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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Tower of Jewels

Tower of Jewels blooms
Tower of Jewels plant
                                          

Echium wildpretii

Grows best in USDA zones 9a to 11

Blooms from late spring to early fall

It is a species of blooming plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is a herbaceous biyearly plant that grows up to 10 feet (3 m.) tall.

Synonyms:
red bugloss
Mount Teide bugloss
Tenerife bugloss.

The Spanish call it tajinaste rojo.

The plant grows in the highland zone of the deep narrow steep-sided valley of Mount Teide. It needs much sun and thrives in arid and dry conditions.

The tower of jewels is a biennial, developing a dense pattern of leaves for the first year, produces flowers in the 2nd year, and then drops dead. The red flowers bloom on an erect flowering part of a plant or arrangement of flowers on a stalk. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer in Tenerife (A Spanish island in the Atlantic off the northwestern coast of Africa; the largest of the Canary Islands).


This bugloss can be found as a garden decorative where it may be non-tolerant of low temperatures, therefore a little winter protection is needed in frost happening areas. It has received the Award of Garden Merit from Royal Horticultural Society .Just like most buglosses, is favored by beekeepers for the high-level nectar content.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Giant Onion



Allium giganteum

Synonym: Giant Allium

Perennials, Bulbs

Hardiness: Grows in Zones 4a to 9b

Height: 3 to 4 feet in. (90 to 110 centimeters)

Needs Full Sun

Bloom Color of bloom is Purple

Blooms in late spring to middle of  summer

Will attract butterflies, birds and bees

Don't over water but do water on a regular basis

Likes a pH of 6.1 to 7.8

Giant Onion

If you're looking for a unique and exciting addition to your garden. I want to introduce you to the amazing Giant Onion - a plant that can grow to an astonishing size and provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious, sweet onions.

Firstly, let me tell you a little bit about the Giant Onion. This plant, also known as the Allium giganteum, is a member of the onion family and can grow up to 4 feet tall with a bulb that can be larger than a basketball! That's right - these onions can grow to be over 10 pounds in weight! They're not only impressive to look at but are also incredibly delicious and versatile in the kitchen.

Now, you might be wondering how to grow Giant Onions in your garden. Well, the good news is that they're not that difficult to grow with a little bit of effort and care. Here are some tips to get you started:

Choose the Right Location: Giant Onions prefer a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Make sure you choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and has good soil drainage.

Prepare the Soil: Giant Onions require nutrient-rich soil to grow to their full potential. Add compost or well-rotted manure to your soil before planting to give them a good start.

Plant at the Right Time: You can plant Giant Onion seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, or you can sow them directly into the garden in early spring. Make sure to follow the planting instructions on the seed packet for best results.

Water and Fertilize Regularly: Giant Onions need consistent moisture to grow well, so make sure to water them regularly. Additionally, fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer to keep them healthy and growing strong.

Thin and Mulch: As your Giant Onions grow, thin them out to give them more space to grow their bulbs. Additionally, mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist and weed-free.

With these basic tips, you'll be well on your way to growing your very own Giant Onions in your garden. But the fun doesn't stop there. Once you've harvested your onions, you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes. From salads to soups, roasted to grilled, the possibilities are endless. And with their sweet, mild flavor, you're sure to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a fun and unique addition to your garden, then consider growing Giant Onions. With a little bit of care and attention, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious, sweet onions that are sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Giant Onion. ( I will receive compensation if you buy).