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Post by andy on Jul 13, 2008 7:30:09 GMT
Appologies as we've had a few SP threads but mine have been pretty poor this year and i would really like to grow them "properly"
Has anyone grown them to near show standard ?...long, straight stems with big, scented flowers (5 per stem of course).
Next year, i'm going to have a go...i have the space and the facilities to grow them and from what i remember, they should be cordoned.
Are there any preferred varieties ? Is autumn sowing better than winter ? and what about the best ground preperation ?
If anyone has any tips or suggestions, it would be most useful
Andy
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Post by Weeterrier on Jul 13, 2008 8:31:53 GMT
As far as I know Andy, and this is from seeing it on TV, and not from experience, these are some requirements for extra special blooms. Firstly, suitable varieties. Not all SPs will grow to exhibition standard. Have a look at Matthewman's site, they highlight the best ones. Whilst in the greenhouse, it is better if the roots can grow straight down, so root -trainer modules should be used, or toilet roll holders. You don't want to use shallow seedtrays or pots as the roots will start going horizontal. I believe to plant them, a deep trench is dug, and the bottom filled with well-rotted farmyard manure. SPs are very hungry plants. All tendrils must be removed, to channel energy into the flowers, and to prevent the stems from being strangled into weird shapes. Tying in of the stems is imperative as is feeding. I'll be judging them at the end of August. I'll ask the growers for their tips for you.  |
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Post by andy on Jul 13, 2008 8:40:33 GMT
As far as I know Andy, and this is from seeing it on TV, and not from experience, these are some requirements for extra special blooms. Firstly, suitable varieties. Not all SPs will grow to exhibition standard. Have a look at Matthewman's site, they highlight the best ones. Whilst in the greenhouse, it is better if the roots can grow straight down, so root -trainer modules should be used, or toilet roll holders. You don't want to use shallow seedtrays or pots as the roots will start going horizontal. I believe to plant them, a deep trench is dug, and the bottom filled with well-rotted farmyard manure. SPs are very hungry plants. All tendrils must be removed, to channel energy into the flowers, and to prevent the stems from being strangled into weird shapes. Tying in of the stems is imperative as is feeding. I'll be judging them at the end of August. I'll ask the growers for their tips for you.  Superb WT...i didn't know about the roots but appreciate they are hungry plants and the tendrill need removing. I've had a scout round on the net and it appears that autumn sowings give better, earlier plants if grown cool and frost free. Not too sure how many times (if any !!!) you should pinch them out. Any snippets of closely guarded info you can "weed" out of the SP growers would be most helpful WT ;D A million thanks |
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Post by Weeterrier on Jul 13, 2008 17:05:25 GMT
Glad to help, start collecting the toilet roll tubes I usually just pinch them out once, but that could be wrong. I'll be starting mine in October. I have ordered from Matthewman's. They sent me a cultivation leaflet, so I'll read it and pass on the info after dinner. |
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