Ask the Experts

UNUSUAL PLANT GROWTH CHARACTERISTIC

Question: A couple of my blanket flower plants have developed wide stems and mutated flower blooms. I wonder what is causing it. The plant hasn’t done that before.

Answer: Gaillardia plants are great at attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. From your description, you are experiencing a mutation in the plant world referred to as fasciation. Fasciation causes a flattening or cresting of the meristem growth of the plant. It could be caused by a cell not properly dividing or induced by an insect or other pathogen.

It can occur in just about every species of plants. The crested coxcomb is an example of fasciation, which is prized and easily reproduced. We also see fascinated branches and stems used in floral arrangements. Bottom line it is part of nature. So enjoy your gaillardia, as they will be just fine and can become a conversation piece.

ASIAN JUMPING WORM FOUND

Question: I found this big, weird-looking worm in a bag of mulch I bought from a big box store. Do you think it could be the Asian Jumping Worm?

Answer: Asian jumping worms have been in the news this spring. There have been numerous reports across Kansas since a television station reported the worm. Yes, what you found probably is a dreaded jumping worm.

These worms can be the size of a pencil and move rapidly. This foreign species has a big appetite for organic matter. It is believed that in high numbers they can devour all the organic matter in a garden, which is the beneficial glue holding together or creating good structure in the soil for plant growth. Without the organic matter, the soil will be less likely to support the growth of our plants.

In Kansas, the regulatory agency is not tracking reports of jumping worms. We know it is out there but don’t know how widespread. If you find a rather large earthworm that does not look normal, the recommendation is to destroy it. The good news in states where the worm has been known to reside for years, the fear of destroying soil structure has not occurred.

Asian jumping worm Caladiums

FIRE ANTS RARE, NOT IMPOSSIBLE

Question: Do we have Fire Ants in Kansas City?

Answer: Like the jumping worms, this is another great question that is difficult to answer. Fire ants are a southern species of aggressive ants that swarm and attack their prey with numerous painful bites. They are common in southern states like Texas and can extend into Oklahoma. Over the years, Kansas has found colonies and destroyed them. Missouri has also found cases of fire ants. Kansas officials believe they have controlled their movement into the state. A Facebook post by a gardener in Douglas County posted a photo of what appeared to be fire ants back in May.

Fire ants can be easily transported in soil. For example, someone relocating from Texas to Kansas City could unknowingly bring some with them in plants, which could start a colony. Finding fire ants would be rare but not impossible. If you do find an aggressive ant colony, report it to your local Extension office. They will contact the Department of Agriculture to determine the best course of action.

CALADIUM COLLAPSE

Question: I planted caladiums and the leaves all curled and fell over. Why is this, and will they recover?

Answer: Interesting question as I have experienced this same issue. My take is this is a normal process for some plants as the foliage transitions from greenhousegrown leaves to the outdoors. Another potential reason is cooler weather. This is a tropical warm loving plant. Planting too early in the spring with cool air and soil may also lead to the decline. My experience is as the new foliage emerges, expect stronger growth which can tolerate the outdoor growing conditions.

It is disappointing to plant and see it decline and slowly recover. Keep in mind this plant is grown for the colorful foliage and is a heavy feeder. Be sure to fertilize on a regular schedule to keep the plant pushing out new leaves. Come fall and cooler temperatures, the plant will start to decline. At this time, you can dig the bulbs for storage or just let them freeze.

Red potatoes

FALL POTATO PLANTING MIGHT BE A CHALLENGE

Question: Can I plant potatoes in the fall?

Answer: Potatoes are traditionally considered a spring crop. St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional planting time for potatoes. Tubers planted by the end of March tend to produce the best crop to be harvested in June.

Potatoes can be grown as a fall crop. Tubers are planted in early to mid-July and are ready for digging in September or October. The issue with the fall crop is access to seed potatoes in summer. Some gardeners will purchase extra pieces in the spring and store or plant the small potatoes from the spring harvest. Rarely will you find potatoes at the garden center in summer.

Planting potatoes in the heat of summer will require timely watering to keep the plants healthy enough to produce a fall crop. A few years ago, we planted a fall crop of potatoes in a garden project. We had a good harvest. The size of the potatoes was smaller than the spring crop, but I must admit they were just as tasty.

DENNIS PATTON Horticulture Agent

Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.