The Gardeners Almanac

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Chelone obliqua

Common name: Turtlehead

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Week Numbers

Coldframe

Compost

Heating

Planting out

Pricking out

Seed sowing

Soil pH

Watering

Overview:

Turtle shaped flowers

Flowering plant in border

Chelone obliqua

Chelone is an excellent hardy border perennial with medium deep-green, boldly veined leaves.

The weather-resistant ''turtleshell' shaped' flowers (hence the common name)are dark pink or purple, borne in short, dense, terminal spikes.

The blooms open in late summer and will last for around four weeks, particularly if they are deadheaded and not allowed to run to seed.

They can be grown more or less anywhere provided the soil is always moist, thus making them suitable for the edge of a 'bog' garden.

Subject to variety they will grow to a height of 30-90cm (12"-36")


Cultivation:
Week 13:

Sow seeds under cover at a temperature of 16°-18°C ((60°-65°F)


Week 20:

Prick out seedlings if large enough to handle 70mm (3") pots and grow on in a coldframe.

It can take up to two years before the seedlings are up to being placed in their final quarters.

During this period ensure that they do not dry out or become pot bound.

An occasional half strength general liquid feed can be given throughout the summer months.


An alternative method of propagation is to sow the seeds into trays / boxes and germinate in a coldframe, then leave them in their container for their first year then pot them up into suitable sized pots and grow them on in the coldframe for another year.


Pests & Diseases:

They are generally disease free but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, particularly if grown in confined spaces.