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Version 1.0 plants See the Starting From sections for general information on when to sow, what to use, for descriptions of individual techniques, etc. More precise details on how to reproduce a species are given only if these differ from the usual. That is, a germinating temperature of 60 to 65F (15 to 18C) is assumed (unless sown outside at a specified time of year), air layering is done in early summer, etc., unless otherwise stated. Achillea millefolium yarrow Surface sow, early in spring and again late in year, well-draining soil. Needs light to germinate. Self-sows to point of being invasive; divide into fair-sized clumps early spring. Likes sun, sandy soil. Zone 2-9 Acidanthera fragrant gladiolus, sword lily Plant corm in rich well-draining soil 4" deep, 4-6" apart, after last frost. Water sparingly at first; good light required for growth. In fall, dig corms up after first frost has killed the foliage, and allow to mature at room temperature for several weeks. Remove and discard old corm, then mature remainder another week or two. Store completely dry and unprotected in a cool, dark place Agave americana century plant Seed in spring, surface sow, light to germinate, temperature 60F/18C. Well-draining soil, good sun required. Remove offsets and pot up separately Aglaeonema species Chinese evergreen Large plants are reproduced by air-layering; alternatively, propagate by removing and potting up offsets. Keep warm; good light is helpful but less essential, though variegation may fade Allium cepa onion Onions may be sown in fall just before the first frost, and throughout winter, provided the winter is not too severe or too wet. Or sow inside early in year, 3 months before last expected frost, or shallowly outside in spring, 1" apart Keep cool and in good light. Harden off gradually, and plant seedlings 6" apart 4 weeks before last frost, 4" apart for smaller onions or if planted in rows. Set base just deep enough to anchor in soil. Often easier & better from seed. Well-drained rich soil needed. Germination poor above 80F/27C Sets are young, heat-treated onions that are planted directly into moist soil, 6" apart, rows 12" apart, in early spring. These may be started inside: set on moist soil, allow initial inch of root growth before transplanting It is important to select onions appropriate to your area, and to start these at the right time, as type of onion and length of daylight controls growth versus mature bulb formation Summer cultivars can be sown where winters allow, for harvesting early next year. Timing is essential. Not discussed further here. Aloe barbadensis aloe vera Surface sow on well-drained soil, 70F/21C. Plantlets may be freed from base as they form, or divide clumps at repotting time. Grow in gritty, well-draining soil Anthurium andreanum flamingo flower, tailflower Start from seed in spring. Best grown in half fir bark, half peat moss, moist, with constant feeding and good indirect light. Propagate by clump division of mature specimens only. Crown should always be set at soil level, never below Aquilegia canadensis columbine Sow directly onto well-drained ground upon harvesting from the wild, or sow in spring, and stratify 3 weeks if no germination has occurred within 8 weeks of sowing. Light to germinate. Self-sows readily. Moist rich soil, tolerates shade well. Zone 3-9 Aster species Seed just covered in spring; perennials should be stratified 2 weeks. Divide larger clumps into 4" clumps in spring. Zone 4-8 Beaucarnea recurvata ponytail palm Soak seeds overnight, plant in moist sand or rooting medium, and keep warm to germinate. Germination is slow and erratic. Examine seeds weekly to check for root development, pot up if such is seen Free offsets of 1" or larger diameter, in spring, and grow in slightly larger pot. Water when dry Begonia rex painted leaf begonia Propagate by leaf cuttings: cut leaf into 1" squares and insert sections half-way into compost, with outermost edges pointing up, or lay squares flat on compost. A large leaf may be pinned flat onto moist soil, after making small incisions 1" apart across major veins on underside of leaf. The old leaf disintigrates as new plantlets root. Keep warm, damp, spray daily