HOW TO GROW MIXED HANGING BASKETS

Mixed hanging baskets containing a range of different flowering and foliage plants all combined together to form a living floral spectacle are popular décor items in gardens, both large and small. Planting up such combinations requires careful selection of plants and meticulous care in planting techniques.

Successful baskets create a spectacular display for 6 to 12 weeks, mainly in the winter and spring growing period.

Once the seasonal performance is over, the basket needs to be turned out and re-planted. Essentially, they have a short but very intensive lifespan in the garden.

PLANTING PROCEDURE

  • Hanging baskets are best planted hanging or suspended so that they are easily accessed from all round.
  • Position the coir or alternative lining in the wire or metal basket, ensuring that it fits snuggly into place.
  • Place a plastic lining inside the outer liner (bin bags work well). This is to prevent drying out and reduce watering.
  • Puncture drainage holes in the base of the plastic for drainage purposes.
  • Prepare a mixture of potting medium (soil) using palm peat, peat moss and regular potting soil.
  • Add bone meal, 5:1:5 fertiliser and a super absorbent polymer like Stockasorb to the mixture at the recommended rates.
  • A good growing medium is vital for successful mixed baskets. 
  • Fill the “soil” into the basket and start planting from the centre or middle outwards towards the edge.
  • Do not bury the young plants too deeply.
  • Fill the basket with an assortment of suitable plants making sure that each plant is firmed down into position.
  • Be aware of tall, medium and low growing plants and place them according to their growth habits.
  • Once planting is completed, check for any visible plastic and cut away any excesses.
  • Suspend the finished basket in the final growing position and water well to allow plants and soil to settle.
  • Eye level is the ideal height for hanging baskets to be displayed, they look good and are easy to maintain at this level.

FERTILISING AND CARE

  • Regular watering is essential; drying out causes stressed plants and poor results.
  • Check daily for drying out and water as and when necessary.
  • Apply water soluble fertiliser (a 3:1:6 formulation is ideal) every 7 to 10 days. Ensure that it is dissolved in water at the correct rate.
  • Dead head plants by removing all spent flowers to prolong blooming.
  • Prune back any aggressive plants to prevent them from taking over the entire basket.
  • Rotate the basket every few days to ensure that plants grow and develop evenly.

PESTS AND DISEASES

  • Aphids – found on soft new growth. Spray with suitable insecticide.
  • Chewing insects – usually mobile and are not always visible. Treat withsystemic insecticide.
  • Mildew – fungal disease often associated with moisture and humidity. Spray with fungicide and ensure that the basket is in a position with free air movement.
  • Mites – tiny 8-legged pests found on the leaves, both undersides and sometimes on the upper surface.  They cause discolouration and poor growth. Treat with a suitable miticide.
  • Overcrowding – occurs when one plant grows more vigorously than the others. Prune back the offending plant to keep it in check.
  • Whitefly – tiny moth-like insects that breed on the undersideof leaves. Spray with suitable insecticide at regular intervals to break the breeding cycle.

GARDEN USES

  • Hanging baskets are used to fill up spaces where plants can’t be grown in the ground.
  • Suspended against or on buildings they help to soften expansive wall spaces.
  • Form focal points when suspended in garden trees.
  • Useful in formal pergola and patio settings adding height and depth.
  • Integral part of the colourful winter and spring garden.

SUMMARY

  1. There are no short cuts when planting up mixed hanging baskets.
  2. Select the right plants for the growing conditions.
  3. Mix up the correct potting medium (soil).
  4. Suspend planted baskets at the appropriate height (around eye level).
  5. Water and feed regularly to ensure optimum health and longevity.

SHOPPING LIST

  • Wire or metal hanging baskets
  • Coir liner
  • Plastic sheeting for inner lining
  • Potting soil
  • Water absorbent polymer
  • Pre-enriching fertiliser
  • Stout wooden stick approx 30cm long
  • Planting trowel
  • Empty plastic pot (12cm) to use as a soil scoop
  • Bracket and chain for hanging

DISCLAIMER:  Whilst every care and caution has been taken in compiling this list in terms of correctness and accuracy, Blackwood’s, nor any of their employees, can be held liable or responsible if any of the recommendations are found to be incorrect in any way whatsoever. They are merely a guide to help gardeners and staff in finding solutions to gardening problems. All plants listed may not be available for sale at times. They do, however, all grow in the greater KwaZulu-Natal area and are to be found growing successfully in local gardens. NOTE: The plants listed and illustrated in this brochure may not always be available at Blackwood’s retail stores. This is merely a guide to assist gardeners in selecting suitable plants for specific purposes. It is not a list or catalogue of plants offered by Blackwood’s. .