| Contributor
Q: I planted a packet of zinnia seeds this spring and the plants are absolutely beautiful now. How do I save seeds from these flowers for planting next year?
A: Let used zinnia flowers die on the stems and dry out. Once the flowers are completely dry, the seeds can be stored. To do this, pull the petals out of the center of each flower. The seeds are located at the ends of the petals and are shaped like an arrowhead. They are brown and pointed on one end, with a broad base on the other end, and they are about 1/2 inch long. They need to be properly stored. Take them in and spread them out on a paper towel to dry. After a few days, when they have dried thoroughly, store them in a small plastic zippered bag. Print the name of the seeds on the outside of the bag and include the year they were stored. Put the plastic bags in a box or jar in your refrigerator until they can be planted next spring.
Q: I bought two angel trumpets from the master gardeners of Etowah County a few years ago. I planted them in my back yard in a flower bed in front of a wooden fence, in full sun most of the day. They are planted in really good soil and I always water them well. We add compost to the soil every year. We also cover the plants with mulch. The angelic trumpets die off every winter and do not begin to grow again until late summer, and they never reach full-grown size. They will develop a few flowers for a few years. When I bought these plants the master gardeners had some really big angel trumpets and I thought mine would grow that way. What am I doing wrong?
A: Angel’s Trumpets (Brugmansia) are tropical plants. The above-ground part of the plant will not survive in this area out in the countryside in winter. When an angel’s trumpet is planted in the landscape, it dies every winter and begins to grow back every summer; In just one growing season, they never have time to grow to large sizes and produce lots of flowers. If you want to grow a large angel’s trumpet, you will need to grow the plant in a container and store the container in a greenhouse or conservatory for the winter. In this way, the plant will grow into a large size and produce many flowers each year.
Q: How often should I water my hydrangeas in spring and summer? I watered mine about once a week. Is that enough?
A: For best results, water the plant at least every other day during the summer to encourage growth of the plant and its root system. Always pour plenty of water at the base of the plant so as not to wet the flowers and leaves. Watering in the morning will keep your hydrangeas from wilting on really hot days.
Carol (Bonnie) Link is an Etowah County gardener and veteran gardening writer. Her weekly column is designed to help and encourage others with their gardening work. Send questions or comments to clink43@bellsouth.net.
