My niece and husband (from Maidstone) were visiting relatives in Mansfield. Decided to stop in Peterborough overnight, they like going to the garden centres up this way.
They called in to me for a couple of hours and they bought me the following.
Mirabillis Jalapa
Dahlia Bishop 0f LLandaff
Both lots packed in bags with "picture card" but the only information is FLOWERING SUMMER. Both lots are in tuber (is that what you call them?) form.Do I plant them now, anything special I should know? Would appreciate help,as they were a little present would like to succeed with them.
Many thanks Lorna
Lorna I would start them both of in a tray of compost now, put them in a warmish greenhouse to give them a jolt, I think you can leave the Mirabillis Jalapa outside and it will grow back again another year, it is also known as the four o clock plant. Think I have a packet of seed put some where safe (which now I have forgotten where ) to sow.
I had some seeds generously donated. Think that it was from Amazin' but cant remember.......doh!!! Sowd them 2 weeks ago and they are growing great guns now. Advice was plant and stand back .........hard as nails no special conditions needed. I have some yellow and some pink flowering.. cant wait to see what they look like but I think that they only bloom in late afternoon and evening. Dont know about planting the tubers but I should treat like any other tuber ...see below.
Bishop of Llandaff. gorgeous colour late summer early autumn.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/mimi4555/17.jpg)
Plant tuber in some general purpose compost and water lightly. Wait for the new growth to come up then once frost risk is passed plant out in chosen position. This also has beautiful bronzed foliage.
Thanks Richard and Mimi. The Mirabillis, 10separate tubers about 6ins long.They are mixed according to the packet.(so hope I get different colours)
The Dahlias Bishop is packed in sand and wood chippings. One big cluster of tubers and a couple of odd tubers (probably from cluster)
So will plant them in all purpose compost and keep in the greenhouse, will have to put in deep containers due to the length of the tubers.
I am glad I asked as I would have probably put them straight in the ground ::)
Lorna.