In full bloom

You may slot it as a climber but technically, Allamanda is a shrub. As it has weak stems, one can train it on a pergola, an arch or a porch.

You may slot it as a climber but technically, Allamanda is a shrub. As it has weak stems, one can train it on a pergola, an arch or a porch. In the garden, it can be trained on a structure to fall back forming a shrub. Allamanda8217;s in full bloom almost throughout the year, giving a magnificent colour cover to the whole plant. Its leaves, deep green and glossy, are pretty ornamental. Allamanda is a very hardy shrub and can be grown without a fuss. Now, you get a variation in deep pink blooms with a dark throat. Twined around a pillar it gives an excellent effect.

My papaya plant is bearing plenty of fruit, but it does not seem to be ripening. What is the reason and how can I enhance the process of ripening?
Manoj Kumar, Chandigarh
This is not the time for papaya to ripen. You will have to wait till the onset of summer for it.

The ber tree in my garden has borne plenty of fruit but there is this presence of white powder on most of the fruit which gets removed on touch. What is this and will it affect fruit?
Neelam, Chandigarh
This is powdery mildew disease and it is certainly going to affect your fruit which may distort, may not grow further or even drop prematurely. Immediately spray karathane, dissolved at one milliliter to a liter of water. Repeat the spray after a fortnight.

Am I too late in planting onions? If not, how much distance should be given between rows and plants?
Mamta, Panchkula
You are very well in time and yes, you can still wait a little more to transplant the seedlings from first week of January to the second week. You can keep a distance of 15 centimeter between rows and 7.5 centimeter between plants.

How long does a raddish take to be ready after planting and how do I know that it is ready? Is there any variety that is ready in short time?
Amarjit Singh, Mohali
If you see carefully, you will notice that a little part of the root is visible at the base and you can very well guess whether it is ready or not. Also, when once you extract one or two roots it will give you a fair idea. For quick results you can grow White Icicle variety that is ready in about four weeks.

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