Gifts of the garden

We’re planting … Coleus Volcanica Solar Flare because it’s the perfect plant for the festive season, with its heart-shaped red and burgundy leaves, edged with gold. The underside of the leaves is yellow green, making it a colourful feature plant for containers and the garden. It is part of the sun coleus range that does best with morning sun but also tolerates shade. The tall plants (90cm high and 70cm wide) bring a touch of drama into the garden. Plant in fertile soil that retains moisture but doesn’t get soggy. Plants in containers should be watered daily or every second day in Summer. Feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser. It will perform as a perennial in frost free gardens but is frost tender and should be treated as an annual in areas that receive frost. Details: ballstraathof.co.za

Veggie of the month

Leafy veggies generally don’t like the heat, but one that can handle it is our indigenous spinach, better known as Marog (Amaranthus tricolour) or Imbuya. It is an excellent hot, dry weather substitute for spinach. Marog has arrow-shaped leaves that are thicker than spinach leaves and can be picked over a long period. The young leaves have a mild flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. They are an excellent source of plant protein as well as vitamins C and A. Marog grows best in full sun in well composted soil. The seeds are very small, and it is easier to sow them evenly by mixing them with sand or dry soil. The seeds are usually planted in rows. Seed germinates within 7 to 14 days and the final spacing should be 25cm apart. Plants need regular watering and grow easily. For the best flavour, harvest the tender tops when they are about 25cm tall, by cutting them off with scissors and then leaving the plant to re-grow. Marog can be intercropped with other veggies. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za

Indoor plant of the month … this dwarf Capsicum Acapulco is irresistible with its glossy multi-coloured fruit. Pop it into a pot as a centrepiece for the Christmas feast table. It is also a super gift. It bears loads of fruit, which doesn’t have the heat of a chilli pepper, being slightly sweet, so it is safe to be around children. To keep on fruiting capsicums, need at least six hours of sun a day. A good idea is to enjoy it indoors for a few days and then move it onto a sunny patio or into the garden. Plant in rich, well composted soil that drains well. Don’t let the soil dry out completely but also avoid overwatering and soggy soil.
Details: www.lvgplant.co.za

Garden tasks

Going away? Before leaving check the irrigation system for blocked nozzles and make sure that automatic systems are set correctly. Move plants in pots and hanging baskets out of the direct sun.

• Fertilise flowering plants but if you are going away, delay until your return.
• There is still time to sow marigolds, alyssum, California poppies, portulaca and nasturtiums.
• Water early in the morning or late afternoon.
• Pests are out in force. Use organic insect sprays when pests are noticed.

Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee. 

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