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| MANDEVILLA SEED PODS STIR INTEREST AND QUESTIONS | |
| Published: December 02, 1997 | |
Antennae-like seed pods observed by several readersQ:In response to the question on antennae-like growths on mandevilla vine (11-18-97), last year my vine had many of these pods. I let them dry on the plant, then picked them off and let them dry more. When I split them open they were filled with seeds. I planted them in a pot outdoors in early summer. To date, the plants have only grown to 16 inches tall. I would like to know if anyone has successfully grown a blooming mandevilla from seed.A:Chester Wager with Country Gardens Nursery in Parks says that he harvests the seeds and has raised blooming mandevillas from seed. Blooming is late the first year as with any plant raised from seed. If your seeds were mature when you planted them, the plants will bloom, although it may not be until next year.Chester said that the pods mature at different times, depending on when the flowers are pollinated, sometimes not reaching maturity until February or March. Watch the pods carefully as they mature on the vine. If they reach maturity while on the vine, they will pop open and drop the seeds. When the pods lose their green color, remove them from the vine and continue drying them until they are ready to pop open. Chester will provide further information to those who call at 318-845-4764. Mobi plants and hollyhocks in South LouisianaQ:Someone in Indiana has sent me some seeds and I need information about them. Have you ever heard of mobi plants? They are supposed to poison moles. Also, how about hollyhocks? Do they grow here?A:My sources dont mention mobi plant; however my horticulture dictionary lists mole plant (Euphorbia lathyris). This is an annual or biennial to 3 feet tall, with long narrow pointed leaves and large clusters of yellow flowers at the top of the stem. The plant has a caustic poisonous milky juice reputed to discourage moles and gophers. I have no local information about it.Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are grown successfully by local gardeners, usually from seed as the plants are fussy about being transplanted. There are beautiful biennial and annual strains. The annuals, especially Indian Spring, are recommended for the area. The seeds are planted in open ground in fall or very early spring, and the seedlings usually require staking because they grow from 2-10 feet depending on the variety. They require excellent drainage and full sun. The tallest varieties are usually planted against a wall or fence for support. Kinder-gardeners planting crops as a result of grants and donationsFrom Ann:Two kindergarten classes at S.J. Montgomery school are planting cabbage, broccoli, and radishes. Later they will plant carrots and beets. Funds from the Lafayette Educational Foundation, the Acadiana Arts Council and private donations have made this possible and will also provide for the addition of butterflies, ladybugs, frogs and other wild life for science projects.The kinder-gardeners are in the process of building a pond near a future flower bed and are in need of stones to border the pond as well as ferns, pond plants, flower plants, Mexican heather and plants that attract butterflies. Grown-up gardeners interested in donating some of these may contact Sue Abshire at 981-2350. |