Begonia tuberosa Can be started from seed: sown uncovered, kept moist until germination. Light required for germination. Temp 65-70F/18-21C Start tubers indoors 4 weeks before last frost, 1/2" deep, in humus-rich or peat-based soil and with good moisture, or plant outside around time of last frost. Should see start of the new year's growth before planting. Plant with hollowed part of tuber facing up (stem was attached here last year). When 3-4" tall, transplant; large tubers may at this time be cut into pieces, each with at least two buds and healthy roots. Allow to callus sev hours before replanting. Good light, no full sun Good-sized healthy tubers are essential for overwintering. Bring inside before frost strikes. After finished flowering, gradually reduce watering and allow stems to die. Dig up, clean and dry tubers, store in cool, slightly moist peat Beta vulgaris beet Soak seeds in warm water 1 hour for quicker germination (coat contains germination inhibitor), sow thinly 1/2" deep, 1-2" apart, firming soil well. Start 2-3 weeks before last expected frost, sow again 4 weeks later and in early to midsummer. Will go to seed if sown too early Space rows 1' apart, thin to 4" between plants, and transplant thinnings for a later crop. Pickling beets can be spaced 3" apart in all directions. Temperature around 60F/15C ideal for growth; keep on dry side Brassica oleracea capitata cabbage Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Sow sparingly, seeds spaced 2". Rich moist soil, rich in nitrogen, neutral pH preferred. Set in garden some 2 weeks before last frost, sinking them slightly below soil level, 2" apart. Thin to 20". Feed well Continue seeding until some 14 weeks before last frost date, for harvest later that year. Optimum temperature 55F to 70F for germination and growing Brassica oleracea italica broccoli Cool-season vegetable like most brassicas, ideal temperature no more than 65F/18C. sow 1/2" deep, rich soil, transplant when 4" tall. Set 4" apart, from 2 week prior to last frost date onward. May start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, and transplant 4 weeks later. Sink plants slightly below soil level. Thin to 9" apart for smaller crops, 12" or more for larger heads Cold-tolerant: may be sown again in late June for harvest late that year; last sowing should be made 3 months before last frost Brassica rapa rapifera turnip Seed 1/2" deep; start indoors 6 weeks prior to last frost, or sow outdoors 4 week before last frost date, thin to 4". Can be sown late in year, 2 to 2 1/2 months before first fall frost, and will last well into winter. Thin these to 6". Cool-weather crop for best taste. Good moisture, good drainage, rich soil Briza media quacking grass, trembling grass Propagate by division or from seed sown indoors early April, 1/4" deep, poor soil and good light. Annual, does well in zone 4-9 Caladium x hortulanum elephant's ear Propagate by cutting tubers into sections each with one eye, allowed to callus then buried about 1 1/2 times their depth. Appreciates moisture and warmth during growing season Overwinter by withholding water gradually over few weeks, letting plant dry out completely until all leaves withered. Remove tuber from soil and store in warm, dark place, slightly damp. Repot early next year in peaty soil, just below surface, and keep moist and dark until shoots appear, then move to good indirect light Campanula isophylla Star of Bethlehem Only Kristal varieties can be sown from seed, sown on surface of peaty soil. Light needed to germinate. May divide in spring, after cutting back. Can also be grown from cuttings Canna Indian shot Start from seed in late winter, indoors. 