Cooking with Daikon Radish: Noodles: Try shredding daikon into "noodles" and adding to soups, stir-fries, or as the base for pasta sauce. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the long root into thin strips, then quickly cook into stir-fries, etc.
Health benefits: Boosting digestive health. Assists in detoxification — As a diuretic, daikon may help stimulate urination. Weight management — Daikon is a low-calorie and low-cholesterol vegetable, yet still high in fiber
The name soursop is in reference to its large edible fruits which have a slightly acidic or sour taste. This tropical plant is not reliably winter hardy to most of southern Florida, but may be grown in the Florida keys and Puerto Rico.
In greenhouses, it typically flowers in summer producing fruits in fall. Each flower ( to 2" long) appears singly on a woody stalk almost anywhere on the tree ( twigs, branches or trunk ). Each flower has three yellowish-green outer petals and three dull yellow inner petals. Flowers give way to rough-skinned, prickly-textured, oblong fruit ( each fruit from 6-12" long to 4-6" wide with weight to 8-15 pounds ). Fruit pulp is used in ice cream, sherbets or juices. Leathery, egg-shaped, malodorous ( when bruised ), oblong to oval leaves (to 6" long) are glossy green above. Plants have been used for various medicinal purposes.
Easily grown container plant, or zone 11 outside.
This is the tea produced commercially around the world. The tender, young leaves are used in the process of tea production.
Can be grown in tubs inside, or in cool greenhouses, outdoors in warm climates. Prefers moist, well drained, humus rich,
slightly acidic ( 5.5-6.5 )soil. We recommend maintaining a 2-3 inch deep mulch of shredded bark or leaves around base of plant.
Hardy to zone 8, can be grown in zone 7 with protection. To make green tea, pick only the top 3 leaves from new growing tips, spread and dry in the shade for 6-8
hours, then in an open pot, heat ( simmer ) the leaves, stirring frequently for about an hour.
Click here for an informative site on growing and making your own tea.
For black tea, you must ferment the leaves. USDA Zones 8 to 11.
The extra-large, long-lasting white Cosmos flowers are excellent for cutting as well. Cut them early in the morning just as the petals begin to unfold. The flower will continue to open in the vase and last for 7 - 10 days. Grows about 48" tall.
This evergreen climbing plant thrives on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. It climbs fortuitously with the aid of aerial rootlets which firmly cling to various substrates, be it trees, cliffs, or walls. The plant exhibits versatile foliage with palmately five-lobed juvenile leaves on creeping stems and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile flowering stems exposed to full sun. Approved by the German Commission E Monographs for cough and bronchitis treatment, English Ivy is recognized for its medicinal benefits.
Although native to Europe and Western Asia, it has become a common sight in gardens and waste spaces across various lands. It's noteworthy that it's considered an invasive species in numerous areas, specifically in the eastern United States and Oregon, where it's sale or cultivation are banned. The beauty of the English Ivy is in its evergreen nature, enigmatic grip, and charm that can convert any unsightly facade into a delightful view. If you are considering using Hedera helix, careful planning and management are recommended. Hardy to -40 degrees, for zones 4-9. Cannot ship to OR.
Deer eat both the green top and the radish itself. Daikon Radish is also used in soil improvements as well as cover crop. Daikon Radish is very aggressive and will germinate and thrive in most soils types around the world. Great for no till food plots!
One of the biggest benefits behind Daikon Radish is its potential as a source of forage for both deer and cattle. Because the Daikon Radish is so hardy, it can thrive in almost climate and will continue to thrive even as Winter temperatures set in. This makes Daikon Radish a popular form of cattle forage during the Winter months as well. During the Summer, it's just as popular a source of forage because of its aggressive growing tendencies, and how quickly it sprouts new leaves after being consumed.
Daikon Radish have been a popular as a form of sustenance for residents of Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Thanks to its mild taste, it has found new audiences across the world in more recent years. Daikon Radishes can be stored for weeks, even without their leaves, if they are stored in a cool place. In Japanese cuisine, they are often pickled.
Obviously the large root leaves behind a significant cavity in the soil, making it an optimal option for breaking up soil, including heavy clays, for those who wish to plant new crop options in years to come. Studies have shown that this taproot leaves more than 6 to 10 inches of effect on soil compaction. The word "Daikon" actually translates to "big root" in Japanese!
Salad: Peel, then grate, julienne, dice, or slice to add crunch to your favorite salad. Many like to sprinkle mine with Ume Plum Vinegar when using raw.
Stew: A somewhat traditional option, try adding big chunks of dakion radish to hearty stews. Try a Beef Stew with Red Wine & Herbs or Beet Bourguignon.
Roasted Like any root vegetable, daikon is great roasted. Use a basic recipe, then branch out to Miso Maple Roasted Vegetables.
