The weather here is bizarre for a few days, so I'm in denial and hiding out in the sunroom. We keep it partially heated, but closed off, so it seems to simulate winter in a warmer climate. Temperatures never drop below about 45F/7C, but they warm during most winter days to about 60F/15C. During short winter days, many plants go semi-dormant, and then "wake up" in late winter/early spring with longer daylight.
So for this "Six on Saturday," I'm sharing some indoor happenings: First, the Kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana) is about to bloom (see above). It's a great indoor potted plant year-round, but I take mine outside (along with all my pots) from May through early October.
I started some seeds! And they're sprouting fast! These are mixed Dahlias. I've never grown Dahlias from seed, so I'm thrilled they're successful (so far)!
This potted Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has come back for several years now in its pot in the sunroom. It's a joy to see the sprouts climbing their trellis in spring and blooming in the summer. I also have some vines planted along the west, sunny side of the house on an outdoor trellis, although those plants have never bloomed (yet). I'm so glad I planted these--they're easy-care, and they bring so much joy!
Yay for Zinnias (Z. elegans)! I post about these guys way too much (sorry), but they're definitely a garden staple for me. Tiny little sprouts like this eventually yield continuous, weekly blooms for cut arrangements--from late May through mid-October.
This was an accident: In October, I left some Impatiens (I. walleriana) in a mixed planter when I brought it inside. These plants looked terrible in December and January, and I forgot about them. To my surprise, they perked up and started blooming in March. Fun!
I started some seeds! And they're sprouting fast! These are mixed Dahlias. I've never grown Dahlias from seed, so I'm thrilled they're successful (so far)!
This potted Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has come back for several years now in its pot in the sunroom. It's a joy to see the sprouts climbing their trellis in spring and blooming in the summer. I also have some vines planted along the west, sunny side of the house on an outdoor trellis, although those plants have never bloomed (yet). I'm so glad I planted these--they're easy-care, and they bring so much joy!
Yay for Zinnias (Z. elegans)! I post about these guys way too much (sorry), but they're definitely a garden staple for me. Tiny little sprouts like this eventually yield continuous, weekly blooms for cut arrangements--from late May through mid-October.
This was an accident: In October, I left some Impatiens (I. walleriana) in a mixed planter when I brought it inside. These plants looked terrible in December and January, and I forgot about them. To my surprise, they perked up and started blooming in March. Fun!
Finally, I'm thrilled to say California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are waving their little tendrils in a planting trough in the sun! I've never had luck planting these seeds directly in the garden, as many people do. They seem to get lost in the mulch and the competition with other plants...and maybe wildlife eat them? Anyway, we'll see how they perform in this trough, which I can move around and control a little easier. Some day, I'd like to try planting their Papaver cousins, using a similar technique.
That's my "six" for this week. Head on over to Garden Ruminations to see what's happening in other gardens around the world!
So many promising seedlings ! As for poppies, I sow the seeds before winter and they sprout in the spring.
ReplyDeleteHi Fred: I tried the Poppy seeds out in the garden during the cold months last year. Although they did sprout in the spring, they seemed to disappear and just didn't thrive. But there could be many reasons for this. I'll let you know how this new method works in this particular climate and location. Fingers crossed. :)
DeleteKalanchoes are reliable at my house too and so rewarding. I've never tried them outdoors though. I'll be following news of your dahlias from seeds.
ReplyDeleteHi Susie: The Kalanchoes are interesting plants, aren't they? They seem pretty hardy, and while they struggle a bit with the darker days, they always make it through and truly thrive in spring, summer, and fall. :)
DeleteYour seedling population is impressive. I love this time of year, everything sprouting and bursting with life!
ReplyDeleteI so agree, Sharon: It's a wonderful time of year, isn't it? And it just keeps getting better through the summer. Enjoy!
DeleteWell done on the seedlings. I haven't sown anything yet. Dahlias grown from seed are very satisfying. I still have one Dahlia I grew from seed 7 or so yeas ago.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the encouragement regarding the Dahlias. It would be wonderful to gain some tubers to use repeatedly for several years. My only issue is that I don't have many sunny spots here, but I do have some ideas for placing these new Dahlias.
DeleteYou have been busy with your seeds, you put me to shame!
ReplyDeleteSorry, forgot to tell you who I was!
ReplyDeleteNo worries: Thanks for letting me know, Pauline. I wish Blogger would allow me to change the settings to make it easier for people to just comment and add their names. Maybe I need to investigate some alternate settings. Anyway, thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the new growing season!
DeleteYour sunroom sounds like a fabulous spot to hang out! Nice job on all the seedlings, I really need to get a move on some flower seeds.
ReplyDeleteThe sunroom is a fabulous feature of this house, and it has a great view of the backyard and woodland. We keep it closed off to save on heating expenses and to keep the cat and dog away from the plants. In a way, it's kind of nice to have a cooler place so the plants can take a little rest, too. :)
DeleteSuch fun to have all these happy seedlings. Growing dahlias from seed is amazing, I am always astonished that you get such big tubers in one season and they are all different which is exciting.
ReplyDeleteHi Chloris: I so appreciate the encouragement on the Dahlias. Thank you! I've always loved them, but I didn't think to grow them from seeds until last year. It's always fun to try new things. :)
DeleteLooks like the plants are eager to enter the world and I'm sure you're eager for spring's bounty. I like that first shot, kalanchoes always seem particularly other worldly to me. Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: Yes! Both the plants and I are eager for spring. LOL. And I agree: Kalanchoes are very unique. The foliage is fun, and the flowers are so bright and beautiful. :)
DeleteThe sunroom sounds the perfect place to hide out. When we have the cold, biting winds here I often wish we had one. Or at least a greenhouse to shelter from the elements. The Kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana) is a wonderful plant. Love it.
ReplyDeleteAs usual I love the greenery and colors! (from my Laramie perspective)
ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteWe received 15 inches of snow. My friend Lori who lives in the Wausau area received 25.5 inches.
I also started dahlia from seed. I purchased a mixed seed mix from Pinetree Seed Company. :-)