70-75F/21- 24C, just cover, may need to scarify seed for better germination. Likes sun, fertile peaty soil, moist conditions. Propagate by clump division in spring Plant rhizomes 1.5 to 2' apart, 3" deep; may start indoors in spring. Dig these up after first frost, cut stems just above rhizomes. Clean and dry, and store these in slightly damp peat moss, cool and dark. Check overwintering rhizomes every few weeks and dampen if shrivelling Celosia cristata cockscomb Start indoors 1 month before last frost, 70-80F/21- 27C, just cover, seeding individually to small pots. Light to germinate, use well-drained compost. Transplant carefully, watching roots, and do not transplant again: these plants resent disturbance. Space 6-10" depending on size of cultivar Chlorophytum comosum spider plant Remove and root plantlets in water, or pot up directly. May even leave plantlets attached by their runners, resting on soil in new pot, until rooted. Water when barely dry Chrysanthemum species Sow directly in spring, seed needs light to germinate, 60-70F/15-21C. Space 8 to 18" depending on cultivar. Rich soil and good light Grown from tip cuttings should still branch readily, if done early in year. Some produce runners and can be separated and potted, others have fibrous root systems that are easily divided. Grow in good indirect light, cooler temperatures. Zone 4-10 Cissus antarctica kangaroo vine Seed in spring, just cover, well-drained soil. 65- 70F/18-21C. Grow also from softwood or semi-hard cuttings. Keep on dry side, cool, in good indirect light Citrus paradisi grapefruit Supermarket fruit will grow readily; plant sows true from seed, plant 1" apart, grow at 70F/21C Clematis virgin's bower Sow sparingly, just covered, outdoors in a cold frame from October through February, keep moist. Or sow indoors spring or summer, stratify 2-3 weeks. May have double dormancy and take a year or more to germ. Move outdoors in summer. Rich well-drained soil ideal, though most species accepting of heavier clay soils Fibrous-rooted species may be divided, or propagate most species by air layering or by soft or semi-hard cuttings. Zone 3-9 Coffea arabica coffee Soak raw bean 6 hours or more, then gently rub off papery skin. Keep moist, 75F/21C or up, just covered, 1" apart. Check weekly for root or shoot development; pot up if either is seen. Loose sandy or peaty soil, grow warm, moist, sunny Convallaria majalis lily-of-the-valley Reproduce by clump division after plants are finished flowering. May also be seeded directly outside, well-drained soil, just covered, by the patient gardener willing to wait a year or more. Moist shade ideal Convolvulus dwarf morning glory Chip or soak seeds then plant shallowly in well- drained compost. 70-80F/21-27C. Many species are propagated well by softwood cuttings. Crassula arborescens jade plant Stem cuttings are allowed to dry out and callus, then planted, ideally in summer Cryptanthus bromelioides rainbow star Mainly propagated by offsets, removed and potted up separately, in spring Dahlia Many varieties are started from seed in spring, sown thinly at 65-70F/18-21C, on always moist peaty soil Tubers are planted right side up, in spring, 6" deep in well-drained soil, with the eye closer to soil level, at some 2-3". May cut tubers into sections each with roots and at least one shoot. Dig tubers with first frost, carefully. Cut stem just above its base, clean and allow to dry. Overwinter dark, dry and cool in peat Delphinium species larkspur Soak 24 hrs, surface sow, needs dark to germinate. Use fresh seed if possible, and start at 50-55F/10- 12C. If trouble germinating, stratify 2 weeks. Space young plants 2' apart, in rich, moist, well- drained soil, sunny spot. Softwood cuttings rooted in spring or early summer. Zone 4-9 Dianthus barbatus sweet william Can be sown early summer, 60-75F/15-24C, for flowering next year, or early in year for flowers that year. Well-drained soil, just covered Dianthus caryophyllus carnation Sow early in new year, 60-70F/15-21C, set out in May. Same conditions as D. barbatus Diefenbachia species dumb cane Grow from stem cuttings up to three inches across: multiple sections each with a few nodes may be taken. Allow cuttings to callus before planting; bottom heat helpful. Suckers may be planted up separately, or propagate also by air-layering. Good indirect light, reasonable warmth Dracaena concinna rainbow plant Seeds sown in spring 65F/18C, bright light, surface of well-draining compost. After germination keep at 70-85F/21-31C and kept barely moist at all times Can reproduce also from stem cuttings and/or by air- layering. To maximize use of each stem, air-layer the top part of the shoot, and when removing the new specimen, cut the stem into sections Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower Increase by clump division early