lemon grass

Propagate From An Existing PlantDepending on the source, you can purchase lemon grass seeds or potted seedlings. If you know someone who has a plant you can start your own from a bulb. Detach one or more bulbs from the host plant. Place the bulb end in a rooting hormone powder such as (Rootone) then plant in a pot filled with vermiculite, moist sand, or any seed starting material. Keep the medium moist but not soggy. Another method is to place the bulb end in a small container (such as a jar) of water and allow the bulb to root. Then transplant. If your "benefactor" is very generous you can divide a large "clump" of grass. Pot and keep moist until you seen new growth. Then move to the garden.
Germinate SeedMorgan Thompson SeedSow from late January to March on the surface of a good seed compost just covering the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 21-40 days at 20-25C (70-75F). Sealing in a polyethylene bag after sowing is helpful. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots. When well grown gradually acclimates to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring 30cm (12in) apart after all risk of frost, in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun and moist, well drained soil. Keep well watered and give the occasional liquid feed. To over winter, lift in early autumn, pot up and grow through the winter in a greenhouse with a minimum winter temperature of 7C (45F). Keep well watered throughout the summer, just moist through the winter.

source

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/

Lemon

the lemon seed, plant if you can in indivual pots, just cover with compost and water in with fine spray watering can cover with cling film or in a sealed plastic bag. Need constant temperature of 70/75'. Can germinate in as little as 3 days.When germinated remove from bag and give as much as possible sheltered light, but must not at any stage allow compost dryout.tangerine, have done most fruits, will take several years get to small plant then at least another 5yrs+ to even think about fruiting, trees are usually grafted.
source
http://answers.yahoo.com/

http://images.google.co.uk/

Lychee

After eating plant the seeds in 6-inch pots filled with a standard houseplant potting mix. Ten days later seeds should germinated and the seedlings emerged above the potting soil. . It turns out that lychee seeds dehydrate and die quickly after you remove them from the fruit and wont germinate if dried. In their natural habitat lychees grow to be 40- to 60-foot tall trees.

Date

remove the fruit and fleshy material, soak them for a day and plant in regualr potting mix with perlite added. A heat mat can have 100% germination rate in 3-4 weeks . a plastic baggie on top of my fridge and this works well too. The growth rate of seedlings will be good and pinnate leaveswill be seen in about a year.

source

http://images.google.co.uk/

Coriander

Coriander will self-seed readily. Sow seed in spring in situ – seedlings do not transplant well. The ‘seeds’ are technically the fruit, each containing 2 true seeds. Germination can be improved by rubbing the fruits until the 2 seeds separate. Soak the seeks for 3-4 days, changing the water twice daily, then dry the seeds for 8 hours before planting. Sow seeds about 5mm deep.

source
forums.gardenweb.com

http://feastasia.net/wp

Chilli

Sowing SeedsIn the UK, chilli seeds need to be sown early in the year, and grown on in a greenhouse or poly-tunnel though they can be grown outside in a sunny spot during the height of summer. Germination can be very variable between varieties and can take as much as five weeks, though the varieties we sell on our seed page should all germinate within 10-14 days, some sooner. To help you get going, we have listed some of the tricks and guidelines we use to give our chillies the best start possible and for growing them on in pots.

Soil-based CompostsWe recommend that you use soil-based seed and potting-on composts - chillies really appreciate good drainage. We recommend J Arthur Bowers with John Innes loam based seed compost for germination.

Warmth and Surface WateringGermination speed and percentage is greatly improved by applying warmth to the seed compost. We use thermostatically-controlled heated propagators, but placing the seed pots/trays in a warm environment or on a simple heated tray will also work well. With the seed compost at 27-32°C (80-90°F), you should see good results. Seeds will still germinate down to 21°C (70°F) but germination will be slower and more erratic. If the
temperature drifts towards 38°C (100°F) germination will be quick but there will be a lower success rateTry to use surface watering with a spray botthe rather than watering from the base, surface watering has less effect on the temperature of the compost. Don't over water, and certainly don't make them swim. Watering with a sprayer causes less impact. When to SowWe mainly sow seeds during February and March, but you can leave it later. There is a great variance in the number of days taken for a particular variety to reach maturity. Some can produce ripe fruit in 60 days from sowing and others take as long as 120 days.

