Best Tips For Growing Jatropha

Plants of Jatropha genus are native to warmer parts of the world. It ranges from tropical to sub tropical plants. The Jatropha plant can be grown on wasteland or any type of topography. It is drought tolerant and can blossom even on a stony poor soil. It grows from 15-30 feet tall and is bushy. Jatropha is grown commercially to make biodiesel using its seeds as well as to prevent soil from eroding. They make an excellent green cover providing many long term ecological benefits. It is grown as a perennial crop and can yield for 50 years. After 50 years wood can be used as fuel.  The pets and children should be kept away from this plant as it is toxic in nature. 

Propagation

Jatropha is propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Growing from seeds will require an adequate spacing, as they are bushy in nature. Generally 10 feet distance is maintained between two Jatropha plants. You can practice 6 * 6  or 8*8 spacing too better results.

While propagating from stem cuttings, take cuttings from existing plant, treat with rooting hormone or honey and plant in container having well drained and aerated soil. Put the container in warm , sunny location. Container should have adequate number of holes to ensure smooth drainage of water out of it.

Soil

Jatropha will grow in any type of soil. It can be sandy or loamy, marginal saline or acidic but it should be well drained and aerated. Soggy soil will lead to root rot in the plant.

Sun /Temperature

Jatropha thrives in bright and sunny location. Ideal temperature is 20-40 degree Celsius. Maximum exposure to sun enhances seed yield.  Some Jatropha species can be grown in partial shaded locations too.

Watering

Though Jatropha is drought tolerant , but watering regularly is recommended for healthy growth. Cut down watering in winter.

Fertilizer

Feed plant when plant is actively growing – blooming and fruiting. Although , Jatropha can grow in nutrient lacked soil but feeding will result in better and healthier crop.

Caring

Pinch off the stem tip to promote bushy nature. To grow Jatropha indoor for longer period, trim and prune it regularly to keep its size under control.

Jatropha is vulnerable to aphids and mealy bugs so keep an eye on signs of infestation and treat it.

In many parts of the world Jatrpha is cultivated for meeting country’s energy needs. The oil extracted from Jatropha seeds is being used in making bio diesel which is getting popular as an alternate of non renewable energy resources like petrol and diesel. It also provide secological benefits when grown as green cover. In many areas it is good source of providing employment.

Best Tips For Growing Sunflower at Home

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are popular annuals grown for their ornamental daisy like flower heads, edible bugs and seeds.  Sunflowers grow upto 8 feet height, some varieties growing even taller up to 15 feet. Sunflower is very easy to grow and started in late winter ( late march)  or early spring ( Mid April- Late May) when soil starts to get warmer. Follow the below tips for growing sunflower successfully at home.

Propagation

Sunflower is readily propagated from seeds, its less expensive method. Buy seeds from local nursery or order online according your requirement. If you are growing in container then go for dwarf sunflower varieties. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 4- 6 inches apart in late winter or early spring. If growing in container then sows 2-6 seeds per container, you can thin out weaker one later. Generally it takes a sunflower seed 3-8 days to germinate. Do remember sunflower does not like being transplanted.

Or you can directly purchase sunflower sapling from local nursery centre and transplant at home in pot or container.

Soil

Sunflower can be grown in any type of soil (sandy or loamy ) as far as it is well drained. You can add compost, manure, leaves mold to increase organic matter in it. Also you can add vermi culture to loosen it up and making more fertile. 

Sun /Temperature

As name suggests, they are sun loving plant. Sunflower follows sun and faces east when bloomed fully. They thrive in full sun. Make sure you are providing them at least 6 hours of direct sun light. 

Watering

Though sunflower is drought resistant, water them regularly for good growth. Keep the soil moist. Or Water the plant whenever you see the plant wilting. 

Fertilizer

Sunflower doesn’t have much needs of fertilization. If you want then feed plant with normal purpose fertilizer (liquid / granular) in growing season for good show of blooms.

Harvesting

Harvest seeds when flower head turns green to yellow and bracts (small green scalar leaves on base of flower head) dry and turn brown. Generally flower head reach maturity (ripens) in 30-45 days after blooming and a single growing cycle can be completed within 60-75 days.  Cut the ripened heads off the stem and remove seeds off the flower head.

Use in Bouquets 

Cut the main stem before opening up of flower buds early in morning and keep them in a water filled container or pot. Keep changing water to keep flower heads fresh.

Petals and sunflower seeds can be used for culinary purpose too.

Best Tips For Growing Rose plant at Home

Everybody knows as well as loves to have this plant in their home gardens. It is a perennial bush plant which comes over the years. It is one of best addition to any home garden. Rose is available in all possible colors. You can grow rose at your home easily. Follow the below tips for successful growing.

Propagation

The best way of propagating rose is taking cuttings. Take semi softwood cutting in current growing season.  Make a cut just above a leaf node. Clip off all leaves but 1-2 at top. Dip the cutting in rooting gel or powder. You can use honey too for the same purpose. Make a 2-3 inches deep hole in potting mix with help of a pencil. Place the cutting in the hole and cover it with a plastic bag. Plastic bag saves the cuttings moisture over the time.  Check the soil for moisture whenever it gets dry, water it slightly. Keep the container in partial shade or out of direct sunlight.

Best time for starting bare root rose (rose plant without any leaves, brown roots and dormant stem ) is late winter.  Container rose can be started in spring (March- May).

Container

Rose generally grows as a bush so choose the container accordingly. If you do not want to have trouble of re potting again and again then go for a large sized container. Apart from size of container, ensure that your container has adequate number of holes. Rose doesn’t like standing in water. Put small pieces of bricks or stones on drainage holes to ensure this.

Soil

Rose will grow in any type of well drained soil enriched with organic matter.  Use compost, cow manure, dried leaves to enrich soil. Vermiculite will also increase fertility of the soil. 

Sun / Temperature

Rose loves light. It needs at least 6 hrs of direct sunlight. Morning sun is best but light afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter areas. 

Watering

Rose like humidity, so mist the plant in morning alternate days or twice a week. Do not do this in afternoon as it will invite diseases. Water regularly and keep the soil moist always. Avoid shallow sprinkling as water doesn’t reach too roots and will invite fungus.  But do not over water it  as it will induce root rot.

Use mulch to conserve water and reduce stress.  Apply 2 – 4 inch layer of chopped, dried  leaves or shredded bark around the base of your plant , it act as mulch and maintain humidity around the plant.

Fertilizer

Feed your rose plant with slow releasing granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer twice a month when it is blooming.  You can use special rose fertilizers or rose food available in markets too.House plant food like Epsom salt will encourage new growth on rose bush.

Pruning

Prune rose plant in spring. Take out all old or unhealthy looking leaves and twigs. Wear gloves while doing the pruning.  Generous pruning creates more flowers on the plant.

Overwintering

Overwintering is process of saving plant in winter for next season. Colder areas where temperature goes down in negative it is a must process. For this , do not prune rose in fall (Sept – Nov). Just cut off any dead or diseased twigs or branch.  Stop fertilizing in winter. Cover the rose base ground with straw, compost, dry wood chips etc. 

Caring

Rose is prone to white flies and mealy bug attack. Use soapy water to control it.

Below are real time pictures of growing rose at Design Green India.