Tithonia rotundifolia
COMMON NAME---------------------Mexican Sunflower
Family-----------------------------------Compositae
Raising of Seedling------------------April-May; August-September
Transplanting Month----------------July-August; October-November
Planting Distance----------------------60 cm x 60 cm
Height of Plant-------------------------Tall: 120-180 cm
Flowering Month---------------------- August-September; February-March
Colours------------------------------- Yellow and orange-red
Soil------------------------------------Light
Sunlight--------------------------------Full
Irrigation------------------------------Normal
Suitable For---------------------------Beddings, borders, hedges, screening, shrubs
and as cut flowers
Tithonia rotundifolia is a tall, hardy, brittle stalked, free-flowering showy annual. The leaves are large, rough and heart-shaped. The single large orange-red flower with tufted yellow centre resembles the single Dahlia. Flowers are borne on the long stalk, 8-10 cm in size where the single petals are grouped around the yellow centres. Tithonia rotundifolia has its origin in Mexico and is therefore known as Mexican Sunflower. A well manured light soil with little care brings the flowers in profusion within 90 days.
The flowers are widely used as cut flowers and are most suitable for screening. Mexican Sunflower is popular for its mass effect.
Senecio cruentus
COMMON NAME------------------Cineraria
Family-------------------------------Compositae
Raising of Seedling--------------- September-October Transplanting Month-------------- October-November
Planting Distance -----------------------30 cm x 30 cm
Height of Plant--------------------------Medium: 45 cm
Flowering Month------------------------February-March
Colours-----------------------------------White, blue, purple, pink, lavender and scarlet
Soil--------------------------------------Medium
Sunlight--------------------------------- Full/Partial
Irrigation-------------------------------- Normal
Suitable For-----------------------------Beddings, pots and as cut flowers
Senecio cruentus is a medium size bushy annual having large heart-shaped velvety leaves. The flowers are compact, daisy-like or star-shaped. They are of brilliant colours and appear in clusters at the top of the branches. They may be marked with a matching or contrasting white centre lending them an attractive look.
The minute seeds are mixed with equal quantity of sand and then broadcast in the nursery beds. Propagation multiplication is also done by stem cutting and division of old plant and roots. While preparing the nursery medium, add a small quantity of sand, leaf mould and little wood ash in the soil. Seedlings are picked when the first leaf appears and later transferred into flower beds at four leaf stages. Shade from strong sunlight and wind is essential for the plant. Cineraria thrives on long winters but also needs care from frost. It grows well in shade but three to four hours of sunshine is essential for this slow growing plant. When the buds start appearing, a mild dose of liquid manure improves the quality of the flowers. It is grown in March-April in the northern hills where a second bloom can be achieved by cutting down the stem to 3-4 cm from the surface followed by a top dressing.
Cineraria should be preffered to be sown direct. It grows best in shady locations and is most suited for pot cultivation.
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