Olive Trees available @ Candy Floriculture

Candy Floricultures Imports Olive Tress

Call Us or Email [email protected] to find out more

PLANTING
Olive trees require a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Avoid sites where water stands during rainy periods or where ground water seeps. Do not, however, confuse the olive for a desert plant. It needs regular watering to thrive. Insufficient water will cause your tree to suffer, and even die if left too dry for too long. 
Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun per day. Full sun is ideal.

Plant your tree at the depth it has been growing in the pot. Do not amend the soil with organic material, moisture-retaining polymers, fertilizer or anything else. Simply plant in the native soil (provided it is well-drained) and backfill with the same.
If your tree requires staking, it will already have a stake in the pot. A very young tree may require a heavier stake as it grows. Once the trunk caliper reaches 1.25 inches or more in diameter (or perhaps less for shrub-form or short trees), it will no longer require a stake. Until then, use a stake large enough to hold the trunk upright. Put the new stake in the same hole the previous stake occupied and tie the tree to the stake with arborists' tape such as comes with your staked tree. Do not use wires, water hoses, cloth, cables, guying systems or other means of securing your tree. A good stout stake and the proper tape is all you need. 

FERTILIZATION
Olive trees do not need special olive tree fertilizer but results will be exponentially more satisfactory with a good nutrition regimen. If planting is done after mid-August but before March 1, do not fertilize at the time of planting; wait until spring. Otherwise, fertilize after planting and regularly throughout the growing season. How regularly will depend upon the type of fertilizer used. We at Olive Tree Growers prefer to use a premium slow-release fertilizer with essential minor elements (zinc, boron, calcium, etc.). Use a fertilizer that has a nitrogen analysis of at least ten percent. Olive Tree Growers believes that some sort of minor elements package is important, as many soils are lacking in some essential minerals which aid plant growth in several ways.

Whatever type of fertilizer is used, it is best to feed lightly and often during the growing season. Avoid heavy applications of fast release fertilizer that could damage plants and leach or run-off into groundwater. Always read and follow label instructions. Do not fertilize after mid-August or before mid- March unless you live in a very warm climate.

MULCH
Wood chips are bad, okay? Do not use wood chips, cypress mulch or any cellulose product for mulch. These products are high in carbon and rob the soil of nitrogen and other nutrients in the decomposition process. They also hold too much water in wet periods and, once dry, shed irrigation water and rainfall like a shingle roof. We prefer to use only pine straw for mulch and keep it back several inches from the trunk; do not allow a build-up of decomposed mulch around the base of the tree trunk. If pine straw is not available, you can mulch with pine bark or gravel. 

WATERING
Once established, olive trees are among the most drought-resistant trees in the world, but porous soils are very inefficient at retaining moisture; olive trees in sandy soils must be watered often. You will have to water sufficiently to get your tree established and thereafter as necessary during dry periods. No one can give you a formula for that; you will have to observe and evaluate. Low volume spray irrigation can be used effectively, but drip irrigation is of little or no use in sandy soils. 

PRUNING
Olive trees do not require pruning in order to produce fruit, at least not until they are around 50 years old. It is okay to prune olive trees to achieve a desired shape but remember that they fruit on branches that grew during the previous spring and summer; cutting off a lot of such growth will preclude or greatly reduce fruiting potential for the next season.
It may be helpful to prune the top, upwardly growing, branches back by a few inches to encourage lateral growth, thus facilitating the picking of fruit. It is also a good idea to cut out small interior branches that will ultimately clutter the tree's appearance and provide protection for any pests or diseases that may be lurking around your site.
If fruiting is not important, you can shape your olive tree to any way you please.

PESTS
The only pests we have known to attack olive trees outside of olive producing regions is an armored scale insect. It is not common but should be watched for, especially if your site has other species prone to harbor scale insects. Inspect the trees by looking under the leaves and in the branch axils for a dark bump the size of a "BB." These insects do not move in the adult stage; they attach themselves like barnacles. The presence of sooty mold on leaves and bark, or ants crawling on your tree, indicates the presence of scale insects.

