Q&A with Glenys Woollard - Gardening

Do passionfruit plants grown from seed perform as well as grafted examples?

There's a good chance, especially if the seed came from a healthy well-filled fruit. Grafted plants are more guaranteed performers that offer some protection against disease, but they do cost a little more.

Don't count on either sort lasting more than four or five years as the vines are rarely long-lived. Young plants are especially susceptible to frost, so it's best to delay planting until spring. Then be prepared to wait until the second year for fruit.

Is now the best time to shift a small camellia?

Yes, before new growth starts. If you can transplant the camellia with its root system intact, only a light pruning plus the removal of flowers and flower buds should be needed.

Prepare the new location first, and once the plant is out of the ground keep the root ball intact by wrapping in hessian or heavy plastic. Make sure the camellia is planted facing in the same direction as it was, otherwise you risk severe leaf burn.

If you have a gardening question, email Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz