Down to earth

This,in fact,is the same tree which a few days back was all yellow at the top,turned a mix of yellow and red at the top and now is all red at the top.

I am getting a lot of enquiries about the tree that is all red at the top,is all yellow at the top,is a mix of red and yellow flowers at the top. This,in fact,is the same tree which a few days back was all yellow at the top,turned a mix of yellow and red at the top and now is all red at the top. This is koelreuteria. They also want to know where it is available. It is not a rare tree and is easily available with nurseries. But if you think of growing it,take a look at it in the picture. It is a massive tree and gives its best only when allowed to grow on its own. It is for open spaces,parks etc. The yellow that you see is the flower and the red is the seeding pod that comes later.

Manisha,Chandigarh

The sweet peas are sown directly where you want them to grow and not in the nursery first.

Can I grow the gladiolus now? Do you recommend any particular precaution?

Sukhbir,Chandigarh

Yes,you can grow gladiolus now. Before sowing,treat the corms with Bavistin by dipping in the solution made by dissolving it at two gram to a liter of water for two hours. After this,dry it in shade and then let it grow.

Some of my kinnow fruit have turned colour and some are in the process of doing it. This is the first crop on the tree. When should I pick it up?

Sarabjit Singh,Panchkula

Kinnow starts turning colour now but it is nowhere near the ripening stage. It is at its best in January and that is the time when it should be picked.

My chrysanthemums are doing well so far. Any precautions that you suggest? Mohinder Pal,Mohali

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Keep an eye for leaf spot or black insects at the terminals. As soon as you observe them,spray Bavistin and Rogor respectively,dissolved at one gram and one milliliter to a liter of water. Repeat the spray after 10 days.

(For gardening queries,ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@pau.edu )

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