Achimenese
The Achimenese is in a class of plants, of the same general family Gesnuraceae. that are lovely and of many colors. They are becoming more popular all the time.
Achimenese are summer and fall flowering, ranging in color from pure white to fiery red, and lovely blues. The foliage is also very attractive. They like plenty of light, like under fluorescent grow lights and also plenty of water. They cannot stand cold wet weather so it is not best to put them outside until weather is warm. Do not set in direct sun.
Plant the tubercles in loose leaf mold, Tubercles may be broken to increase your stock though the larger piece will produce a stronger plant. They may also be started from a limb or from leaf cuttings. Some of the taller growing sorts can be pinched back when they first start growing up, to make them bushy.
In fall when the Achimenese are through blooming, and the leaves start drying up withhold water, and let them ripen off. Store them in a warm place. Leave them in the pots of soil till Spring, when they may again be divided. From 3 to 6 tubercles are plenty for a pot. Plant in fresh soil. They are easier kept through winter than many flowering bulbs. They make beautiful hanging basket plants. I had one of Purple King in the lath house where it got the filtered morning sun, it was a mass of blooms all summer. I have 20 to 30 kinds and hope to add more sorts this year. – Ada Entzminger, Bronson, Kansas.
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