Colour me Pink

Poinsettia has not developed the right colour as yet. However,the accompanying photo is to attract your attention towards what needs to be done immediately to get that colour fast,by at least Christmas time which is the correct occasion. Put this plant at a place where it gets sun for maximum hours,for instance,on the roof. Since its root system is too superficial,it requires water frequently or else the leaves droop down. So,keep an eye. The plant you see in the picture is one with single bracts. There is another available in the market with multiple bracts and is called Poinsettia Fireball. Get a few and your garden will lit up till March end,the time after which it sheds the coloured parts.

I have one ber tree in my garden. It’s borne good fruit this year. However,the fruits are turning white and leave a white powder on the hand when rubbed. What is this due to? Is it some disease and if so,what is the remedy?
Parminder Singh,Chandigarh
Your observation is good and the disease is Powdery Mildew. Spray the plant with karathane,dissolved at one milliliter to a liter of water. Alternately,spray wettable sulphur,dissolved at two gram to a liter of water. Repeat the spray at fortnight interval.

I have a very good peach tree which bears a lot of tasty fruit. I want to multiply it. How can I do it? Can it be grown from the seed of the fruit?
Ranjit Singh,Panchkula
No,you will have to buy a new plant. The time is approaching fast and you can get good quality peach from PAU at Ludhiana. The varieties recommended are Parbhat,Partap,Early Grande and Shan-e-Punjab.

I am just through with construction in house. I want to plant the winter annuals. Am I late for that? I want to grow most of the red and white flowers. What variety do you

recommend?
O. P. Mehra,Mohali
You must hurry and finish all the operations within a week now. You can get almost all the varieties of particular colour in the market. Visit a reliable nursery.

Can I grow broccoli? Where will I get the seeds from and how long will it take to be ready for harvesting?
Manju,Chandigarh
Yes,you can grow broccoli here. It is late for putting seed in soil. So get seedlings from some nursery. It will be ready in 60 days.

ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in