Author Archives: ThePlantLady

About ThePlantLady

ThePlantLady.com is a library of gardening information compiled from many resources, including written texts, online databases, current research, and first-hand experience from farmers and gardeners. It includes growing requirements specific to each plant, as well as varietal information. My background in microbiology and chemistry allows me to tap into the scientific research being done today and digest it for the use of the home gardener or small farmer.

How to Grow Violets

[Intro text] Botanical Information Taxonomy Violets (Viola odorata) Johnny-jump-ups (Viola tricolor) Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) History Physical Description Low growing plants with three petaled flowers; grow in a spreading habit before growing taller; Johnny-jump-ups reseed themselves readily. Violets are perennials, while Johnny-jump-ups and pansies are annuals. Varieties & Cultivars Categories or Types of [plantname] Colors Available Varieties […]

How to Grow Roses

[Intro text] Botanical Information Taxonomy Rosa spp. History Physical Description Growth habit, flower size, fragrance, color, all vary among the multitude of rose species and varieties. Varieties & Cultivars Categories or Types of [plantname] Colors Available Varieties (link to ../category/cultivars/tag/[plantname]) Generally, the flowers of the older types, such as rugosa roses, are the most flavorful […]

How to Grow Nasturtium

[Intro text] Botanical Information Taxonomy Tropaeolum majus History Physical Description Annual; grows to 12″ tall; richly colored red, orange, or yellow flowers from midsummer until the first frost; leaves have a distinctive round shape Varieties & Cultivars Categories or Types of [plantname] Colors Available Varieties (link to ../category/cultivars/tag/[plantname]) Growth Requirements Climate & Temperature Requirements Air […]

How to Grow Common Lilac

[Intro text] Botanical Information Taxonomy Syringa vulgaris History Physical Description Shrub that grows to 15′ high; colorful, fragrant display of flowers in early spring Varieties & Cultivars Categories or Types of [plantname] Colors Available Varieties (link to ../category/cultivars/tag/[plantname]) Growth Requirements Climate & Temperature Requirements Air Temperature Soil Temperature Humidity Day Length or Light Requirements full […]

How to Grow Impatiens

[Intro text] Botanical Information Taxonomy Impatiens wallerana History Physical Description Long-blooming annual; glossy foliage, available in a variety of flower colors. Flowers may be single or doubles. Varieties & Cultivars Categories or Types of [plantname] Colors Available Varieties (link to ../category/cultivars/tag/[plantname]) Growth Requirements Climate & Temperature Requirements Air Temperature Soil Temperature Humidity Day Length or […]

Grolau Chives

Details Allium schoenoprasum Open-Pollinated: ? Color: ? Maturity: ? Size: ? Taste: good, strong flavor Disease Resistance: ? Notes: Similar to the common strain of chives, but bred for indoor growing. Excellent in greenhouses. Very productive when cut continuously. Sources: (where to buy) Nichols Results from My Garden: Haven’t tried this one yet.

Garlic Chives

Details Allium tuberosum also known as Chinese leeks Open-Pollinated: ? Color: garlic chives are available with white, mauve or yellow flowers Maturity: ? Size: broader leaves and larger flower head than common chives Taste: mild onion-garlic flavor Disease Resistance: ? Notes: Great companion plant – bees and other pollinators love garlic chives (all alliums, actually); I think it’s […]

Chive, Common Strain

Details Open-Pollinated: ? Type: ? Shape: ? Color: light purple-pink flowers Maturity: ? Size: ? Taste: mild onion flavor; great in salads, soups, potatoes, eggs, cheese, and fish dishes Disease Resistance: ? Notes: Sources: (where to buy) Common chives are widely available. Results from My Garden: I’ve always had a hard time getting my seeds […]