Bareroot, Spring 2025 – A Stitching

Backyard, Garden 2

Backyard, Garden 2

Growing Phlox:
Watering: Phlox need regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Feed in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms later in the season.
Dividing: Divide phlox every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Or seeds: Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring as soon as the ground can be worked Phlox seeds need darkness for germination, so cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite. Germination typically takes 5-10 days at 60-65°F (16-18°C).

Garden 2

Gentian Speedwell, purchased bareroot May 13, 2025 from Breck’s. Placed the 2 roots individually into pots, grow front deck in the raise wood garden table.

Backyard, maybe Garden 3

geum BOGO — geum dark orange-red Geum, 2 bareroots.

Backyard, Garden 3

Mexican Sunflower Seeds, Orange, Tithonia. 150 seeds purchased from eBay.

Back Deck

Garden 2 Planted in pot 5/17/2025. Used bamboo shadier. Placed pot in back deck wood planter.

Luna Roja False Sunflower has a fibrous root system. These roots spread laterally, allowing the plant to absorb nutrients and water from the upper soil layers and providing stability. The roots typically extend to a depth of 12-18 inches and can help prevent erosion and provide food for birds during winter.

Nutrient Absorption: The extensive root system allows the plant to access nutrients and water efficiently from the surface soil.

Root-Related Issues: Common issues include root rot from overwatering, which can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. Root-bound plants may also develop problems, requiring repotting or division.

Healthy Roots: Healthy roots are firm, white, and evenly spread.

Unhealthy Roots: Unhealthy roots may appear dark, mushy, or have a foul odor.

Sunlight: Luna needs full sun, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. When deciding between outdoor or container growing, consider your space and the plant’s growth potential.

Soil Preparation: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Watering Requirements: Initially, keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Once they are, they become drought-tolerant, needing water mainly during prolonged dry spells.

Pruning Methods: To encourage more blooms, practice deadheading by removing spent flowers. Light trimming can also help maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.

Division Propagation: If you already have established plants, division is a great way to propagate. The best time for this method is in early spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom.

To divide, carefully separate clumps of the plant and replant them in well-prepared soil. This technique not only helps you expand your garden but also rejuvenates the original plant, promoting healthier growth.