Maw Maw’s Flower Garden By: Dennis Morgeson Agent for Horticulture Washington County and Tracey Parriman, Agent for Horticulture Mason County
Who Is Maw Maw Virginia Mae Knopp Morgeson – Born in 1929 in New Market Kentucky My Grandmother that I grew up next door to and was/is like a mother to me She gardened her entire life and got me started in gardening when I was around 10 years old when I helped her dig and pot begonias to overwinter indoors….I was hooked! Every window in her house was stuffed full of houseplants….and overwintering tender plants Maw Maw is suffering from dementia and doesn’t garden any more but she passed on her passion to me along with many old sayings that I often say….some off color….but she was a hoot! To know her is to love her! She was the grandmother that played ball, cards, yatzee, made snowmen, and was never too busy for her grandkids!!!
What she said was the law! She often over ruled our parents!!!! With no arguments from them!
Who Is Maw Maw Maw Maw loved flowers more than vegetable gardening…however she had a huge vegetable garden too….canning and freezing was a huge summer chore…she didn’t have air condition until 1995! She cooked three times a day! Dinner was a full on sit down, take your cap off, say grace, stuff yourself, kind of meal!!! By dinner I mean lunch….the last meal of the day was supper! She did this while maintaining the house, yard, and kids….(up to 12 in the summer) Most devout Catholic you would ever meet….she had a prayer book 3 inches thick she said every morning and “we” said the rosary EVERY day! If her garden needed rain maybe three times! She didn’t make much money but some how always had a plenty of it …..that she gave away freely! Church came first of course!
Her Garden
Maw Maw’s flower gardening before I became more involved generally consisted of tall reseeding annuals however she did have a few perennials and tropicals that were given to her as most people of her time would have had‌..
Her Garden (knowing specific varieties was not important in hand me down plants)
Her Garden
Soil Preparations for New and Existing Flower Beds • Take soil samples • • • •
Collect 10-15 plugs per area. Collect soil from surface to 6 inches deep Mix sub samples together in sample bag Soil samples are tested in UK’s soil lab • Washington County - $6.00 per soil test
Fertilization • First take a soil test! • Adjust pH, optimum 6.0 - 7.0 • Apply general fertilizers or specific nutrients • Apply prior to planting and/or during production’ • Apply nutrients • Granular • Liquid (injector) • Organic – manures, compost, etc.
Bed Preparations • Full Sun is required for most of these annuals flowers. • Select a spot with adequate drainage. • Consider being able to reach the center of your bed without ever treading on the soil…so I make my beds roughly three feet wide. • Before planting till or double dig to loosen soil to a minimum depth of 6 inches. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw8J-70k324 • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19I1y-N999U
Weed Control • Landscape Fabric • Mulches – weed-free straw, wood chips, wood mulches, composted yard waste • Herbicides • Selective, pre-emergence –trifluralin • Non selective, post-emergence – glyphosate, diquat, paraquat • Selective, post-emergence - Sethoxydim, clethodim and fluazifop-p
Outdoor Seed Starting • Follow Seed Packet/this PowerPoint for depth and timing of planting. • Make sure to create a nice loose seed bed • Don’t worry about sowing too thick, you can always thin and or transplant
Giant Yellow And Orange Marigold • Tall, strong stems for cut flowers. • Large flower heads, avg. 3", sit atop sturdy plants. These Giant marigolds are prolific producers for cuts as well as excellent garden performers. Also known as African marigold, American marigold, and Aztec marigold. •Edible Flowers: Use the flowers to dress up salads and desserts or cooked in egg or rice dishes. Flavor is floral with hints of citrus and spice, and slightly bitter. Remove the petals from the flower base before consuming as the base can be quite bitter. Ht. 36-40". Avg. 7,100 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
Giant Yellow And Orange Marigold • DAYS TO GERMINATION:4-7 days at 7580°F (24-27°C). SOWING:Transplant: Sow 4 weeks before last frost, or 8 weeks before for flowering packs. Lightly cover the seed. Keep soil surface moist until emergence. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside when the danger of frost has passed. Direct seed: After last frost, so 1/4" deep. Thin when true leaves appear. NOTES:High temperatures can cause plants to stall, and temporarily decline in growth and bloom. Deadhead regularly to increase blooms. Pinch to make the plants bushier.
