Quick Questions
Can I grow shallots over the winter?
Garry O’Sullivan, Hillingdon, Middlesex Shallot sets can be planted in early winter. They root while temperatures are relatively mild and go on to mature next year, a li le earlier than those planted in the spring. Small sets are best as larger ones can bolt and run to seed. It’s also important to choose varieties that will tolerate lower temperatures, such as ‘Eschalote Grise’, Golden Gourmet’ and ‘Red Sun’.
Why has my osteospermum failed to flower this year?
Molly James, Bamber’s Green, Essex Many osteospermums are tender and even the hardier types need a well-drained, fertile soil in a warm, sunny position. If you’ve had good flowering in the past, failure this year is probably just down to the poor summer with a lack of decent sunshine. Apply some sulphate of potash around the plants next spring.
Can I prune my roses in the autumn?
Gina Parsons, Port Talbot It’s a good idea to reduce longer growth of Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses by 50 per cent in winter to reduce wind rock over the winter. The main pruning is undertaken after mid-February.
Can I prune my deutzia hard back now?
Louise Vincent, by email If you do you’ll get li le in the way of flowers next year. Routine pruning is done immediately after flowering. As plants mature cut out older branches to ground level or to strong, low shoots. Older plants can be renovated by cu ing all old stems to the base and shortening others to well-placed sideshoots. Shrubs take a year or two to start flowering again.