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Annuals/Salvia

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Expert: - 5/14/2007


Question
I recently planted some "firecrackers" in a container and they are very skinny. Would they come back thicker if I cut them in half?  I do this with my coleous plants and end up with two plants.  Thank you-Susan

Answer
Skinny = 1 plant?  Thicker = 2?  Do I understand you here, Susan?  Just want to make sure I have this right.

If you 'cut them in half' you will stimulate side growth.  I guess you could call that Thicker.  Works for me.

Coleus does that.  Petunias, Dahlias, Zinnias, Snapdragons, Tomatoes....

It's very good for the plants.  Otherwise they get skinny, aka 'LANKY'.  Bad.

Thick is good.  Do that.  Stunning scarlet, those Firecrackers.  Good choice.

Thanks for writing.  Any more Firecracker questions let me know.

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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