Remember that varieties such as Habaneros take 100 or more days (3 1/2 months) from potting on to reach maturity. So these need to be started in good time or the fruit will never ripen.
GerminationWe tend to sow seeds about 5mm deep and in small pots, with a number of seeds of the same variety in each pot. Keeping each variety in its own pot is a good idea because germination time varies greatly. As soon as the majority of the seeds in a pot have emerged and are showing two well formed leaves, and certainly before they become leggy, they should be transferred into 3 inch pots. Hold the seedlings by the leaves, and not the stems. Note that some seedlings may need a little gentle help getting free of the seed pod. If you have the propagator space you can sow directly into 3 inch pots.

After GerminationAt this stage they should be moved to a site where they will get plenty of sunlight; ideally to a heated greenhouse or warm conservatory. Continue to keep them warm, moist and well ventilated. They can stay in a 3 inch pot until they are 3 to 6 inches high.
Potting OnWhen the plants have about 5 pairs of leaves they should be potted on into larger pots. We grow most of our plants in the ground and this is a possibility if you have a polytunnel or open soil in your greenhouse. Otherwise pot on into 9 to 12 inch pots depending on the variety. You can use smaller pots for compact ornamental varieties. As the summer sun intensifies, you may need to provide some shade, for example, lining your greenhouse or painting with greenhouse paint.

Fruit SettingTry to keep the plants below 36°C, don't feed them a lot of nitrogen and don't let them dry out. That should help prevent blossom-drop and pod-drop. Larger varieties may need support with a cane. Ornamental varieties can be moved to a bright position in the house or to a patio once they are well established. If your flowers are dropping off there could be a number of causes. If they are outside it is probably cold windy weather. If they are indoors it could be lack of himidity, in which case give them a mist spray. Lack of feed will also

PickingDifferent varieties are picked at different stages of their development. Fruits that start yellow or green generally ripen to red, though green chillies will sometimes ripen to orange or yellow, it all depends on the variety. Usually, and regardless of the colour, once they have filled out and become firm crisp and glossy they can be picked. Experiment by picking one to see if it has all it's heat and flavour. The sooner you pick the more the plant will produce so even if you don't need them at the time you should pick them and keep them in the freezer until you do.
OverwinteringMost chilli plants can be treated as perennial house plants, but will need some pruning in the winter. Some varieties are better suited than others, smaller hot varieties like Serrano and Twilight, and Prairie Fire do better than the bigger fleshy plants such as Poblano and Anaheim.

source
http://www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/

http://www.tnau.ac.in/dee

Papaya

I have found the best way to germinate papaya seeds is to remove the arils surrounding the seeds, rinse them under warm water to remove the juice from the arils and soak them overnight in warm water. Discard any seeds that are floating after the soak.

Plant them in a soilless mix (do not cover them very deeply) and keep them in a warm (80 degrees F or so) area until they sprout. Don't keep them too damp or they are likely to suffer from damping off. I have actually started using seed starting plugs to germinate the seeds. With these there is a small hole in the center of the plug and seed is inserted into the hole and not really even covered.

The 2 biggest factors seem to be lots of warmth at sprouting time and never allowing them to stay damp. Even when they are monsterous trees they will develop root rot very quickly if allowed to have wet feet.

One other word on seeds from store bought papayas. If the fruit came out of Hawaii it probably was irradiated to kill any pest on the fruit surface. If that is the case the seeds will probably not sprout. I have never had any luck with seeds from the papayas from Hawaii for that reason. The fruit from Mexico, Belize and other locations in the Caribbean do not have this problem.