If scale is found, it may be treated with a variety of products, depending upon personal preference. It may also be removed by hand if you have only one or a few trees. If you have other plantings that attract pests such as thrips or stink bugs, these may also have a go at your olive tree. Consult your local garden center or pest control specialist about the control of pests. Regulations vary from place to place.

Finally, be sure to keep ant colonies away from your trees.

Only $35 for 3 hours Kids Terrarium Making Workshop at Candy Floriculture, Thomson Road - Includes Eco-Learning + Certificate (2 Children Option Available)

Create your own state-of-the art, easily transportable and low maintenance terrarium

• 3 hours Kids Terrarium Making Workshop + Eco-Learning + Certificate
• 2 Options Available:
  • $35 for 1 Child (Worth $98)
  • $68 for 2 Children (Worth $196)
• Create your own state-of-the art, easily transportable and low maintenance terrarium
• Pick up new tips on how to take care of little green creatures and how to create your own
  botanical masterpiece
• Create and personalise your own terrarium with a set of learning material and supplies provided
• Led by knowledgeable and artistic instructors
• Bring home a beautiful decor item, or a quirky gift for your loved one
• Eco-Learning for your kids!
• Includes materials and certificate upon completion of workshop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandyFloriculture
• Website: http://candy.com.sg/
• Multiple purchases of vouchers as gifts allowed

Candy Floriculture welcomes your child with open arms to become part of an enriching
learning journey called Candy Eco Kids – Building  a Terrarium Workshop. The Candy Eco
Kids – Building  a Terrarium Workshop is an initiative to inculcate interactive learning and
 caring for Nature in every child’s heart. 

Through our interactive learning, Candy Floriculture promises your child sunshine memories,
 interesting creative activities and fun-filled times at our Nursery. 

Candy Floriculture Eco Kids – Building a Terrarium is a great way to teach some lessons about
the importance of nature, its interconnectedness, and our role as keepers in helping with the
environment. With something as simple as a small terrarium you can raise a child's awareness
of the Earth and of the interconnectedness of everything.

Lessons that will be Covered: Course Includes Certification of Eco Learning

Gurdians of Mother Earth

-       Adapt Learning  with the responsibility of caring for a living thing. 

-       Plants will be elevated to the status of pets

-       Encompass Vision on the bigger world filled with plants, animals, and eco systems
that allows the child to be Gurdians of Mother Earth. 

The life Cycle of Plants

-       Succulent Plants used in a terrarium follow a  life cycle that can be observed and
understood by Children

-       Throughout the process of Germination through an Adult Plant

Interaction systems

-       Complexity of Eco-Systems (Incl. Plants and Animals)

-       How plants interact together to create a Whole Ecosystem within the Terrarium

-       Competing for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients

-       Encourage thought process for how plant and animal systems interact in complex ways

Check out our deal @ http://www.deal.com.sg/deals/only-35-for-3-hours-kids-terrarium-making-workshop-at-candy-floriculture-thomson-road-includes-eco-learning-certificate-2-children-option-available

Tips to Grow your very own Herb Garden all year round

Tips to Grow your very own Herb Garden all Year Round

Provide adequate light. 

The goal is looking into a light cycle, with eight or more hours of direct sun or bright artificial light. If you need lots of herbs, you will need to take care of the herb's lighting needs.

For example, basil and coriander (cilantro) need just a bit more light than other herbs, and really prefer 8 hours or more of direct light each day. In addition to this, if you want fresh pesto, just a pinch here and there is not going to cut it. Here's what you can do about it:

·       Whenever the light levels are low, give them a boost. Two or three fluorescent lights above your plants will greatly increase growth and yield. You can grow enough basil for a few servings of pesto now and then and still have enough always at your fingertips.

·       With a small metal halide light, you would have a larger area with better lighting. You could produce an abundance of any herbs you choose for your culinary and aromatic delights. Basil would take well to the bright conditions under a metal halide, as it is a Mediterranean, sun-loving herb.

Select the proper soil. 