French Marigold •Annual plants grow to 12-18 inches tall •Bright red and orange flowers •Classic marigold scent •Productive and excellent for garden borders
Johnny Jump Up Self-seeding biennial plants grow to 5-6 inches Purple and yellow blossoms Good for container growing Flower heads are edible
Vining Petunia
Annual plants can be grown as a perennial in Zones 9-11 Mix of fragrant white, pink, lavender, and purple flowers Self-seeding and grows well in containers Trailing stems grow to 2-3 feet
Zebrina (she called them dwarf holly hock)
Self-seeding hardy annual plants grow to 4 feet tall Long-blooming mauve flowers with purple markings Attracts beneficial insects like bees and hummingbird moths Great for ornamental plantings
Cleome (Spider Flower)
Self-seeding, half-hardy annual plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Pink, purple, and white flowers Thorny stems like a rose bush Great as a cut flower or in ornamental plantings
Flowering Tobacco
Perfect Mix Organic Annual plants grow to 5-6 feet Blossoms in a wide range of purples, bronzes, pinks & white Very fragrant, night-blooming flowers
Woodland Tobacco • Organic • Tender perennial or annual plants grow to 5 feet • Trumpet-shaped or tubular white blossoms • Extremely fragrant, opens in the evening
Night Scented Stock • Annual plants grow to 1218 inches tall • Blossoms open in the evening • Mix of purple, lilac, pink, and white flowers • Extremely fragrant • This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but prefers to be kept cool and well watered.
Bachelor’s Buttons
Annual plants grow to 2-3 feet tall A mix of purple, pink, white, and blue flowers Blooms throughout the season Self-seeding Great for cut flower arrangements
Gloriosa Daisy • Large, double flowers in a range of colors. • 4-5" blooms of orange, golden yellow, bronze, chocolate, and various bicolors are produced all summer long. Plants produce mostly double blooms and some singles and semidoubles. Also known as blackeyed Susan and gloriosa daisy. Tender perennial in Zones 9-10. AAS winner. Ht. 24-30". Avg. 52,800 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
California Poppy California wildflower. Silky, 2-3" cups of brilliant orange top neat mounds of finely cut silvery-green foliage. Blooms over a long period. Drought tolerant. Tolerates light frost. Excellent for seeding large areas. Ht. 12-15". Avg. 17,350 seeds/oz. Packet: 500 seeds.
Celosia • DAYS TO GERMINATION:8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). SOWING:Transplant: Sow 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Do not cover as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering the seeds with displaced soil. Grow seedlings at 63-68°F (17-20°C). Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside when the danger of frost has passed. Low temperatures and less than 12 hours of light can cause premature flowering. Direct seed: Direct seed only in locations with a long growing season. Sow seeds 4" apart, 1/8" deep after the danger of frost has passed. Thin to 6-12" apart. LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
Celosia Pampas Plume Perfect bouquet filler. Masses of soft, feathery, 2-6" long plumes in scarlet, orange, bright yellow, pink, cream. Multi-branching plants produce 10-14 stems each. Also known as cockscomb, Prince of Wales feather, and prince feather. Ht. 33-48". Avg. 36,150 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
Celosia Chief Mix Wide color range and uniform plants. Sturdy plants with strong stems. Colors include: dark red, carmine, rose, gold, and red and yellow bicolor. Great fresh or dried. Also known as cockscomb and crested cock's comb. Also available in individual colors. Ht. 36-40". Avg. 40,200 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
Versailles Mix Cosmos • Developed especially for cutting. • Early blooming and vigorous. Produces under short days and is also suitable for greenhouse culture during the winter. Strong stems can withstand considerable handling. Blooms are 2 1/2" across in shades of blush pink, pure white, carmine red, and pink with a deep pink eye. Cosmos are also known as garden cosmos. Ht. 40." Avg. 4,300 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
Versailles Mix Cosmos • DAYS TO GERMINATION:7-10 days at 75°F (24°C). When planted outside, soil temperature must be above 60°F (16°C). SOWING:Direct seed (recommended): After last frost, once soil temperature is above 60°F (16°C), sow seed thinly in rows, barely covering the seeds. Thin when the first true leaves appear. Transplant: Sow seed thinly, barely covering, 5-7 weeks before setting out. Keep soil moist until emergence. When the first true leaves appear transplant into larger containers. Harden off and transplant outdoors after the last frost.
LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
Other Varieties
Seashells
Double Click Bicolor Pink
Sensation Mix
Sunflower • DAYS TO GERMINATION:7-14 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). SOWING:Direct seed (recommended): After the last frost, sow in groups of 2-3 seeds, 1/2" deep. Thin to one plant when true leaves appear. Transplant: Sow in final container 3-4 weeks prior to planting out. Sunflowers dislike root disturbance and do not transplant well Transplants should be held indoors for no more than 4 weeks prior to planting out. Provide sun and good air movement. LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
Other Varieties
Procut Orange
Teddy Bear
Chocolate Sunflower
Procut Amber
Buttercream
Procut Red
Verbena Bonariensis • Heat tolerant. • Multiple, long, thin stems topped with clusters of 2" heads packed with tiny flowers. Blooms July to frost. Attracts bees and butterflies. Also known as purple top verbena, tall verbena, South American vervain, and purple-top verbena. Perennial in zones 7-10 but can be grown as an annual. Ht. 36-48". Avg. 122,000 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
Verbena Bonariensis • Verbena • DAYS TO GERMINATION:14-28 days at 60-86°F (16-30°C). Alternating temperatures between 60°F (16°C) at night and 86°F (30°C) during the day helps to break dormancy.
