For Big Onions, Start From Seed

November 16, 1985|By Tom MacCubbin

QHow do we produce big-bulb onions in the garden?

A: Onions that produce the large bulbs are grown from seed. You can buy seeds and start your own or buy seedlings already growing and transplant them. Select from the Florida varieties Texas Grano, Granex or Tropicana Red. Sow seeds in a flat or pot during the fall. When the seedlings are about one- eighth inch or larger in diameter, they may be planted in the garden. Put the seedlings close together. You can pick fresh onions for table use as you thin the crop to 3 inches apart during the winter. The onions will start to bulb in late winter, and by late March or April the crop can be harvested. It will take about 180 days from seed to harvest.

Q: How should I care for my gloxinia that has just finished flowering?

A: When blooming is completed, cut back the stems to the first pair of leaves. The plant will produce new growth and bloom again in about eight weeks. After the second blooming period, let the plant go through a rest period. During the rest period, reduce the water and light the plant receives and place it in a cool location. When new growth starts, repot the tuber in fresh soil. Gloxinias require the same conditions as African violets. They require a bright window in the home and will love the moderate temperatures of the fall, winter and spring seasons. Mist the plants frequently to keep up a humid atmosphere.

Q: Why are the leaves on our sycamore tree turning a yellow brown?

A: You have discovered the one major problem with sycamore trees in Florida. They are very susceptible to attack by lacebugs that suck juices from the leaves. Damage from the feeding first appears as whitish specking on the leaf, but it later turns brown and early drop will be noted.

Lacebugs can be observed on the underside of leaves. The adults are brown in color and have clear wings with a fine lacelike appearance. Control of these pests should begin when populations are observed in early summer. Use sprays of either malathion or diazinon and be sure to hit the undersides of leaves. Apply a second application in 10 to 14 days for best control. Control at this time will have little effect because major damage already has occurred and the leaves will soon drop.

Q: We have observed a beautiful yellow tree flowering. What is its name and is it easy to grow?

A: You have seen a fall flowering display by the Golden-raintree. As the flowers fade, bright pink seed pods will form to add extra interest to the landscape. The Golden-raintree is a sturdy, medium-sized tree. It grows rapidly and is easy to establish in your yard. In fact, many gardeners object to the proliferation of seedlings that often germinate in beds near fruiting trees.

Q: Can we still apply baits for mole cricket control?

A: When nighttime temperatures drop below 70 F, mole crickets will be less likely to come to the surface of the soil. If baits are to be effective, the crickets must emerge and feed on the chemically treated meal distributed over the lawn. Consequently, baits will become less effective during the fall months.

Sprays probably supply your best hope for good mole cricket control. Thoroughly moisten the soil before making an application. Then mix your selected chemical as instructed for mole crickets and apply it with 15 to 20 gallons of water for each 500 square feet of turf. Finally, water the treated lawn for at least half an hour. Repeat the treatment in 14 days for improved control. Remember, a few mole crickets will always live in your lawn, making total control rarely possible.

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