Some herbs grow better in poor soil, as they can develop a stronger flavour. The oils in herbs make them special. Very fast growing herbs often grow plain leaves and stems more quickly than they can produce tasty essential oils. Often you will hear, "Basil grows better in poor soil," or, "Your basil will taste better if you don't fertilize". What is really meant here is, "Don't grow your basil too fast." 

Correctly set up your containers. 

When growing in a container it is a little different. The plant still needs some food to grow, and when that food runs out you will need to fertilise. However, as you will see next, this is all taken into consideration together with the growth habits of your herbs:

Know when to water. 

If the surface of the soil feels dry, you need to water. Another way to tell is to pick up the container and check how heavy it is. Your herbs like their soil to drain fast. You need to have containers with holes in the bottoms, and you need to add a layer of broken roof tiles (slate is ideal) or other small flat stones, or a centimetre or so of perlite or gravel to the bottom of each container as you transplant. It is best to water thoroughly but less often. Water the container until some water comes out of the bottom, but don't over-water.

Use your herbs when they're ready. As soon as the herbs have grown enough leaves to be pinched without affecting their growth, you can begin using some of the herbs. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the herbs. Herbs like basil are best when harvested before flowers open. 

Candy Floriculture Guide to Caring for Succulent

Care for Succulents and Cactus

General Care for Succulents

What is a Succulent?

A succulent is any plant that has adapted to dry climates by storing water in its leaf, stem and/or roots. They are called ‘succulent’ because the cells swollen with water are ‘juicy’. Examples are cactus, aloe and jade plant. When you break or cut these plants, you can see that they are full of water.

Succulents are highly resilient and adaptable but, like all plants, they have their preferences in terms of light, water and temperature. Succulents will survive in spite of neglect but the stress can make them more susceptible to pest and disease, and can tarnish their perfect beauty.

Light (Indoors)A Sunny window or bright place with at least 4 hours of direct sun per day is best. Without enough light they ‘seach’ for light, growing long thin weak growth. This ‘growth’ is usually considered fast and is light green in clor with leaves spaced far apart. Most succulents grow slowly and have compact growth in rich colors. Without enough light, the plant will eventually die.

Light (Outdoors)

Most succulents are sun lovers but they do appreciate a little shade in hot afternoons in July and August when they can burn, leaving scars. Many succulents in the natural habitat are protected rom the hottest part of the day by trees , shrubs and grasses.

Water

The thing to remember is that succulents do not like to stay wet for longer periods. Remember also that they have adapted to dry climates by filling up water like a camel in order to survive droughts and dry periods. Watering well, then allowing to dry between watering simulates their natural habitat. If kept contantly moist, most succulents will rot.

So How do you know then the soil is dry? You can go by the weight of the pot as it is much lighter when dry.

Some succulents are extremely water sensitive so checking the soil is crucial, while other succulents are a little more forgiving. When you water it, make sure the soil is soaking up the water. Sometimes completely dry soil will just repel the water and it will dreain out the bottom with the soil remaining completely dry. A tray under the pot is useful in allowing soil to soak up water from the bottom. Always use soil that drains well.

Most succulents need more water when they are in bloom and when in their active growing season. The majority of succulents are spring-summer growers, dormant in winter. Others are fall-winter growers, dormant in summer.

When actively growing, succulents need more water; water deeply and water again just before the soil dries out completely. Summer growers are easier to grow because its hot and sunny and the plants are using the water quickly and the heat is helping to dry out the soil. 

Soil

'Keep it simple', Candy Floriculture Recommends NELSOL a revolutionary Soil Technology that’s like play dough with hardly or no maintenance. For this reason, succulents live up to a year without growing big and with limited water supply, the plant grows best. For more information on Nelsol Click Here

For more information, contact Candy Floriculture at 567 Thomson Road. Singapore 298183. T (65) 256 6788  F: (65) 6255 2878  E: [email protected]  W: www.candy.com.sg

NELSOL - A Revolutionary Soil Technology available @ Candy Floriculture

Candy Floriculture presents NELSOL a Revolutionary Soil Technology

Nelsol promotes growth of Succulent Plants with healthy soil which is the basis of healthy plants and a healthy environment. 

