Osteospermum
Q. Can you tell me if the African daisy Osteospermum 'Springstar Aurora' can be winterized here? It is a healthy plant?
A. Those South African daisies could never endure a frigid winter here and should be considered annuals. Their daisy-like flowers with blue centers open only in sunlight and bloom best in early summer or later when summer days cool down. They can be seed-grown under lights.
Begonias
Q. I start 'Dragon Wing' begonia from seed under grow lights. What other begonias can I use to cross-pollinate with the 'Dragon Wing' so I can collect my own seeds?
A. 'Dragon Wing' is a unique hybrid type of begonia named to reflect the shape of its leaves. It is created by interspecific crosses of two different begonia species and can lead to interesting new plants, but they are sterile.
It is impossible to say exactly which species will cross and which will not cross. You can try crossing angel wing begonia, a common houseplant, with another species. There is a good chance viable seed will be produced, according to Brian E. Corr, new crops development manager at Ball Horticultural Company, West Chicago.
The American Begonia Society (www.begonias.org) is a resource for information on hybridizing. The archives of the bi-monthly journal The Begonian would also be helpful.