Slow cooked baking pan or slow cooker with carrots, onions, garlic, low-sodium seasonings, low-sodium vegetable broth, lean meat. Turn on low and let the juices and flavors start mixing for an all-in-one meal.
his species is primarily clump-forming and does not spread aggressively as do some of the other goldenrod species and hybrids.
Interesting goldenrod for native plant gardens. Also appropriate for borders, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens. May be grown in herb gardens.
Grows 2-4 feet tall, hardy for zones 4-9.
It blooms with whitish-green flowers from May till June and proudly bears pairs of red samaras that mature in the late summer through early autumn.
Tatar maple grows up to a height of 15-40 ft and boasts of thin, pale brown bark which becomes charmingly fissured on mature plants. The leaves of this species are simple and broadly ovate, displaying an unmissable matte green hue that pairs wonderfully with the pink-tinged, slender leaf petioles. In autumn, it puts on an alluring display of red foliage, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.
Acer tataricum is well-adapted to different soil types- from sandy to loamy and heavy clay soils- and pH levels. It exhibits an extraordinary tolerance for climatic extremes, thereby able to withstand hot, cold, and dry weather conditions. Making it a favorite for adding visual appeal to backyards, parks, and shelterbelts. This heartily versatile maple, with its lush foliage and weather-resistant properties, the Acer tataricum is sure to make an enriching addition to any landscape. Zones 3-8.
Not just aesthetically pleasing, these flowers open from bottom to top, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, offering them a striking choice of nectar during a season where choices are sparse. Following the blooming season, the plant generates eye-catching dark brown fruits which persist into winter, maintaining interest and adding to its charm. The lush and glossy dark green foliage morphs into a stunning golden-yellow in fall, further enhancing the plant's visual appeal.
The 'Hummingbird' is particularly renowned for its ability to produce exceptional flowers even in shady locations, making it a preferred Summersweet cultivar. It surpasses the species in its compactness and flower production capability. A reliable shrub originating from coastal Maine to north Florida and then west to the eastern edge of Texas, the 'Hummingbird' Summersweet adds beauty and fragrance to any landscape.
About 30% germination rate. Hardy for zones 4-9.
Beyond their delectable taste, the plant offers numerous health benefits. For instance, the wood is perfect for an infusion that treats sore or weak eyes. The inner bark and wood treat ailments like malaria, debility, and menorrhagia. The root stimulates milk production, treats amenorrhea, and exhibits galactagogue properties. Moreover, the plant is famous for its ability to combat blood stasis, increase blood circulation, and alleviate conditions like cancer, especially in the alimentary system, lungs, and blood.
Native to East Asia, it grows up to six meters in height and can be cultivated for fruit. Try the myriad benefits Maclura tricuspidata Che offers.
USDA zones 5-9.
When grown in the full sun, Fresh Look Orange plants mature at 12 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 20 inches. The central plume can be 8 to 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide. Like all Celosia plumosa, the flowers can be cut and dried for everlasting homemade bouquets.
Their green kernels have a distinct and widely-appreciated flavor, making them a popular choice in ice cream, baked goods, salads, and as a snack or dessert nut. These trees are tolerant of saline soil, but require long, hot summers to properly ripen. Commercial production centers include Iran, Turkey, California, and Australia. Try these nutritious nuts today and experience their delicious taste and health benefits for yourself! Zones 8b-10.
Germination: Soak the seed in room temperature water for 24–48 hours. Then roll seed loosely in damp (not wet) burlap, cloth towels, or paper towels and place the towels in plastic bags. Keep refrigerated at 33–36 °F for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, remove bags from refrigerator and place at room temperature, between 70–90 °F, check seeds for root growth at least every other day and remove seeds from towels as early as possible after observing root growth and plant in light soil media, potting soil, peat pots, or other standard soil mix.
Dutchman's Pipe is a very vigorous native vine. It will create a thick green screen in a short period of time making it ideal for covering a fence, wall or strong trellis. It can grow to 30 feet tall in some cases.
It has large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves and very interesting flowers that are shaped like a small pipe. They are a few inches long and are a mahogony-cream color.
This vine plays an important role in the life of native Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies. The flowers provide nectar for the butterflies, and the leaves are an important food source for the caterpillars. The vigorous growth of this vine makes it easy to share the leaves with these beautiful insects.
This native plant grows best in moist, well-drained soil, in full to partial sun. It can reach heights of 30 feet tall. It is a good plant for having few pest or disease problems, and as a bonus it withstands urban pollution quite well.
For zones 4-8.
Catalpa has large tropical looking heart-shaped leaves that are up to 8 in long and held oppositely on the stems (often in a whorl with three leaves emerging from the same point along the stem). In spring the southern catalpa produces showy 6-10 inch branching flower clusters (panicles) at the stem tips. The white bell-shaped blossoms are 2 inches in diameter and patterned with small purple spots and two large orange markings at the throat.