spring, each clump some 4" wide, move to well-drained soil, not too wet. Seed sown in spring, stratify 4 weeks, may start indoors. Light to germinate. Zone 3-9 Epipremnum aureum golden pothos Grow from stem cuttings, each section with one leaf, immediately at the soil surface. Aerial roots make rooting even easier. Keep shaded and moist; humidity-loving. Episcia cupreata flame violet Surface sow tiny seeds peaty soil, light to germinate, 70-80F/21-27C. New plantlets are produced on runners, and simply removed and potted Eschscholtzia californica California poppy Sow in fall or in spring when snow clears, directly onto ground. Fairly hardy annual, self-sows. Does not take well to transplanting. Likes well-drained sandy soil Euonymus burning bush Seed experiences double dormancy: grow warm and in good light 2-3 months then stratify 2-3 months, may take up to a year to germinate. Well-drained soil, just covered. Grows readily from cuttings. Very tolerant of alkaline soil Euphorbia milii crown of thorns Increase by stem cuttings several inches long, allow to callus a few days then pot up, water sparingly until new growth seen. Bottom heat may be helpful Euphorbia obesa baseball cactus Seed sown shallowly in sandy, well-draining compost, 70-80F/21-27C. Erratic germination Festuca glauca blue fescue Propagate by division or seed sown indoors early April, 1/4" deep, well-drained soil, not too rich. Zone 3-9 Ficus benjamina weeping fig Sow seed on surface, requires light to germinate, 70-80F/21-27C. Bright indirect light, well-drained soil. Reproduce by air-layering, or using soft or hardwood cuttings, may benefit from bottom heat Ficus elastica India rubber plant Seed sown uncovered, good light, kept moist until germination. 70-80F/21-27C. Grow in good indirect light and well-draining soil. Multiply using stem cuttings, 3-4" length, with one leaf left attached but shortened, and a healthy bud in the leaf axil. Air-layering more foolproof Freesia May be started from seed: soak 24 hours in warm water, then sow in peaty soil, 1/4" deep. Sprouting is erratic Corms require good drainage and rich soil. Plant after last frost, 2" deep, 2-3" apart, even less in pots. When leaves fall, dig and dry corms, and store cool, slightly damp and dark. Can re-plant indoors in December, shallowly in rich soil, kept cool and shady, to allow them to root, watering sparingly. When upward growth resumes, move to warmer temperatures and good indirect light Forsythia Fairly easy from cuttings: softwood cuttings are taken spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Latter harder to root, and may need to be rooted in a cold frame. Hardy to -30F. Tolerant clay and alkaline soils Fuchsia Multiply from stem cuttings earlier in year. Seed is soaked 3-4 days, changing water daily, then sown 70-75F, on soil surface, kept moist at all times. Light required for germination; germination can be quite unpredictable Haworthia margaritifera pearl plant Produces numerous offsets that may be removed and repotted. Seed requires light to germinate, is sown in well-draining medium, just covered Hedera helix common ivy, English ivy Grown from stem cuttings: aerial roots make the process easy. Use 2-3" sections of semi-hard or hard stem material, leaving one leaf with bud. Do not transplant but pot directly into final location Hosta species Sow outdoors in a cold frame or other protected location, from October to February, and keep moist, or indoors spring or summer, stratify 2-3 weeks, and keep moist and cool. Keep just covered. Fleshy crowns may be divided early spring, by hand or using sharp spade. Set new sections about an inch below soil level. Moist, shade, clay-based soil tolerated well. Zone 3-10 Impatiens balsamina balsam Cuttings root well in water, and are faster than seed; can be grown year-round indoors. To start from seed, sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost, set lightly into moist well-draining compost, or directly in garden in spring, after frost danger resolved. Light needed for germination, keep moist. Temperature 70F/21C. Easy Impatiens wallerana patience plant, buzy Lizzie Must germinate uncovered, temperature 70F/21C, light needed for germination. Start indoors 10 weeks before last frost; anytime if to be