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The Editor's Tutorial |
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.Autumn |
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In
order for the tuber to build up it's resources in preparation for dormancy
it requires recharging, think of it as a battery.
Yellowing of the leaves will indicate that the plant is
starting to die back, it does not mean that it can be abandoned for the
season.
Towards the end of September all
remaining flowers should be removed and the growing tips pinched out, as the leaves yellow
and fall watering is reduced. |
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Excelsior |
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Mildew is a frequent visitor at this time of
year, spray with a fungicide.
Remove all late flowers and pinch out the
growing tips.
Gradually reduce watering but do not allow the compost to dry out.
A late feed of high potash fertilizer will assist in ripening the
tuber. |
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Stem rot
is another problem that may well be encountered in the autumn, particularly if plants have
been bunched together after flowering to give more room for the season's cuttings.
Treat affected areas with green sulphur powder. |
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As leaves yellow and fall
gradually reduce watering further until when only the stem is left the
compost is almost, but not completely, dry. |
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By late Autumn only the odd
stems will remain and soon the tubers can be harvested. Once the
stem has fallen I remove the compost that was added earlier in the
season as a top dressing.
The tuber then remains in it's pot for two or three more weeks to allow
the skin to ripen. |
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THE NEXT STAGE |
