25+ Giant Rhubarb ‘Dinosaur Food’ Seeds - Gunnera manicata

Description: One of the largest perennial plants on earth, gunnera is also known as giant rhubarb or dinosaur food. It can form a clump 10 feet tall and up to 14 feet wide. In late spring, corncob-like flower stalks 2 to 3 feet tall emerge near the roots that will turn into tiny berry-like (inedible) fruits. Gunnera is a tropical plant native to southern Brazil and Colombia. Consistently wet soil and a moderate climate are key to great gunnera growth. Where to Plant Gunnera Select a location in partial shade where gunnera has ample space to grow and does not interfere with other plants, as its leaves create broad canopies. Also, keep it away from buildings and other structures. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy and can be slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Ideal places are near water gardens, rain gardens, ponds, or bogs where soil is always moist. Gunnera's bold presence makes it an excellent focal point in the garden. Pair it with plants that can stand up to it with their own eye-catching attributes. How and When to Plant Gunnera Plant gunnera in early spring after there is no more danger of frost. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the root system and as deep as the nursery container. Backfill with original soil and tamp it down. Water well and continue to water plants regularly, especially if the soil is not naturally wet, to encourage a strong root system. Even if the planting space is large, because of the enormous size of the plant, it is better to start with a single specimen and see how fast it fills the space before planting more. Gunnera Care Tips When the conditions for moist, humus-rich soil and shade are met, gunnera is easy to grow and spreads to form a lush clump. Gunnera is best planted in partial shade. However, it will tolerate full morning sun if it's protected from direct afternoon sun, and the soil is never allowed to dry out. Soil and Water: While gunnera is adaptable to different kinds of soil and acidic, neutral, and alkaline pH, ample moisture is a must. If it is not planted where the soil is naturally moist at all times, be prepared to water it regularly in the absence of abundant rain. Especially young plants need frequent watering until their roots are at least 1 foot deep. Temperature and Humidity: Gunnera does well in a warm, frost-free climate but does not tolerate hot or dry climates. If you grow it in Zone 7, select a location that is protected from cold, drying winter winds. Also, use the dead leaves to protect the crown from the winter cold (see Pruning). A 2-inch layer of hardwood mulch around the crown provides additional protection in colder climates. FertilizerIf grown in the right conditions, gunnera usually does not need a nutrient boost. If it seems to languish, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring, following product label directions. PruningRemove damaged or dead leaves as soon as they appear. In the fall, when the foliage has died back after the first frost, cut the leaves down to ground level and place them over the crown like mulch; remove them in the spring before new growth starts. This protects the crown from the winter cold. Potting and Repotting Gunnera Because gunnera is so large, growing it in a container can be challenging. If you live below Zone 7, growing it in a container allows you to move it inside to a frost-free location, such as an unheated garage or basement. The plant will go dormant during the winter. It should only be watered minimally during this time, about every 10 days. Choose a container that is large and deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plant plus at least 6 to 12 inches for future growth. Use rich organic potting soil and keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape. Not repotting gunnera when it has outgrown its container lets you control its growth for a while. Nonetheless, every other year or so the plant will benefit from fresh soil. Pests and Problems Gunnera is rarely affected by serious pest or disease problems. Slugs and scale insects might feed on the plant. Germination Instructions: A warm period of +25 to +30°C [77 to 86°F] and moist conditions after sowing for about 4–5 weeks neutralizes the germination inhibition. The phytohormones which inhibit germination will then break down. At this point the sowing needs very cool conditions, approximately +2°C [36°F]. Initial germination lasts for about 80 days under these conditions. During this period keep in dark cold storage chamber. Then temperature and lighting must be increased gradually. To obtain best germination results, seeds need temperatures of +22°C [72°F] or more. Moderate, but constant humidity is very important. Gunnera, however, prefers very moist (not wet) and warm (+24 to +30°C) [75 to 86°F] conditions.

Price: 6.95 USD

Location: Gate City, Virginia

End Time: 2024-12-02T00:13:09.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD