Plants to grow in September
'Winter is Coming' and so is the festive season in India. And there is no better time to grow plants that add natural beauty to your home. This September, you can bring in flowering plants that bloom during the early winters, or add a few nutritious edibles to your garden.
1. Flowering Plants:
Crossandra:
This festive season, Crossandras are the firecrackers that you can bring home to light up your green spaces. They are known as the 'Firecracker Flower' because when their pods mature, it bursts upon contact with water to spread the seeds. But don't worry! They are completely safe.
What's more interesting about Crossandra is that their flowers come in a wide range of colors, from orange, red, yellow, to even turquoise. The spike-like design of the stalk, just under the flowers, is another striking feature that can add to your garden decorations. Crossandras can also enhance your indoor living space. All you need to do is ensure they get medium to direct sunlight every day and water them whenever the topsoil turns dry.
Pro Tip: You can use multipurpose baskets to enhance the beauty of your plants for the festive season decor. Cover the pots with these baskets and let the plants do the talking!
Calendula:
These bright flowers can instantly lift the mood of your garden. Calendulas have aromatic leaves and have innumerous medicinal benefits like providing relief against cuts, burns, rashes, muscle spasms, etc. It is also used in culinary, and making cosmetic products. To grow Calendula in your garden, ensure they receive 4-5 hours of direct sunlight and regular watering. It can also do well indoors in partial sunlight.
Pro Tip: Calendulas are known for attracting butterflies, making them perfect companion plants to attract pollinators . After the flower dries up on the plant, you can remove them by deadheading. It will encourage the blooming of flowers from the same spot.
Marigold:
Marigold is among the most popular ornamental flowers during the festive season. Varieties of yellow and orange marigolds are available in the market. Along with cut flowers, bring in some marigold plants to decorate your garden naturally.
Like Aloe Vera, Marigolds are also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and repel insects like mosquitoes. They also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees that can help with your vegetable garden. Water them like any other plant and provide them 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.
Tip: Allow a few marigold flowers to dry on the plant. You can then collect their seeds and keep them safe in a paper bag in a dry and dark place for growing them next year.
2. Veggies:
Radish:
Salads are incomplete without some slices of radish. Using the paper towel method, germinate the seeds and sow them an inch deep in a 20-inch deep planter. Space out the seeds by about 5-8 cm and keep the pot in a semi-shaded area. Your harvest will be ready in 2-4 months.
Red Amaranthus:
Also known as 'Cholai' in India, Red Amaranthus have medicinal properties to help ulcer patients and chronic cough. Sow the seeds about 2 inches deep and 5 inches apart from each other. Keep the pot in partial sun and water it regularly. In Maharashtra, it is served as a vegetable grated with coconut during festivals. Even if you are not using the leaves, their flowers are delightful and attractive, which you can use for ornamental purposes.
Peas:
Peas are another great option during this period. Germinate the seeds in coco peat mixture pots and later repot them into a 20-inch planter. Since peas are climbers, provide them support to climb on. Keep them at a spot that receives 4-5 hours of direct sun and water whenever the topsoil turns dry. Restore the nutrient content in the soil by adding fertilizers every month. Your harvest will be ready in 50-60 days.
3. Houseplants
Kalanchoe:
Kalanchoe is a popular succulent that flowers throughout the year. They tend to bloom better in mild-temperature cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, etc. They are easy to care for and do not require much watering. If you travel often, this is your go-to plant. Depending upon the location, it needs watering once a week. However, it can survive even longer spells without water.
Note: Not recommended for houses with pets. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats. Also, this plant cannot tolerate low light. Remember to keep it near a bright window.
Poinsettia
If you want a punch of red in your winter garden, Poinsettias are a perfect choice. The flowers are tiny, but the upper leaves of this plant turn red as winter arrives. You can also use them indoors where bright light is available. It will blend in well with the Christmas colors later in the months to come!
Pothos:
Pothos, also known as the Indian money plant, is a climber that thrives in almost any condition. The shiny, bushy green leaves can cascade down the hangers or pots, which is also why it is an excellent choice for home decors. Here's an article that can help you grow bushy and healthy money plants.
With the festive season around the corner, you can decorate your houses with these amazing plants. You can also complement them with beautiful planters, hangers and baskets to enhance their charm. Don’t know where to find them? Check out our Garden Up Store for stunning home decor products and gardening needs. See you there!