Re: [CH] Pubescent in the Andes [v8 #738]
Cameron Begg (begg@ceof.ohio-state.edu)
Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:53:46 -0500
Hi C-H's,
Thanks for all the feedback. Sorry I am slow in replying. The reason
is that I have set my preferences to Digest mode and the server is a
bit slow these days. If you want instant results copy the message to
me also.
So we know that rocotos:
1 Like plenty of light.
2 Do not like to be too hot (say above 80F/25C).
3 Can tolerate very mild frost.
4 Come from an area with abundant rain.
5 And, following on from 4 implies that they must like a well drained soil.
6 Need help (insect or paintbrush) with pollination.
7 Will drop blossom (or not set fruit) at higher temps.
8 Can be cloned by rooting cuttings fairly easily.
9 Soil type and chemical needs? See below -
My observations indicate that they need some sort of fertilizing,
particularly if grown in containers, otherwise they will start to
yellow as the nutrients are washed out of the growing medium. Very
dilute tomato fertilizer restores greeness but may inhibit flowering?
What do the Peruvian farmers use? Llama dung?
Now that I know where in Peru they are grown, I have a geologist
friend trying to get me clues about the soil composition.
Unfortunately the geology is complex.
JohnT wrote: The 'NorthEast ChileMan' (Paul K.) has grown 2 of the
most phenomenal first year plants I have ever seen. Maybe he will
see this thread and chime in.
I wish you would Paul. Are you doing anything differently?
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Regards, Cameron.