THE URBAN GARDENER

You can still enjoy gardening even if you’ve only got a window box. Here, Constance Craig Smith shows you how to grow streptocarpus

WHY GROW THEM?

Streptocarpus, also known as Cape primroses, produce dozens of blooms per plant, and are fairly easy to grow. They make excellent indoor plants, brightening up a house on even the gloomiest of days.

WHEN TO PLANT

At any time. If growing from seed, sow from March onwards.

VARIETIES

There are hundreds to choose from, in all manner of shades; many are bicolour or have very attractive mottled flowers. One of the best varieties is yellow-and-blue ‘Harlequin Blue’, voted Plant of the Year at Chelsea in 2010. Streptocarpus tend to flower from March to October, but blueand-white ‘Crystal Ice’, cornflower-blue ‘Crystal Beauty’, purple ‘Crystal Wonder’ and dainty pink ‘Crystal Dawn’ produce blooms all year round.

HOW TO PLANT

Streptocarpus grow in wooded areas on mountainsides, where they have good light but are shaded from direct sun. To replicate this indoors, try a north-facing porch or conservatory, or a north-facing windowsill. In winter they will tolerate quite cool temperatures, as long as they stay dry. Over-watering is the greatest danger for Streptocarpus, so make sure the compost dries out before you water.

AFTERCARE

Feed regularly with a high potash fertiliser between spring and autumn. Trim off any brown and withered leaves and keep an eye out for greenfly.

SUPPLIERS

www.dibleys.com, www.chilternseeds.co.uk

Colourful Cape primroses