A: Yes, I know about this plant, a relative of the African violet. I am still disappointed that we don't see the Achimenes as a spring and summer flowering potted plant in our garden centers. In Holland, it has been popular for decades and available in many beautiful colors. For some reason, our commercial growers don't seem interested in growing this plant, perhaps because it really is an annual, as the rhizomes need to go through dormancy. Too much work?
Some garden mail-order catalogs offer the rhizomes, and I do know of at least one local greenhouse outfit whose owner has a keen interest in unusual tropical flowering plants and has been selling rhizomes for many years: Kartuz Greenhouses in Vista. They offer the largest selection of achimenes rhizomes available anywhere, with more than 100 varieties (as well as an impressive collection of related genera). They sell the rhizomes only from February through April (www.kartuz.com/c/1GES01/Achimenes.htm). Check this site also for greenhouse hours and directions.
Incidentally, the reason this Gesneriad was called hot water plant is because in the 1800s, gardeners believed (incorrectly, as it turned out) that soaking the bulbs in hot water was necessary to break dormancy.
Achimenes, just like our popular African violet and the Gloxinia, are members of the Gesneriaceae family and are native to Mexico and Central America. Their flowers are available in almost every shade. They are easily grown from the small scaly bulbs (which look like miniature pine cones) called rhizomes, which are planted in the spring. Three rhizomes will make an excellent 4-inch pot specimen, and six or more rhizomes will fill a 6-inch or larger hanging basket.
They are easy to plant: Use an azalea-type clay pot (a shallow pot) and avoid deep pots; which will hold too much moisture. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; achimenes bulbs must not sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.
Dig little holes (a chopstick is a handy tool) and plant the bulbs 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Just poke them down in the soil -- don't worry about which side is up, they'll grow from any position. After planting, water them well, thoroughly soaking the area. Sprouts will appear in one to three weeks. Plants will grow quickly and begin flowering at a young age.
When the new plants have three pairs of leaves (or are about 6 inches tall), pinch out the tip growth to encourage branching. You may stake them gently for an upright effect (think chopsticks, or thin bamboo), or not if you prefer a hanging effect. This pinching should be done at least twice to produce greater bloom, and will delay flowering only slightly.
Water as needed during active growth periods, keeping soil moist but not wet. If the soil is allowed to dry
out, it will encourage the plants to slip into dormancy and they will stop blooming for the season. Half-strength fertilizer added to the water will keep plants blooming strongly throughout the summer and early fall. I recommend a 15-30-15 NPK.
Grow your achimenes in a spot where they will get light to moderate shade or dappled sun. Full sun is definitely too much and will burn the plants. Ideal temperatures range between 50 and 80 degrees.
When achimenes have finished flowering in the fall, let them die back naturally, by gradually withholding water. When plants show signs of yellowing, it's an indication of the start of dormancy. Your achimenes will
rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle. The dormant rhizomes may be stored in the pot. Don't forget to mark the pot. Next spring, replant them. This cycle can go on for years. The rhizomes will multiply, so it is a good idea to share them with your friends.
I discovered this Web site of a hobbyist grower: http://exploraculture.blogspot.com/2007/11/achimenes.html .Visit it for some great photos of achimenes flowers.
Tineke Wilders is a freelance garden writer. Send questions to firstname.lastname@example.org .