NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
April 2, 1998
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q. I read in a recent Hortiscope column that someone was looking for a basketball-sized watermelon that tasted sweet, stored well, and had black seeds. I believe that is the `Mickey Lee' variety, from the Liberty Seed Company. Their phone number is 800-541-6022. Hope this helps! (Fargo, N.D.)
A. Thanks for the information. I do not have that catalog in my collection, and will quickly add it. I am sure the person who is looking for this will appreciate the information.
Q. I have heard about your Master Gardener Program in North Dakota and was wondering if South Dakota had something similar. Any information would be appreciated.
A. I have heard that the Beadle County Extension Office in Huron, S.D., will be holding Master Gardener classes this spring—late April or May. They will cover all the basics of horticulture and have both a volunteer and non-volunteer registration component.
For more information contact Royce Schaneman, Beadle County Extension Office, PO Box 36, Huron, SD 57350.
Q. I read your plant information every week and find it very informative. You refer to a "house plant circular" from time to time. I was wondering if it contained any information on African violets and even if it does not, I would like a copy. I don't recall seeing a printed price for it. Could I get a copy please.
Also, do you have any information on African violet sources like catalogs, etc? (Moorhead, Minn.)
A. No problem. A copy of PP-744, "House Plants Proper Care and Problem Solving" is enclosed. Others may get a copy from any county office of the NDSU Extension Service, or by writing to Distribution Center, Ag Communication, PO Box 5655, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105-5655; telephone, (701) 231-7882. No charge for single copies.
As for African violets, here is an abbreviated list:
Big Sky Violets
10678 Schoolhouse Lane
Moiese, MT 59824
(406) 644-2296Kent's Flowers (Kent & Joyce Stark)
2501 East 23rd Ave.
Fremont, NE 68025
(402) 721-1478Violet Express
1440-41 Everett Road
Eagle River, WI 54521
(715) 479-3099The Violet Showcase (Doug & Brenda Crispin)
3147 South Broadway
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 761-1770Any or all should help.
Q. My amaryllis grew to 28 inches and had eight blossoms on two stalks. Out of one of the blossoms a 6-inch small stalk grew and developed three bulb-like bulbs. I am enclosing a picture. Since I took the picture, the globes have opened and the black flakes (enclosed in paper towel) appeared and fell out. What are they?
Will you explain what they are and of what use they are. Thank you in advance for your help. (Sykeston, N.D.)
A. Thank you for the photo and question. The amaryllis, like any other flowering plant, attempts to complete seed production to perpetuate the species. Apparently, your plant lacks that ability, and instead produces somatic, or non-sexual tissue. What you sent were flower petals that had developed in place of the seed. Simply a genetic aberration and an interesting point to discuss. This plant is limited to asexual reproduction only, by producing bulb offsets, which will very likely behave in the same manner.
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Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
Editor: Barry Brissman (701) 231-7866