SOWING:Transplant (recommended): Sow 8-12 weeks before last frost. Cover seed lightly with growing medium. Seed is slow to germinate and sensitive to excess moisture, so keep growing medium on the dry side until emergence. Place seed trays on a heating mat during the day and remove at night to ensure the proper germination temperature. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers after true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed: Direct seed only in areas with long growing seasons. Sow seeds after the last frost, barely covering seeds.
Love-Lies-Bleeding • Ropes of deep red, trailing blooms. • A reminder of things Victorian and a graceful accent in arrangements. Common names include Amaranth and Tassel Flower. Ht. 36-60". Avg. 48,900 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
Love-Lies-Bleeding • Amaranthus • DAYS TO GERMINATION:7-10 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C). SOWING:Transplant: Sow 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover seed. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seeds with displaced soil. Harden off by growing at 62-65°F (17-18°C) and transplant outside after last frost. Direct seed: After last frost, sow thinly, barely covering the seed. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 12-15" apart.
LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
Other Varieties-There Are Several More Than These
Dreadlocks
Red Calalloo
Coral Fountain
Juan’s Orange
Love-LiesBleeding Green
Miriah
Red Sisho (She Called Them Coleus) • • • •
Red Shiso Shiso Seed Product ID: 937 Versatile Asian culinary herb. Distinct cinnamon/clove flavor and aroma, with the spiciness of cumin. Used in oriental cooking, sushi and salad mix. Red Shiso colors radish pickles and "umeboshi" plums. Also known as perilla. • Edible Flowers: The flowers are a flavorful addition to salads and Asian dishes. Pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and cucumbers. The minty, basil-like flavor has hints of clove and cumin. Avg. 27,000 seeds/oz. Packet: 200 seeds.
Red Sisho • Shiso • DAYS TO GERMINATION:7-21 days. SOWING:Direct seed (recommended): Store seed in the freezer for best germination. Sow in spring after the last frost, 1-2 seeds per inch, in rows 18" apart. Sow seeds shallowly or cover lightly, as light is required for germination. Can grow somewhat thickly, or thin to 612" apart. LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun. SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Shiso grows well in medium to rich, sandy soils.
Other Varieties
Green Sisho
Korean Sisho
Red Aka Sisho
Zinnia • Zinnia • DAYS TO GERMINATION:3-5 days at 80-85°F (27-29°C). A heat mat will maintain an accurate temperature. Lower temperatures will result in slower germination.
SOWING:Transplant: Sow 4 weeks before last frost. Cover seed and keep soil surface moist until emergence. When seedlings have true leaves, transplant into cell packs. Do not allow plants to become root bound and do not disturb roots; transplant shock may cause double to revert back to singles. Direct seed: After last frost when the soil is warm, sow thinly, 6 seeds per foot, 1/4" deep. Cover lightly but firmly. Keep surface from drying out until emergence. Thin after the first true leaves appear. LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
Benary’s Giant Mix Zinnia • The premium zinnia. • Recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. Vigorous allseason producers hold up well in summer rain and heat all over the country. Densely petaled blooms are up to 6" across. Long-lasting standouts in bouquets. Ht. 40-50". Avg. 3,300 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
Giant Dahlia Flowered Scarlet Zinnia
• An absolute must for the cutting garden. • Similar color and habit of the Benary's Giant series but will produce 4-6" single, semi-double, and double flowers. Ht. 4050". Avg. 2,800 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
Other Varieties-You can get any in single colors as well!
Sunbow Mix
Cactus Flowered Mix
Oklahoma Formula Mix
Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate • Self-seeding annual plants grow to 6-9 feet tall • Dark pink catkins • Good for borders, cut flowers, and dried bouquets
Four Oclocks
Tender perennial/annual plants grow to 23 feet tall A wide range of colors Fragrant blossoms attract pollinators and birds Great for ornamental plantings
Calendula
Self-seeding, hardy annual Plants grow to 20-24 inches tall Blossoms are edible Great for container growing
A few others‌.
Sources • Seeds – Johnny Seeds, Harris Seeds, Burpee, and Swallowtail • Cell-Packs and Trays -local box stores, Johnnys, Seed Saver’s Exchange, and many other online garden supply stores
What You Will Get • Chief Mix Celosia • Pampas Plume Celosia • Love-Lies-Blooming • California Poppy • Teddy Bear Sunflower • Cherokee Sunset Mix Gloriosa Daisy • Giant Orange and Giant Yellow Marigold • Benary’s Giant Zinnia
What You Will Get • • • • • • • • • •
Viola Johnny Jump-Up Old-Fashioned Vining Petunia Mallow Zebrina Cleome (Spider Flower) Cosmos Sensation Mix Woodland/Night Scented Tobacco Night Scented Stock Mixed Bachelors Buttons Four Oclocks Mix Calendula Mix
Questions?