kept inside. Guard against damping off. Space 10", 2 weeks after last frost; does well in moist shade, loose well- draining soil. Cuttings taken at any time, will root even in water, pot when roots 1-2" and healthy Ipomoea morning glory Chip seed coat, soak overnight; may be presprouted. Can start indoors 1 month before last frost, outdoors when soil warms up. Soil ideally less rich, does well in sandy soil. Softwood cuttings Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Christmas kalanchoe Surface sow in spring, 65-75F, flowers in about a year. Light needed for germination. Thick succulent leaves may be broken from the stem and rooted separately, kept dry until potting Kalmia Sow seed in late fall, during winter or after 3 months' stratification. Needs light to germinate. likes peaty, acidic, moist and well-draining soil. Zone 4-8 Lactuca sativa lettuce Surface-sow leaf lettuce to rows 1' apart, thin plants to 6", at 4-week intervals starting from 4 weeks prior to last frost to August. Start head lettuce indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplant on expected date of last frost, thin to 12" apart. Soil and air temperature <70F/21C ideal, with cooler nights, rich and well-drained soil. Both types need light to germinate Seeds may be hard to germinate in warmer weather: refrigerate head lettuce seed overnight, leaf types a week, and use older seed, to enhance germination May be sown in fall just before first new frost, for spring germination. Can sow head lettuce outside to early summer, and leaf lettuce to late summer: late lettuce is discussed in version 2.0 Lagenaria siceraria bottle gourd Start 6 week before last frost, and set out 1-2 weeks after last frost. May also sow outside around last frost; easier but lesser yield. Just cover seeds, may pre-soak sev hours. Light, rich, warm, well-draining soil ideal Ligustrum vulgare common privet Sow immediately on harvesting or stratify 3 months. Hardy to -30F, tolerant of very alkaline soils Lobularia maritima alyssum Needs light to germinate; sow on soil surface outdoors 2 weeks before last frost. Thin to 5" apart. Good light. Propagate also by division of fibrous root system Lycopersicon esculentum tomato Sow shallowly in peaty compost, 6 weeks before last expected frost, 60-75F/15-24C, needs dark to sprout. Sow 1-2 per 2" pot, thin to one healthy seedling, or sow more to larger pot. Keep at room temperature after germination, and provide 12-16 hours of bright light per day. Prick out when 2 sets of true leaves have developed; place in light and warm area. Stroke them daily for sturdier plants, and do not overwater. Plant out when 8" or taller, at least 2 weeks after last frost, ideally when it is consistently warmer outside. Harden off over 10 days. Tomatoes must be protected from late frosts, or early ones in fall. Start outside under glass if cold temperatures a problem, or keep warm in some other manner. Plant deep, 2/3 to 3/4 their height, for better root systems & bigger yields, except if soil still cold i.e. early spring. Can bury on angle close to horizontal, closer to the warmer soil surface, bending stem upward, and staking it into position. Remove those leaves that would be buried. Set plants 3' apart. Soil is preferably slightly acidic, rich in compost and calcium, well-draining. Don't fertilize with nitrogen; add potash and phosphorus if deficient. Mulch when warmer. Suckers root well: snap these off and bury 2/3", keep wet until rooting. Use for a second, late harvest or to overwinter a favorite plant by taking cuttings again in spring Seeds may be saved and used for next year's harvest: even prematurely picked fruit, if ripened indoors to an even orange or red, may be used for seed Magnolia species Chip before sowing 2 1/2" apart. Stratify in fridge 4 months, then grow at 50F, or sow in fall. Sow onto surface of well-draining soil, light needed to germinate. Germination erratic. Keep in good indirect light but out of full sun, the first year. Ring-bark is slow though most species air-layer well. M. grandiflora also from semi-hardwood cuttings. Used for bonsai Musa species banana Soak seed at least 24 hours, up to 3 days. Keep moist, 70-75F/21-24C, and plant immediately below soil surface. Check weekly for root