Re: Mandragora

> >Currently, mine are dormant, but the ones I have in my greenouse are
thick,
> >white, fleshy rooted "thangs".
> 
> What type of greenhouse environment do they prefer?  Full sun, shade?
> Humid?

Shade.  Full shade.  Don't let the sun even think of touching the pots.

> I am currently forced to grow in pots on my apartment balcony.  I don't
know
> how well that they would do in the ground here in the Mid South region. 
I
> suspect that they would hate the heat.  Do they usually go dormant in the
> summer?

They go dormant anywhere.  They are true "ephemerals".  They come, they go.

I don't think they're going to like the heat, however.  BTW, I'm from New
Orleans, and one of the reasons I moved North was because of plants that I 
wanted, that wouldn't survive in the heat.  Like Delphiniums, Peonies and
Lilacs.  Really.  I'm not yanking your leg.

> castings. The rootstock had fresh new root growth so I am confident that
it
> is healthy and awaiting its chance to emerge.  When I repotted I made
sure
> to keep about an 1/2" of the top of the rootstock just above the soil
level
> and added an 1/2" layer of pea gravel.  I have kept the pot indoors with
> bright indirect sunlight from a window.

Sounds great to me.  You should be fine.  Why the extra care for
Mandake?????  Are you planning a mid-night flight sometime???  I mean,
really, it's a rather eccentric plant to coddle.

> >Please take note of the slug problem.  Slugs love Mandrake.  I've had
> >success by circling them with ground granite.  It's the same granite I
use
> >to germinate the more difficult Alpines. 
> 
> Thanks for the advice.  Slugs are a major nuisance here also.  Where
would
> one first look for ground granite?

Hmmmmm....your better nurseries.  Granite is such an essential for so many
marvelous things that I don't get stressed about a source for it; I simply
must have it.  Get out the phone book and start calling.  I use what's
called "Chick Starter", which is what chicken farmers use for baby
chickens.  Make certain it contains no lime.  Just pure granite.

Hey, have fun.  This sort of thing can be quite addictive.  My last truly
bizarre "coddle" plant was a rare primrose that grows ONLY on the South
face of a mountain in Lower Egypt.  It was a total flop, but it was quite
educational.  You wouldn't believe the weird things I'm working on now.

Keith


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