When soil is in good shape, there is less need for fertilisers or even pesticides. Using Nelsol, you not only improve your plants health, but you can also improve your plants life span. 

This soil concentration comes in a 500 Litre packaging with a 125ml water mixture, you are ready to use this 'Sticky Play Dough'

Water your succulent plants just once a week with NELSOL

Instructions:

1. Add water to NELSOL Soil, with an estimated rate of 10:4 (Soil:Water)

2. Start mixing them together, you should see a 'dough like' mixture being formed.

3. Try dividing the soil into two parts, if the soil does not break into pieces, it means NELSOL is ready to use.

4. Prepare the relevant plant intended for use with NELSOL. For example succulents, cactus, etc

5. While the soil is in a soft dough like mixture, you should immediately plant your desired plant with NELSOL.

6. If you intend to hang the finished product on the wall, you should wait till it completely hardens before doing so. 

Points to take note of:

1. If NELSOL is used on items like glass or plastic there is a possibility of it dropping due to its slippery surface

2. It is important to mix NELSOL with sufficient water (inner section should be damp) to ensure that it blends together throughly

3. It would be best to start using NELSOL the moment the seal is open

4. Do not use NELSOL with any other soil or fertiliser

5. Do not use NELSOL for planting edible plants meant to be consumed like fruits and vegetables

6. Store in a safe and dry place. Keep it out of children reach at all times. 

For more information, contact Candy Floriculture at 567 Thomson Road. Singapore 298183. T (65) 256 6788  F: (65) 6255 2878  E: [email protected]  W: www.candy.com.sg

Candy Floriculture - Flowers Arragement

Flowers Arrangement at Candy Floriculture

A flower arrangement at Candy Floriculture consists of primary, secondary and filler flowers with extras which are optional decorations. Extras are decorations that can be incorporated into your flower arrangements due to the seasons, holiday, celebration or a themed party throughout the year. Just use your imagination and most extras can be part of your floral arrangement. 

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive.

For floral arrangements

• Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
  
  
• If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
  
  
• Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.

For loose bunches or boxed flowers

• Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
  
  
• Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
• Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.

Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.

Candy Floriculture - How to Build Your Own Terrarium

Candy Floriculture - Guide to Plant a Terrarium
When you cant grow outdoors, create an indoor garden that fits on a tabletop

We love planting unusual tropical plants inside glass containers to create small, fascinating worlds. They invite you in for a closer look and provide a perfect escape from the weather outside. Terrariums are east to care for and don't require any special skills for success.

Candy Floriculture recommends you to shop for your own components, as described in the step-by-step guide below (Candy Floriculture provides you everything you need to get started)

What you Need

• A Planting Container
• Plants
• Soil
• Charcoal

You may already have a container that you like to showcase; if not, you can find a large glass containers - either open at the top or closed - at our Nursery @ 567 Thomson Road.

Closed containers hold more humidity and create a jungle-like atmosphere. Open containers are ideal for cactus and succulent gardens, as well as other plants that prefer less humidity and create a jungle-like atmosphere. Open containers are ideal for cactus and succulent gardens, as well as other plants that prefer less humidity. Clear, smooth glass offers the best view of the plants. 

Before setting plants into the terrarium, move them around on the table top to decide on the best combination and arrangement. 

Starting with largest plant, gently remove as much of the soil and white perlite as you can from the root mass. Trim overly long roots to help fit them into the container. We like to place the tallest plant toward  the back or off-center to create an asymmetrical design.

Some pots may have more than one plant in them. You can divide these and place the smaller plants around the terrarium to create unity or rhythm in your design. 

Accessorize!, You can add moisture-resistant objects to your design. I'm trying a tillandsia or air plant to a piece of driftwood.

Terrariums don't require much, more that occasional watering and trimming. I use a small watering can or a little cup to water down the inside surface of the container, so that i don't disturb the plants. Its important to keep the water level just below the screen so that the soil doesn't get saturated. Add water as needed to keep the coal wet.
Terrarium Courses at Candy Floriculture!, For More Information on Terrarium Courses. Kindly Email us at [email protected].