A great source for seeds (if you are interested) is Alhoa Seed Company in Hawaii. Their seeds are of very good quality and they offer some nice varieties.

source
forums.gardenweb.com

http://nachang.com/misc_pics/P1080311.JPG&imgrefurl=

Basil

Where To Grow Basil
Basil has one key requirement - sunshine! Position it in a protected full-sun position, and if this is not possible, grow in a moveable container. Soil should be well-dug and well-drained. If the soil is heavy, add sharp sand and multipurpose compost to help drainage.
Propagation of BasilIn April, sow three seeds to a small pot in normal moist potting compost. Lightly cover with compost and place in a warm (15C or 60F) dark position - try and keep the temperature as constant as possible, never letting it drop below 10C (48F). The seedlings will emerge in two weeks time and the plant should be placed in a sunny warm position. Basil hates water on it's leaves and stem, so water from below.

Planting and Care of Basil
Other than sun, basil has few requirements and can be planted outside as soon as the temperature reaches 10°C or more mid-May time normally.
Varieties of BasilThere are many varieties of basil, the readily available ones are described below.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - the most popular variety in the UK used in Italian style dishes and salads. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)

Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - form Mexico, with a cinnamon flavour. It grows to a height of 45cm (18in).

Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) - mild lemon flavour, commonly used with fish. It grows to a height of 30cm (12in).

Purple Basil (Ocimum basilcum purpurea) - similar to sweet basil, but with purple leaves. One of the more tender varieties. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - similar to sweet basil but very darkly coloured leaves.HHA. Ht. 75cm. A much deeper colour than purple basil. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)
Thai Basil (Ocimum sp.) - very spicy, used in Indian cooking. It grows to a height of 90cm (3ft).
How To Harvest BasilPinch or cut the leaves off as required, but always from the top. When the plants begin to produce flowers, pinch those out as soon as possible to encourage more leafy growth.

Fresh basil is by far the best for flavour. However, it can be dried by tying the leafy stems into bunches and hanging them upside down in a dry, warm and dark place until dry. Then crumble the leaves into small particles and store in an airtight jar. Basil will retain almost all it's flavour if placed in small plastic bags and put in the freezer.

A more traditional method of preserving all the flavour of basil is to layer the leaves in a jar, and lightly salt them. Cover the leaves with a layer of olive oil. Seal the lid tightly and place in a cool, dark spot or refrigerate. Use the leaves as needed and reseal each time. This will keep up to six months. The oil soon becomes infused with the essence of the basil, making it ideal for use in dressings or in pastas.

Container Growing Basil
Basil is ideally suited to container growing in normal potting compost. Water regularly (from the base if possible) and feed twice a month with liquid plant food. As the season progresses, move them round the garden to the sunniest and most protected position. Basil will grow well indoors on a sunny windowsill.

source
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/

http://grow.ars-informatica.ca/images/basil_seedlings.jpg&imgrefurl

Kiwi fruit

Description: Vigorous and ornamental, ideal supported on a sunny wall. Heart shaped leaves and charming clusters of moderately fragrant 1½ inch flowers. Grow 3 to 4 plants close together to produce Kiwi Fruit.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 70-75F (20-25C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Sowing Time: February to July. Germination usually takes 21-60 days.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring. Plant in full sun or part shade in ordinary garden soil. Space the plants 2m (6ft) apart.

source
http://www.backyardgardener.com/

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/axierx/Seedling1.jpg&imgrefurl

Blueberries

Blueberries are an easy to grow superfood. They make good plants for containers so you can get a reasonable crop whatever the size of your garden.

Blueberries need acid soil - grow in a pot with ericaceous compost if the soil in your garden is not suitable.
Plant 2 varieties to ensure cross pollination and better yields.
Plant while dormant, 1.5m apart.
Mulch with acidic peat, wood chippings or pine needles.
Water well using rainwater.
Net to protect during fruiting season.

source
http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Tamarind

Tamarind can only be grown indoors in the UK when it is young, but it will live in a pot for several years and is easy to grow as a houseplant. You will not be able to harvest tamarind pods from your plant, as it rarely fruits when immature.

Perennial. Only suitable for indoors or a heated greenhouse, even in hot summers. Minimum temperature 18°C.