The flowers are followed by long slender cigar-shaped pods up to 16 inches in length. The green pods ripen to brown in fall and split to release flat fringed seeds.
Grows in full sun to partial shade. Southern catalpa prefers moist, well drained soils but is adaptable. Hardy for zones 6-10.
Spectacular spring flowers and beautiful bright green foliage make the catalpa one of the South's most distinctive and best loved native trees. Used as an ornamental, accent, specimen, or shade tree. It is a valued ornamental tree with large foliage and showy clusters of flowers in the spring. When grown as a specimen many gardeners drastically cut back the large branches of their catalpas each winter. This radical surgery is called pollarding and the result is a tree with a thick trunk, very compact crown and very large beautiful foliage.
Catalpa also has some limited use in the forest products trade for fence posts, rails and crates.
This tree has been widely planted and naturalized outside its native range because it is the host plant for a caterpillar commonly called the catawba worm. These are a popular fishing bait for southern freshwater fish.
All across the American Deep South the catalpa tree is seen, often stripped bare of it's leaves by hungry caterpillars. This means only one thing - it's time to go fishing! The foliage is quickly replaced in a few weeks and the cycle can be repeated several times in a season.
This variety has vivid red seeds and a light green rind with dark green stripes. Fruits can be stored for up to a year. Extremely productive, drought tolerant, and resilient. 90-100 days.
Click here for Citron Melon Recipes
Children tend to prefer Katarina to other varieties because it is much milder, even sweeter, than most others, without a trace of bitterness. Great for slaw and salads, it also holds up well in stir fries.
Beating all other varieties to harvest by several weeks, Katarina hybrid is a very sweet, compact summer cabbage you can grow in large tubs and raised beds as well as the vegetable garden. It earned its national All-America Selection award with quick growth, delicious flavor, and smooth texture.
These plants provide large flowers on long stems ( for pansies ). Plants grow 16-22 inches tall .Harvest when the flowers are starting to open. Stems lengthen over time. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
Edible Flowers: Decorative and edible garnish for salads and desserts with slight wintergreen flavor. While a popular choice for brightening up salad mix, the flowers are also good for candying.
The leaves are small, leathery and bright green and are not prickly like other hollies. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. This holly can rapidly reach 10 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, so allow proper spacing when planting multiples. It will form thickets unless the suckers are removed.
Though occasionally used for hedging, it is primarily used for landscaping. The wood of the Ilex vomitoria is heavy and hard, making it useful for turnery, inlay work, and other woodenware. The plant is also culturally significant: Native Americans used the leaves and stems to make a tea containing caffeine, a unique quality in a North American plant. Rediscovered in modern times, yaupon tea made from dried leaves is now commercially available. Add this picturesque and useful plant to your garden today!
Grow as a container plant or outside in zones 7-9.
Hardy to zone 7.
Camellia japonica wants to grow in a rich, acid soil with part shade or full sun and can be cultivated as both a shrub or small tree. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, an edible oil called "tsubaki oil" can be obtained from the seeds. Explore the thousands of cultivars available and bring the beauty of this graceful plant into your home garden.
It is native to Japan and is well-known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers. Camellia japonica is highly regarded for its ornamental value and has been cultivated for centuries in Japan and other parts of the world.
Best suited for zones 7-9, but can also be grown as a container plant in cooler zones.
'Captain Cook' bears brilliant scarlet flower spikes. This evergreen shrub or small tree gets its species name citrinus from the lemony smelling oil glands present in the olive green, lance-shaped leaves. Spring to summer flowers are terminal, axillary, and crimson colored.
Plant in neutral to acid, moderately fertile soil in full sun. This plant is tough and makes and excellent hedge. Regular prunning is not necessary. If you do prune, immediately after flowering is best. Does very well in containers.
Zone 8-11 outside, grow in containers and bring inside for cooler zones.
Named for its unique growth habit which features tall, upright stems, the leaves of the plant are a vibrant shade of green and have a glossy, slightly ruffled texture. It is beautiful in pots, and this boldly flavored basil is slow to bolt. 65 days.
Produces high quality, uniform, dark green fruit making it ideal for fresh and processing. Truly "mammoth" in size, this jumbo jalapeño is very adaptable for the most discerning markets. Superior yields complement its excellent fruit quality. Continuous set provides for extended harvest window. 72 days. Disease Resistance: Potato Virus Y, Tobacco Mosaic Virus.
Bush plants maturing in 65 to 70 days. Bush habit allows for tighter spacing and good harvest of highly ornamental fruit. The bright disc shaped fruits are multi-colored and resemble sunflowers. 90-110 days.