Question 1

Which flowers bloom all year round in India?

Accepted Answer

Very few bloom continuously, but periwinkle (Sadabahar) comes closest, producing flowers almost year-round with minimal care. Hibiscus blooms frequently in warm climates like Mumbai, often 8-10 months of the year. For true year-round color, combine seasonal annuals with foliage plants like coleus or croton.

Question 2

Can I grow flowers on a shaded balcony with only 2-3 hours of morning sun?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but choose shade-tolerant options. Periwinkle handles partial shade well, as do impatiens and some begonias. For foliage, coleus and caladium thrive in bright shade. Accept that you won't get sun-loving blooms like marigolds or petunias—work with your light conditions, not against them.

Question 3

How often should I fertilize flowering plants?

Accepted Answer

Annuals need feeding every 2-3 weeks during blooming season with liquid fertilizer or monthly with slow-release granules. Perennials and shrubs need less—every 4-6 weeks during growing season. Foliage plants benefit from balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Always water before feeding to prevent root burn.

Question 4

Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?

Accepted Answer

Yellow leaves have multiple causes. Most common in Indian conditions: overwatering (roots drowning), underwatering (wilting followed by yellowing), or nutrient deficiency (particularly iron in alkaline soil). Check soil moisture first, ensure proper drainage, then consider feeding if soil is dry and properly drained.

Question 5

What's better for beginners—flowering plants or foliage plants?

Accepted Answer

Foliage plants are generally more forgiving. Coleus, periwinkle, and croton tolerate mistakes better than temperamental roses or dahlias. Start with a mix—easy flowering annuals (marigolds, zinnias) plus resilient foliage (coleus). Success builds confidence for trying more challenging plants later.

Question 6

How do I make my petunias bloom more?

Accepted Answer

Deadhead religiously—remove faded flowers every few days. Feed weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer during bloom season. Ensure they get 6+ hours of sunlight. Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Most importantly, plant at the right time (October-November in Mumbai) when temperatures favor continuous blooming.

Question 7

Can flowering plants survive Mumbai monsoon?

Accepted Answer

Some do, some don't. Hardy flowering plants (periwinkle, lantana, established hibiscus) handle monsoon well. Delicate annuals (petunias, pansies) suffer in heavy rain and high humidity. Best strategy: focus on foliage during monsoon, shift to flowering annuals in October when weather improves.

Question 8

Do I need to bring flowering plants indoors during winter in North India?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your location and plant type. In Delhi/North India where temperatures drop below 10°C, tropical plants (croton, some hibiscus varieties) need protection. Hardy perennials (roses, many flowering shrubs) tolerate cold well. Cool-season annuals (petunias, pansies) actually thrive in winter cold. Mumbai gardeners rarely worry about this—our 'winter' is mild.

Growing Flowers and Foliage

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Growing Flowers and Foliage

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