development even if no shoot is produce, pot up if noted. Easily sprouted in moist sand, then potted Suckers a few inches long may be split from the main stem and potted, each with an adequate root supply. Dormant cuttings are taken in the fall, rooted indoors. Zone 9-10 Myosotis sylvatica Self-seeding, surface sow near water, soil to be kept moist. Dark needed for germination. Start in spring or summer. Perennial Nicotiana alata Needs light to germinate, sow just covered. Start indoors 6 week before last frost, 70-75F/21-24C, set out one to two weeks after last frost. Sow outdoors after last frost Ocimum basilicum basil Sown after last frost, or start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, 70F/21C or more, and transplant 2 week after last frost. Light and consistent moisture needed to germinate. Plant or thin to 10", well-drained rich soil. Annual. Overwinter by taking cuttings in fall and again in spring. May be hard to root Oenothera evening primrose Seed germinates best if provided with good light and alternating warm and cold temperatures, day and night. Sow just covered. This biennial self-sows well, and also spreads by runners: separate new plants. Likes sandy soil. Zone 3-9 Origanum vulgare oregano Start seed indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or outside after last frost. Just cover with well- drained soil, in good light. Thin to 10". Stem cuttings can be used to overwinter the plant indoors, as with basil Papaver orientale oriental poppy Hardy perennial started from seed in spring and set out in summer or fall, or multiplied via root clump division after flowering finishes in September. Needs light to germinate, surface sow. Thin to 15". Enjoys sandy soil. Zone 2-9 Passiflora caerulea Passion flower Soak seeds overnight, 70-85F/21-31C, set 1/4" deep. Very irregular germination. Transplant when 10" tall. Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings of 6" length are rooted best with bottom heat. Quite tolerant of alkaline conditions Pelargonium x hortorum geranium Hybrid geraniums are sown indoors in fall or winter for spring blooming, soil of 70-75F/21-24C required, 1/4" deep. For summer flowers, soak seeds in warm water 24 hours then plant 8-10 weeks before setting out, some 10" apart. Constant moisture essential Cuttings from new shoots are taken in spring or late summer. To divide, simply pull fibrous rootball into parts, each with healthy-looking roots and shoots. Can overwinter by cuttings, by digging up and cutting roots back to 2", stems to 4-5", and replanting into damp well-drained soil, storing in cool place, or simply by digging roots and keeping dark and cool till early spring Peperomia species Grow from seed 70-75F/21-24C, surface sow. Tip cuttings root and branch readily, spring and summer, or grow from leaf or leaf-stem cuttings early in year. Warm, water sparingly, good light Persea americana avocado, avocado pear, alligator pear Soak in hot 110-130F/40-50C water for 30 minutes, then plant seed directly into moist soil, with tapered end pointing up. Grow in good indirect light, temperatures of 70F/21C Phaseolus vulgaris bush bean, pole or runner bean, string bean Sow all beans after last expected frost, and protect should frost occur. Presoak 1 hour, then sow bush or dwarf types 1" deep, 8" apart, or 4" apart in rows spaced 18". Optimum temperature 60-75F. These do not like being transplanted; transplanting should be done early on a cool damp day. Rich soil with good drainage ideal for all beans Pole beans like it cool - sow early in spring, again in summer in warmer areas, for fall crop, last sowing 3 months before first frost. Plant 5 or 6 seeds and thin to 4 per pole, about 8" apart, same depth as bush beans Dwarf beans hate cold wet soil: sow with 50F/10C soil temperature or up, after frost danger has passed, 8" apart, and continue every few weeks until 2 months before first expected frost Philodendron domesticum elephant's ear Reproduce from softwood cuttings: push sections of stem with one leaf attached into moist soil, with aerial roots immediately at soil surface. Keep shaded and moist; humidity-loving. Air-layering may be used with more mature specimens Can be propagated from seed but erratic and more difficult. Sow just