NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota
State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
December 30, 1998
Hortiscope
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q: I was shipped an amaryllis in the mail. When it arrived, it had already grown the blossom shoot and then it rotted off. Can I just let it go dormant and then start watering it again to get it to bloom again this year? Will it grow a new blossom shoot? (Underwood, N.D.)
A: Since the bulb had arrived sprouted to the point of rotting, I would go back to the source, explain to them what happened and ask to have it replaced. Most reputable firms will do this to maintain customer satisfaction. Since the bulb had rotted, I seriously doubt that you would be able to get successful regrowth without disease problems.
Q: Enclosed is a leaf from my houseplant. I do not know the botanical name for it. We call it the angel wing begonia. The leaves develop these spots on them and then they dry up and fall off. I haven't been able to see any insects on the plant. In how much light should the plant be kept? Could you help me with this problem? (Colfax, N.D.)
A: The angel wing begonia is a member of the cane-stemmed begonias, which gives them, at maturity, bamboo-like stems with wide internodes. From the sample you sent, it appears as if you are growing the species Begonia corallina. Your foliage sample was showing evidence of mildew disease, which is easily managed with diligence. Try to move the plant where it will get better air circulation. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering or spraying other plants. Try to pick off and discard the worst leaves and begin a monthly fertilization with half strength water soluble material to encourage new leaf emergence.
Q: I need help with a houseplant. About 18 months ago I received a beautiful blooming Martha Washington geranium. After it finished blooming, I have never been able to get it to bloom again. By spring it was doing poorlyyellowing foliage etc.so I cut it back somewhat and planted it outdoors, pot and all, in a mostly sunny place. It greened up nicely but had no flowers. This fall I brought it indoors again hoping I could get it to bloom. Also, can these plants be propagated by cuttings? If so, how is that done? (Selby, S.D.)
A: I suggest dumping and forgetting your Martha Washington geranium and start over with one of the freer-blooming zonal types. Martha Washingtons are characterized by their short season of bloom and high selling price. In talking this problem over with Bob Askew, prior extension horticulturist, he said that the reblooming problem is widespread, even among growers. Yes, they can be propagated by cuttings."Home Propagation Techniques" (NCR-274) is available at NDSU Extension Service offices.
Q: Can you tell me how to start seedlings from evergreen cones? (Rugby, N.D.)
A: Evergreen seeds are most likely all dispersed from the cones right now. The cones, pines especially, would only make a good holiday decoration at this point. Next spring, pick out the evergreen you want to collect the seed from and identify the female cones that are close to maturitywith the scales still closed. They will usually be brown at this point. Tie a bag around the cone and let it stay on until the cone scales open and drop any seeds they may contain. Plant immediately or hold in cold storage until the following spring and then plant.
Q: I canned my tomatoes without salt, because my husband is on a low-salt diet. Now people are telling my that the tomatoes are not good because it is the salt that preserves them. Can we eat the tomatoes without getting sick? (Forman, N.D.)
A: Thanks for writing. I'm married to a home economics major who has canned tomatoes without salt for the past 14 years. Salt is an excellent preservative, but we are also hooked on its taste. Following normal good canning procedures such as clean containers, making sure of vacuum seals etc. will help preserve the fruit. Also, tomatoes are quite acidic, which helps in their preservation. Of course, dump any canned tomatoes that appear off-color, flavor or smell. Don't take a chance. In the future, refer to "Canning and Freezing Tomatoes" (FN175), which is a publication of the NDSU Extension Services.
Q: I have been trying for three years to get strawberries started. My problem is they won't make any runners. They just grow in clumps. I have some berries but most are small. I have been adding all the grass and leaves in the form of compost for about 15 years and some 5-15-5 fertilizer for about the last five years. The other garden plants do well.
I have heard of others who had a similar problem and a spray of some kind seemed to be the answer for them. What is the product to use? (Garrison, N.D.)
A: I have not heard of strawberries not runnering before. It must be the nutrient status, especially the nitrogen, is too low. I would suggest obtaining some Miracle-Gro ( a water-soluble powder) and spraying it on your strawberries this spring. This does a beautiful job of stimulating my strawberries to runner quite heavily.
Q: I read an article that stated it was not good to plant rhubarb next to flowering shrubs. Could you tell me why? I have eight rhubarb plants growing about 5 feet from lilac bushes. I have always had good rhubarb. (Keldron, S.D.)
A: I know of no reason why rhubarb cannot be grown near any other plants. Your testimony certainly bears witness to that fact. No references I checked alluded to this problem either. I can give no reason why the author of the article you referred to would make that statement.
Q: I have a patch of winter onions that never amount to much. Each spring they come up thick and green, but when I pull them up, they are soft and not edible. Are you supposed to transplant that brown seed in the fall or what do you do with them? (Verona, N.D.)
A: The onions you are growing are probably the top multipliers. Plant the sets produced at the top of the flower stalk of multiplier onions in the fall. Then harvest the green onion in early spring. I hope this helps to improve your enjoyment of onions.
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Do you have a gardening or houseplant question? Write to Hortiscope, Box 5051, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND 58105 or e-mail Ron Smith at ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu.
Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136