Seeds from dried tamarind blocks, or from fresh tamarind usually grow, but sow more than you want as germination can sometimes be poor. Steep the seed in tepid water for a few hours before sowing.Sow in a shallow pot contaning a mixture of seed compost and grit, just cover the seeds and keep warm, preferably with bottom heat, at 20°C for at least 3 weeks.When shoots emerge, keep damp, in a warm light place but not in direct sunlight.Tamarind can also be increased by taking cuttings of young shoots in the summer in a heated frame.

Pot on the seedlings when big enough to handle. Keep them damp and warm, in a slightly shaded position at first, then move to a sunnier position. Use a third extra grit or silver sand mixed with the potting compost.As the plants grow, move into bigger pots and top-dress with pine bark or leafmould. If you need to prune your tamarind, do it in the spring and summer. Ideally keep plants at 20-27°C during the growing season, water heavily and mist daily: during the autumn reduce watering, and keep the plants fairly dry over winter, at a temperature of 18-20°C, when they will need more light.

Red spider mite can be an occasional problem in older plants: regular misting and keeping the leaves well-washed will reduce this.

souce http://www.plantcultures.org/

Pomegranate

Clean seed. soak in water for 24 hours then store at 40F. Then do not cover the seed with soil. soil temp 70-75F & takes 30-40 days to germinate. Transfer to container after 2nd set of true leaves form May set out after last danger of frost. Self pollinate. But slow to flower from seed


"Growing Pomegranates"The pomegranate is associated with the most ancient civilization in the Middle East. Judging by some of the earliest records, the pomegranate is native to Persia and the surrounding area. It was also cultivated in ancient Greece and referred to by Greek writers several hundred years B.C., even before the advent of the almond, peach or apricot. Spanish missionaries brought the pomegranate to the New World soon after Cortez conquered Mexico in 1521. As the missions moved north to California, so did the fruits grown by the padres.Pomegranates grow naturally as a bushy shrub or as a small tree-if trained, they may grow 15 to 20 feet high. The tree is quite resistant to cold when dormant , withstanding temperatures down to 10°F. The pomegranate is long lived compared to many other fruit trees-some trees have been reported to be over 200 years old.The pomegranate can withstand long periods of drought. Although not much fruit is produced under drought conditions, trees will survive for years; then, if properly irrigated, they grow vigorously and produce good crops. To produce large corps of good-quality fruit, pomegranates require about the same amount of water and frequency of application as other fruit trees. Adequate soil moisture must be maintained throughout the growing season, particularly as harvest approaches in late summer and early fall, when it helps reduce the number of split fruit.Pomegranate trees are not affected by any serious disease. The fruit, however, is frequently damaged by heart rot, caused by Alternaria fungus. Heart rot infection takes place in the bloom, and progresses to the interior of the fruit. The central cavity of the infected fruit is partially or totally decayed, yet the rind remains unaffected.Trees may be trained to a bush, single- or multiple-trunked tree. The bush form is satisfactory for backyards or hedgerows, but is undesirable for good commercial production. Trees form the nursery are planted bare root in winter or early spring. The natural growth habit of the pomegranate is to produce many suckers from the base of the tree. If a single truck tree is desired, only one vigorous sucker or the trunk of the original nursery tree should be selected and branches grown from it. Basal suckers should be removed periodically to promote growth form the main trunk of the newly planted tree. Pomegranate trees require a small amount of pruning each winter to maintain shape and good bearing surface. Even mature trees grow vigorously, sending up a large number of shoots and basal suckers that require removal each year.Picking begins in August before fruit is fully mature. The fruit is widely used for decorative purposes, but is also eaten fresh. Children especially enjoy breaking fruit open and eating the kernels. Chefs commonly use the kernels as a garnish for desserts and salads-for a real treat, kernels may be rolled in small cream cheese balls to be served as appetizers. Perhaps the most popular use for extracted juice is in making pomegranate jelly.

source thepinetree.net
freshplaza.com
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/

RAMBUTANS

rambutan seedlings often produce very sour fruits. Hermaphrodite seedling are good otherwise you'd need at least one other plant.Rambutan seeds, like lychee and longan seeds, are only viable for a couple of days. The juice of the flesh prevents the seeds from germinating but as soon as they are removed from the fruits the germination rate drops. After two weeks 20% germinated while fresh seeds have a rate around 80%.