Question: I saw an advertisement for a tea tree. Can tea be grown locally?
Answer: Small, winter-flowering tea leaves can be grown in the landscapes of central and northern Florida. Tea is a relative of camellia that grows locally and in cool climates. The flowers are relatively small for a camellia, but they have many white petals and yellow centers. Although tea plants can grow in full sun, they prefer a sunny location. Apply regular camellia care and azalea fertilizer in a moist area in March, May, and early October. The tea leaves are harvested and cured using a process of air drying and heating. Usually, two or three top leaves are selected and processed into tea. For the information you need to make green tea, black tea, or oolong tea, check out the University of Florida Extension Bulletin, “Tea Growing in Florida’s Home Landscape.” Copies can be downloaded via the Internet.
Q. The leaves of many long-lived annuals like coleus have turned brown due to the recent cold weather. Is this normal?
A. During the cold weather a few weeks ago, most of the local landscape did not experience freezes or frost. But still, more sensitive plants and some lawns suffered from leaf browning. You may remember the cold, which lasted into the mid-30s, with temperatures above freezing in many areas, accompanied by strong winds and dry conditions. This latter combination appears to be affecting coleus, pentas, zinnias, and other plants that prefer warmer climates. Bermuda grass in some areas has turned brown on top. When growing bananas, the leaves may turn yellow. These plants do not like temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Some gingers and caladiums are shedding their leaves, which is normal in late fall and winter. Everything should recover once the weather warms up.
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Q. Our spruce hedge hasn’t been pruned in several months. Can I trim it now or should I wait until spring?
A. What happens to castor beans, viburnum, and similar hedge plants over the next few months depends on the weather. Usually they are completely hardy and can withstand any cold weather that may occur along the way. However, freshly pruned hedges are most susceptible to the effects of cold weather, as new shoots and old growth have been damaged by freezing or sub-zero temperatures. If you live in an area that is typically cold, it is best to wait until around mid-February to prune your hedges. Otherwise, if it cannot tolerate excessive growth and severe cold weather is not expected, it may be time for pruning.
Q. I thought the weeds in my lawn would stop growing now that the weather is cooler, but it seems like a lot of new weeds are popping up. Is it okay to apply herbicides at this time of year?
A. Look for new weeds suited to cooler climates and older weeds with renewed vigor. Controlling hardwood species in particular may be one good reason to continue mowing. Typically, crabgrass, Alexandergrass, basketgrass, and similar types of grass weeds decline at this time of year, while broadleaf weeds such as chickweed, heartleaf drymary, oxalis, and betoni grow significantly. If the weeds are out of control, it’s time to use a liquid lawn weed killer according to the label directions. Pay particular attention to the operating temperature limits of the selected product.
Q. Some of the leaves on my fig tree are green, but the rest are falling off. What should I prepare for winter?
A. Both you and the figs can take a break during the winter. In Florida, these small trees and large shrubs eventually take care of themselves by shedding their leaves and becoming dormant. Depending on the warmth of the winter, edible figs typically come back and begin growing from mid-February to mid-March. Your job is to give it a little maintenance in early February by removing small twigs and outlying shoots. If necessary, you can reduce the size of your trees and shrubs by about a third. Such extensive pruning is not always necessary and may be done every two to three years. Apply the first fertilizer in March, supplementing the mulch layer with a light topdressing to keep the soil moist.
Q. My broccoli plants are starting to form green clusters in preparation for harvest. When will it be ready to be cut from the plant?
A. Broccoli is ready to be cut as soon as you see a cluster of buds forming in the center of the plant. However, it is best to wait until the clusters have grown to their maximum size without blooming. Perhaps the best place to find the ideal size and maturity for cutting broccoli heads is at the grocery store. Usually these are available with plump but firm buds. Depending on the type of broccoli, the heads can range from small to large. If you harvest them too early or when the buds start to turn color, they can still be eaten. Also, after cutting the main head, many side buds will develop throughout the spring, creating small broccoli clusters. The leaves of the broccoli plant are also edible and are used in the same way as kale and collards.
Q. My robin palm has old and declining leaves, and some of the leaves are interfering with other plants. Can I prune it now?
A. Palm trees don’t seem to be very sensitive to temperature, so you can always do the necessary pruning. Pruning doesn’t seem to stimulate growth like other plants. In most cases, there is only one bud on most palm trunks at some stage of growth. Remember to be gentle and remove only what you need. An ideal palm will have green leaves all over its head even after pruning.
Tom McCubbin is an emeritus urban horticulturist for the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Write to Orlando Sentinel, PO Box 2833, Orlando, FL. 32802. Email: TomMac1996@aol.com.
Central Florida Gardens in December
