Down in Earth: Dr Satish Narula

Geranium is a perennial plant that is valued not only for its bunches of blooms that appear on the terminals but also its foliage which is in the form of dark rings in the leaves of some of the varieties.

Geranium (in the picture) is a perennial plant that is valued not only for its bunches of blooms that appear on the terminals but also its foliage which is in the form of dark rings in the leaves of some of the varieties. The plant is multiplied by way of cuttings. It gives flowers in winter (February-March),but it is important to take care of it through the year. There are no special requirements to keep it healthy,but during the rainy season any stagnation of water at any time,even for a few hours,could damage the plant beyond repair. You may altogether lose it. Keep an eye for stagnating water and change the pot in case you notice it. Provide proper drainage if the plant is in a bed.

I have two mature Song of India plants. I want to multiply these. How can I do it? Rajneesh,Chandigarh

This is the best time to multiply Song of India plants. You can do it by cuttings. Its best to take a foot-long cutting with leaves and keep the lower half (leaves removed) in a bottle of water. After a few days the roots will

appear,even in water.

I had sown some ornamental plant seeds about 25 days back and none of them have sprouted. What could be the reason? Will they sprout now? Parul,Chandigarh

You have not mentioned what plant seeds you had planted. However,there is a bleak possibility of sprouting now. Sow the seeds again.

Can I plant banana in my garden? Will it fruit?

Where can I get a good banana plant? Savita,Panchkula

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Yes,you can plant banana and it will give fruit too. You can get a good variety at the horticulture department of Punjab Agricultural University or else if you have a good banana plant at the residence of a friend take a sucker and plant it now.

I want to plant mehndi in my garden. Will it grow? Any special instructions?

Ravish Kumar,ChandigarhMehndi grows easily in this area. There are no special instructions for growing this plant. Plant it like any other plant.

For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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