covered, 65-75F/18-24C. Philodendron scandens oxycardium heart-leaf philodendron, parlour ivy Again, reproduce from stem sections, one leaf attached, in moist soil, aerial roots immediately at soil surface, spring or early summer. Air-layering can be used for older plants. Keep shaded, moist; humidity-loving, thrives on neglect. May also be grown from by seed but usually not worth the effort; see P. domesticum Primula veris cowslip Sow outdoors in a cold frame, or otherwise protected, October through February, and keep moist. Or stratify 2 weeks, then sow indoors January to May. Surface-sow, covered, at 50-65F/10-18C, light needed to germinate; when sprouted cover with fine sand, provide at least 55F/12C, good indirect light but no sun, uncover, and water from below. Replant seedlings when 1/2" tall, again with first rosette of leaves 6 weeks later. Plant in protected area, may relocate next year to intended location Divide every few years. Zone 5-8 Primula vulgaris common primrose Soak, then treat seeds as above. Light necessary for germination. Grow in moist shade. Divide every few years. Zone 4-8 Rheum x cultorum, species rhubarb For cooler climates, well-drained and very compost- rich soil, and a sunny spot. Reproduce from crowns, planted 3' apart before these can dry out. Cover 1" soil and firm down; water well. Divide crowns in fall after leaves have died, with a sharp spade Can start from seed, though not identical to parent plant, more likely to go to seed, probably less suitable for eating. Sow 1 month before last frost, 2" apart, 1/4" deep. Transplant to 1' apart Rosa species rose Seed experiences dormancy, and is sown in early fall, or chipped and sown 2" apart, kept warm for 1- 4 months, stratified in fridge 2-3 months, and sown out. Can take several growing seasons to germinate Use flowering shoots for stem cuttings, remove flower, and treat with moderate-strength rooting hormone. Plant, keep in good indirect light. May transplant again when roots appear in 2-3 weeks. May also use hardwood cuttings, later in year transplant larger specimen, i.e. store-bought plant, into a 1 1/2' hole, after pouring in a small heap of rich organic medium, and lower rose onto this. Set the bud union (swelling base of stem) at ground level in warmer climes, 2" below ground if exposed to frost. Water then mulch for first few weeks. Outdoor plants require good light, good drainage, though heavier soils also tolerated Rubus occidentalis North American black raspberry Propagate by tip layering as with raspberry. For this species and purple raspberries, suckers can be removed and planted in fall, when shoots are dormant. Hardwood stem cuttings may be attempted but are far less reliable Rubus idaeus raspberry Sow immediately when fruits ripen, or stratify 3 months in fridge. To tip layer: bend stem tips toward the ground, bury vertically some 3-4" deep, late summer. Remove and replant new plantlets in spring, including tip of the original shoot; place in 6" hole and fill half way, continuing to fill during growing season. Difficult to propagate from cuttings: take tip cuttings in spring Remove and plant up healthy suckers in late fall, when shoots dormant. Note that these are biennial for red, yellow raspberries, while the original plant is perennial Rudbeckia hirta black-eyed Susan Sow uncovered when seed ripens, or indoors or in cold frame, late winter. Self-sows readily. Divide into 4" clumps, every few years. Likes sandy soil Saintpaulia African violet Surface sow in spring, 70F, peaty soil, keep slightly humid. Germination is erratic Commonly reproduced from leaf cuttings with stalks intact, planted with leaf base at soil level. Keep warm and damp. Alternatively, leave in water and pot when healthy set of 1" roots developed Sansevieria trifasciata mother-in-law's tongue, snake plant Grow from leaf cuttings to maintain original striping: 4" sections are cut across grain of leaf and potted right side up. When new shoots appear discard or even cut free and re-root leaf cutting Plant itself reproduces by rhizomatous spread; new offsets may be dug up and repotted Schlumbergera x buckleyi Christmas cactus Surface sow, keep moist until germination then uncover. Soft stem cuttings, involving tips with 2 or 3 sections, are