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The flowering stalks of the hollyhock, Alcea rosea, are covered in buds from the top all the way down to the rosette of foliage at the base. Once they are fully grown and ready to burst into color, these blooms start at the bottom and slowly work their way up, unfurling a little at a time. As the blooms continue to open, there will typically be several blooms per stalk all opening at once to create beautiful columns of rainbow-worthy color.

The best floral displays are produced by Ixora grown in full sun situations. Well-drained soil and moderate to slightly acidic pH are crucial to growing an Ixora bush. The plant develops chlorosis when installed in alkaline soils. Keep the soil evenly moist and prune the plant when it gets unruly. Ixora responds well to shearing and makes an excellent low hedge with its 4 to 6 foot height. Propagation of the shrub is through stem cuttings which can be rooted with the help of a rooting hormone. The flowers also occasionally produce a dark purple to black berry with seeds that are sometimes viable. Clean the pulp off the seed and soak it over night. Plant in a 2-inch pot filled with good seed starter mix. Moisten the mixture and fasten a plastic bag over the pot. Place in a warm location with moderate light. Keep the pot moist and move it to bright light as soon as the seed has germinated.

Even though you may grow henna plant indoors with the assurance of direct sunlight, it is always preferred to grow it outdoors. This is because henna plants grow better in hot climates. The minimum temperature needed for a henna plant to grow and nourish well is 22ºC.

A type of frisee endive with very fine, branched leaves. Frisee Organic Chicory Seeds produce a frisee endive variety that is tolerant to necrosis, and is known for its early development of compact heads. With excellent flavour and its heavy weight, this is an outstanding market variety for whole head or baby leaf production. Plants can be blanched by bunching the outer leaves together at the top with an elastic band, or by placing a cardboard disc over the plants before harvest. Blanched endive is a bit sweeter, and even sweeter when lightly cooked.

Tips

• The height of a Texas sage bush depends on its environment. It stays compact and short, up to about 5 feet tall, in arid conditions. Plants tend to grow more than 8 feet tall in gardens where they receive water that supplements rainfall.
• Compact Texas sage varieties are good for large containers. Shorter cultivars include “Compacta,” which has pink flowers.