Dear Helen: I recently saw some big mauve-pink ground-level flowers that looked like overgrown crocuses. Are there giant crocuses?
B.P.
There are two crocus type flower bulbs that bloom in late summer and early autumn. Confusion arises between the two because both are commonly called “autumn crocus” but they are actually unrelated and vary significantly in both flower and corm size. Both are available in garden centres in late summer to early fall.
The oversize crocus-like flowers you saw are colchicums, whose blooms begin to emerge in late summer. The foliage, also large, appears for a short time in spring. ‘The Giant’ is a goblet-shaped classic. It is likely the variety you saw. ‘Waterlily’ is a fancy double flower.
In my garden, some of the colchicums have spread to form showy clumps of the big flowers, which are beautiful seasonal markers in a garden. Be aware, though, that all parts of the plant, including the corm, are toxic and are not recommended for gardens with plant-nibbling children or pets.
Fall crocus corms and flowers are small, like those of spring-flowering crocus. ‘Sativus’ is the saffron crocus. ‘Speciosus’ flowers are beautifully veined in violet.
Dear Helen: I have heard that sunflower microgreens have special benefits for eye health. I have significant issues with my vision, and continue to pursue natural avenues to help the conditions I am dealing with. Is it true that sunflower microgreens can be helpful, and how are they grown?
M.H.
Microgreens are small, nutrient-rich seedlings grown in shallow layers of soil indoors. Among them, broccoli, kale, spinach, pea and sunflower are considered exceptional for their contributions to eye health.
One of my friends and I share similar, life-changing issues with our retinas. Her optometrist suggested that she grow sunflower microgreens as a nutrient boost to eye health, in particular retinal health. I found microgreen sunflower seeds for her on a local West Coast Seeds rack. I’ll probably be growing some for myself soon.
The sprouts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to nurture retinal health. Their lutein and zeaxanthin content, plus their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are further benefits.
Any shallow container with drainage holes can be used. A usual soil depth is around 7.6 cm (three inches). Some people use plastic food containers with drainage holes punched into the bottom and the removed lid used as a drainage tray.
Use a light, sterilized soil clearly marked for indoor seeding. Dampen it well in the container, spread the seeds close together on the soil and cover them with a shallow layer of soil. Spray-mist to dampen the top layer.
The seeds germinate within a week, and grow quickly. Unlike most other microgreens, which are left longer before harvesting, cut sunflower microgreens as soon as the first set of leaves, which are the seed leaves, have developed. These first leaves to form are large and succulent.
Sunflower microgreens are considered among the most delicious and easy to grow. The large, juicy stems and leaves have a nutty flavour. They are tasty additions to salads, sandwiches and smoothies and make a refreshing side vegetable.
To harvest, cut the stems above the soil line.
Be sure to purchase seeds sold specifically for growing microgreens. West Coast Seeds has a good selection.
GARDEN EVENTS
Plant sale. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd., is holding its annual Fall Plant Sale on Friday (members and volunteers only) and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Master Gardeners, HCP staff, volunteers and horticulture students will be on hand to answer gardening questions and help with plant choices. Find the plant availability list at .
Peninsula plant sale. The Peninsula Garden Club is holding a Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Anglican Church, 9691 Fourth St. in Sidney. Great prices on a wide selection of fall perennials.
Abkhazi day of peace. Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Rd., is celebrating an International Day of Peace on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured will be performances by Joy of Life Choir at 11:30, Vancouver Island Chamber Choir at 1:30, and Kalyna Ukrainian Choir and Ukrainian Children’s Choir at 3:30. Admission is by donation. Parking is available on the street and at St. Matthias Anglican Church, 600 Richmond Ave.
