NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
March 23, 2000
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q: I had a Jade plant but threw it out, and now I'm wondering if could I have saved it somehow. Could it have been saved by using some good stems from new plants? (Bruce, S.D.)
A: The Jade can be rooted easily via leaf or stem cuttings if kept in a warm room with filtered sunlight. Refer to the Extension publication "Home Propagation Techniques" (NCR-274) for your future propagation projects.
Q: I would like to know why my cactus plant doesn't bloom. I have had it since last year. Also, how often should I water cactus plants and where is the best place to keep them? (LaMoure, N.D.)
A: You likely need an extra dose of patience more than anything else. They need the sunniest spot in your house during winter, and to be kept moist from spring through summer. In the fall, allow to dry and water only enough to keep the plants from shriveling; carry on with this procedure through the winter months.
Q: My hollyhocks seem to have a fungus. Do you use sulfur powder on them? If so, where do I find it? Is this the time of year to use it? Also, should I fertilize the lawn yet? (Gwinner, N.D., e-mail)
A: As the hollyhocks start new growth, spray them with All-Purpose Fungicide (Daconil 2787).
It is WAY too early to fertilize the lawn. Wait until some new growth is showing and you have mowed it at least a couple of times. Then apply a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (N), with a major part of the N coming from sater insoluble nitrogen (WIN) sources, which should be listed on the bag.
Q: We are planning some "garden" work in our new yard, and I would like to do things right the first time so I don't have to redo it later. So, I have some questions for you:
A: The Hansen's cherry is not recommended for our area, as far as I can find out, but the sand cherry is.
Raspberries spread by underground runners known as rhizomes. They split easily and can be transplanted to new locations Do this in the early spring just before new growth shows.
All the chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) will do well in our region of the country, but they all sucker, so plant them where suckering is desired such as in a windbreak. If you can't tolerate suckering but want to plant anyway, do something to keep the root system confined so that the suckering can be controlled easier. The Copper Schubert and Boughen's Chokeless produce large, non-astringent fruits. Robert and Mini-Schubert are smaller, more compact plants with large red fruits that may fit into a residential landscape better, but these varieties will be more difficult to locate.
Q: I am thinking of purchasing a paulownia tree due to its fast upright growth. What are the pros and cons of these trees? (Maryland e-mail)
A: I am glad that you thought to include where you were writing from--Maryland--as my answer for a paulownia tree would be "no" for our northern plains climate!
Eastern Maryland is in zone 7 and western Maryland is in zone 6. This is a fast-growing, coarse-textured tree with heart-shaped leaves that has a reputation for messiness. It provides a very dense shade at maturity, which makes it difficult for grass to grow under it. It's more of a tree for large areas, since it can reach 40 or 50 feet tall with an equal spread.
If you live in eastern Maryland, it is likely you will enjoy the flowers. If you live in western Maryland, the flowers are likely to be killed in winter. The flowers resemble a foxglove flower and have a vanilla smell.
Q: I'm writing from southern California (near the coast), a long way in both distance and climate from the North Dakota; nevertheless, an Internet search using the word "lisianthus" revealed your Web site. Two other sites were selling cut flowers. So ... I thought that I would write and see what you know about the plant. That, by the way, is guaranteed to be more than I know. Believe me.
I planted lisianthus in patio containers last year and they've remained green. Are they perennials in a Mediterranean climate? Will they bloom again, or should I just be thankful that they're still there? (Fountain Valley, Calif., e-mail)
A: We grew lisianthus (Eustoma) as a trial cut-flower crop in our plots for a couple of years. They are definitely warm-season flowering plants, with some species being annual, biennial and perennial (in your zone). The plants will only rarely look good beyond the first year, so rather than waste your life waiting for the possibility of a repeat performance, get another planting under way.
I'm sure you found them to be excellent cut flowers, as we did. Our stems were too short, though, for the local florist trade. They all wanted your long-stemmed California beauties! When arranged in a vase containing water, this flower's buds will open and give the viewer an extended show!
Q: I need to know what kind of manure is best to use as fertilizer for a strawberry garden. Also, would marigolds and/or Hoya Carnosa help keep harmful bugs away from my strawberries? (e-mail)
A: The best manure is rabbit. It is clean, easy to handle and, of course, rich in nutrients.
The lygus bug is the big pest with strawberries. It damages the flowers and causes "nubbins" to develop. I doubt the flowers you mentioned would be effective in keeping these and other destructive insects away.
###
Do you have a gardening or houseplant question? Write to Hortiscope, Box 5051, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND 58105 or e-mail to Ron Smith at ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu.
Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Dean Hulse (701) 231-6136