for years, but I must be out. I have stacks of styrofoam cups, but they are a royal pain to poke holes in the bottoms
horrible cell ph pic, but you get the idea
Wind, I didn't know that cleomes had thorns, a few years ago I had forgotten that Asparagus ferns had thorns. Grabbed ahold of one to put it out of a window box. Ouch!
So very sorry that you won't be coming to this years swap. Always so much fun seeing you.
likewise Holly!
and thanks to Ric for offering to help me with the pots!! you guys are the best. As he was looking into it for me, I figured out that I ordered the pots from Harris Seed co and ordered more, which should be here in time for more transplanting next weekend
Wind--
I have loads of 4" pots--the kind annuals come in t the HD.
Whenever I get to throw the plants out--I try to save the pots...
I have never mailed empty pots to anyone--but could if you really needed them.
Let me know--send me your address by D-mail.. How many???
Gita
I'm thinking of placing an order with Swallowtail Seeds (Agastache Apache Sunset caught my eye), when I was trying to figure out what happened to my Agastache Bolero. http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/agastache.html#gsc.tab=0
ag http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=270559&isprofile=0&letter=a . Anyone local to me interested in piggybacking on? I think they have free shipping this week on orders over $40 -- though I'm not sure what "this week" means.
Oooh Happy, we got some Bolero in at work the other day -- ya want me to grab one for you?? (yes, I understand that's not exactly what you were getting at.. but figured I'd mention it just in case... They're plants, as opposed to seeds, and if I remember correctly, they are in 4" pots... ya want one?) < =D
(I'll ascertain details at work today and d-mail you)
Bolero looks pretty. 2 of my 4 Agastaches didn't make it. I lost Tutti Frutti and Kudos Ambrosia. :-( But Purple Haze and Golden Jubilee are coming back strong!
Wind, I have lots of seeds in cups. I find that the styrofoam cups dry out much quicker than the large plastic cups that I use. The holes are easily made with my DH old soldering iron poked thru the bottom.
good morning,
TY G. and RRR. Roses, I have a soldering iron too. I'll keep that in mind. The last plastic we poked holes in were milk jugs for winter sowing and I forget what Harry used. I know it wasn't a soldering iron. He was putting something over the gas burner to heat it up. Ice pick maybe?? Plastic fumes are dangerous though. be sure area is well ventilated
Gita, I'm fine w/pots now, thanks so much though. Actually, the side of our house looks a bit dumpy thanks to all my pots that need to be straightened up better. have a good week!
I melt holes in all my small pots (yogurt and pudding cups) standing by my stove
with the exhaust fan on.
I use a long roofing nail held securely, by a pair of pliers, in hand over the flames.
Then poke away at the bottoms of the cups. Re-heat...poke...reheat...poke...
G.
Gita, I do the same but instead of the roofing nail and pliers, I use a long metal shish-ka-bob skewer.
Got you all beat! I pounded a big nail into a scrap of wood trim and made a real tool for my cup holes (smirk) Heat over a candle, and reminisce about the plastic mold maker toy I had in the 60s, heated up a sheet of plastic and then you pressed it over something and made a mold- fun!
Speedie: I got the Bolero at a Home Depot 75% off sale last fall -- several pots of it -- it looked robust at the time, but doesn't seem to have survived the winter (though the tag says it is a zone 5 plant). So now that I've learned it grows well from seed, I think I'll use seed go forward rather than springing for more plants that possibly won't make it.... But thank you for offering to be my personal shopper for one!
This message was edited Apr 28, 2014 8:49 AM