Down to Earth: Dr Satish Narula

Lets first take a closer look at the picture above. Most amateur gardeners would assume that the plant is cauliflower.

October 17, 2013 05:00 AM IST

2 min read

Lets first take a closer look at the picture above. Most amateur gardeners would assume that the plant is cauliflower. Yes,it is cauliflower but an ornamental one. It is called kale. It is only the ornamental form of cauliflower that comes in shades of pink,violet,white,yellow and green. Like other winter season annuals,it is also planted in October and the seedlings are transplanted in beds or pots in about a months time. The curd may take the shape of a cauliflower or a pyramid. The plant comes to seeding during March-April and bears sarson-like flowers and seeds during that period.

This winter,I want to plant peaches. I live in Pinjore and will bring the plants from Shimla. Which variety do you recommend best for this area?

Rakesh,Pinjore

I do not recommend any hill variety for the area. There are suitable peach cultivars that can be grown in the plains. Get these from Panjab Agricultural University or its research stations. These will also be available at various government-run nurseries.

When should I add manure and fertilisers to mango?The age to the tree is 10 years.

Sanket,Panchkula

The time of application of manure and fertilisers to mango is December to February. Different kind of fertilisers are added at different times and the doses are also split. The exact amount could be known through Package of Practices,a publication of Punjab Agricultural University. What is liquid manure and how is it made? Is it safe to use it?

Yes,it is very safe to use. It is made by adding one part of fresh cow dung and eight parts of water. The mixture is kept undisturbed for about 15 days and then decanted. The deep tea-like liquid is diluted to weak tea colour and then added to plants. One litre per weak is sufficient for one pot.

Can I prune my roses now? Also,when is the right time to plant roses?

Sapna,Chandigarh

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Yes,you should do it now without any delay. This is also the right time to plant roses.

For gardening queries

ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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cauliflower Panjab Agricultural University

Down to Earth: Dr Satish Narula

Lets first take a closer look at the picture above. Most amateur gardeners would assume that the plant is cauliflower.

Lets first take a closer look at the picture above. Most amateur gardeners would assume that the plant is cauliflower.