kept barely moist until rooted Sedum spectabile showy stonecrop, live forever Sow surface indoors or in cold frame, earlier in the year, 50F/10C. Well-drained soil. Set out in fall, to dry sunny areas. Propagate by clump division. Perennial Sempervivum tectorum common houseleek, old man and woman Reproduced using offsets, potted up separately, best done in spring. Likes gritty, well-draining soil, very good light, to sparingly watered. May be started from seed, surface-sown, 65-70F/18-21C Spathiphyllum peace lily Divide root clump after watering, by pulling apart into reasonably sized pieces. Keep moist, warm, will tolerate less light Strelitzia reginae bird of paradise Remove orange tuft from seed and soak 12-48 hrs (change water daily if more than 24 hrs). Sow in moist sand 75F/24C keeping eye exposed, check weekly for germination; note that root may develop first. Pot up at the sign of any activity. Germination often delayed. Good light, water regularly Divide rhizomatous clump after flowering or in spring, relatively infrequently, to keep plant as pot-bound as possible Syngonium podophyllum arrow leaf vine Stem cuttings with aerial roots will root easily, in spring and early summer. May air-layer older specimens. Good indirect light, good humidity Syringa lilac Sow in fall or spring, typically germinates well, may benefit from 3 weeks' stratification 3 weeks if no germination occurs in 4 weeks. Light needed for germination; just cover seeds. Suckers are produced in clumps; remove these while the plant is dormant, as clumps or individual suckers. Cut back both roots and shoots to about 6" in length, before replanting. Tolerates alkaline soil well Tagetes marigold African varieties and triploid hybrids are started indoors or under cover in early spring, transplanted after frost is past. French and signata marigolds may also be started this way, or are sown directly after last frost. Good sun and sandy, well- draining, otherwise average soil ideal, water sparingly. Will also tolerate quite alkaline soils Thymus vulgaris thyme Start seed indoors in early spring, 60-70F/15-21C, slightly moist, uncovered, or sow outdoors two week before last frost. Light needed for germination. Set plants 12" apart. Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil; divide clumps every 4 years. Tradescantia species wandering sailor, inch plant Reproduce via 3-4" shoot tips taken in spring, may be rooted in water if desired, potted when roots are 1" in length. Also from seed, sown just covered, temperature 65-70F/18-21C in day, less at night Tulipa tulip Desires good drainage, good soil, sun, lots of room. Set small wild species 4" deep, larger ones 8", planting late fall and winter until ground freezes solid. May be started from seed but unpredictable: sow late winter to very early in spring, or in fall, 1/8 to 1/4" deep Yucca Sow just covered in spring, 65-75F, well-draining soil, good sun. Offsets may be removed and planted, or propagate from stem cuttings 3-4" diam. Zone 4- 10 Zantedeschia aethiopica calla lily, arum lily May start from seed, surface sow, 70F/21C. Keep moist; light needed for germination. Grow in good indirect light, water well during growing season, until finished flowering Set rhizomes 3-4" deep, shallower in pots, 1' apart, rich soil. Let plant die back in fall, and dig roots after first frost, removing stems just above base. Store in cool, slightly damp and dark place, checking every few weeks over winter. Or keep the rhizomes dry and potted over winter, until growth resumes, or keep watering to keep in growth Zea mays corn Sow singly in small pots, spring, 65-75F, 4 weeks before last frost. Transplant early summer, rows 3' apart, and transplant only this one time. Outside, sow from last frost date, 1/2" deep, 4" apart, rows spaced 3', direct to their final location. May start 2 weeks earlier under glass or plastic. Likes warmer soil: plant when white oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's foot. Thin later to 10-12" apart, more for some varieties Extra-sweet corn is best planted one month into the growing season. All forms of corn require long growing season, 70 days or more in length Zebrina pendula wandering sailor, inch plant also known as Tradescantia pendula, see above